WHITEWATER RAFTING

Deschutes River Half-Day Trip

This is not the river on which to seek solitude — the Deschutes is too popular for that ... and with good reason. The Deschutes combines good whitewater with a location near the population centers of western Oregon and Washington. The section Oregon River Experiences runs is located in the rain-shadow of the Cascade Mountains, which results in an enjoyably dry and sunny climate. So the weather is typically central Oregon's best with hot, sunny days and cool, starry nights the norm. Don't be surprised if the Deschutes is basking in the sun while the Willamette Valley to the west is socked in with this chilling drizzle.

Whatever the weather, the Deschutes offers numerous thrilling rapids, including Wapinitia, Boxcar, Surf City, Oak Springs, and White River. But for some the greatest thrill comes at Elevator rapids. After running elevator in the rafts you stop along shore, and those who wish can accompany one the guides as you float feet-first through the rapid.

Narrow canyons, rapids and numerous waterfalls abound along the Deschutes, which the early French explorers called "le Riviere des Chutes", meaning "the River of Falls".

The Deschutes arises on the eastern slopes of the Cascades in south central Oregon, and flows northward 250 miles to its confluence with the Columbia. The Deschutes is unusual for its very consistent flow rate throughout the year. This is caused by the massive porous lava beds south and west of Bend, where the river and its major tributaries originate. These sponge-like formations trap the springtime snow melt, then release it at a steady rate throughout the year.

Come see for yourself why this is Oregon's most popular raft trip.

Morning half-day trips meet at 9:30am, and afternoon half-day trips meet at 1:00pm in front of the Oasis Cafe, on the east side of the river, in Maupin.

Trip Details