Down a Beautiful River
The Deschutes River flows like a moving oasis through the desert, quenching all that it touches and promising to continue unabated. In the high desert region of Central Oregon, it symbolizes life, appearing untouched by time. Fondly referred to as "The River" by my dad and me, it careens through deep canyons adorned with scrub oak trees, sagebrush, and a vibrant array of wildlife. In this unforgiving landscape of extreme temperatures, winners and losers emerge daily. Yet, for the fortunate few like us, a brief visit offers the chance to experience its exciting rapids and camp along its picturesque shores, always with the utmost respect.
This past weekend, accompanied by a great new friend, I embarked on a 48-mile journey starting at Trout Creek Campground, an hour northeast of Bend, Oregon. As we navigated the river's tumultuous whitewater and witnessed wildlife in its various forms, the contrast with the modern world couldn't have been more striking, evoking a sense of traveling back in time. These opportunities to unplug and reconnect with nature help shape us as humans, providing mental and physical challenges and moments of shared connection with loved ones.
Having learned about "the river" from my dad at age 10, the Deschutes has always held a special place in our hearts. Sharing this place with someone appreciative of its beauty reaffirms its significance to me. No matter how many times I've journeyed down this stretch, each experience reveals something new, further enriching my connection to this remarkable landscape.
A very interesting bug we nick-named the “pom-pom spider.” We later identified this little critter and found that it’s actually a form of land wasp. The sting is supposed to be quite horrible, so don’t touch! Image: Dan Meyers
Most people experience the Deschutes River by flowing through Bend, Oregon, or by embarking on a "day run" from Harpham Flats (upriver from Maupin, OR) to the takeout at Sandy Beach, approximately ten river miles below Maupin. This shorter journey requires no camping gear and is accessible through various guided or self-guided services. The longer, multi-day camping excursion begins farther upstream and demands either a guide or personal river expertise for navigation. Recent news of an inexperienced group capsizing their boat and narrowly avoiding disaster in Whitehorse Rapids, the first Class IV rapid encountered on the multi-day trip, serves as a sobering reminder of the fine line between safe passage and chaos. While the river may appear tranquil at times, it flows relentlessly towards its confluence with the Columbia, heedless of consequences. It's imperative to assess your skills before embarking without an experienced guide. Safety remains paramount, as hazards both in the water and on land (such as rattlesnakes) can quickly turn an outing sour. However, when executed correctly, you're in for an unforgettable bucket list adventure that will leave a lasting impression.
The beautiful canyon walls of the Deschutes. This shot reminds me of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Deschutes River Tips and Links
Here are some helpful links if you're interested in experiencing the excellent whitewater and stunning landscape of the Deschutes River. Unless you're an experienced river runner, it's advisable to hire a guide to navigate this beautiful desert canyon safely. Even the most seasoned adventurers can make mistakes, so thorough preparation, scouting the bigger rapids, consulting your guidebook, and wearing your life jacket are essential. Additionally, it's important to limit alcohol consumption and keep it on shore to maintain alertness for potential swimming situations, as dehydration and muscle weakness from drinking can pose risks. Finally, please respect the tranquility of the river and keep noise levels low while camping, as others in the vicinity will appreciate it.
Rental Services (guided and non)
River Trails
Deschutes U-Boat
All-star Rafting
Orion River Rafting
Imperial River Company
Deschutes River Adventures
River Shuttles
Linda’s River Shuttles
Guidebooks
Guidebook to the Deschutes River Canyon
Whitewater Safety Tips
Whitewater Rafting Safety from American Whitewater
Take the Kids Whitewater Rafting? Is it Safe!?