Deschutes River
Deschutes River
4.5
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Oregon river that is popular with rafters and paddlers.
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4.5
16 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
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Terrible
1
I went on a rafting trip with Deschutes River Adventures and had a BLAST!!!!!!! The guides were professional and informative. I had to go out and get the Deschutes sandals because of them... There were big rapids, but I felt totally safe, despite not knowing how to swim at the time.
Written 11 May 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorenzo B
Sisters, OR175 contributions
Sept 2012 • Friends
The Deschutes river, named by French Beaver Fur trappers in the 1800's is full of wonderful surprises! The name means The Falls (Des Chutes) and this river has plenty of them. Early explorers had their work cut out for them with many portages around the many falls, rapids and other hazards. Although the river is considered Navigable, the only boat that can make the whole journey from the Cascade Lakes to the Columbia is a whitewater kayak, and you had better be an expert kayaker if you expect to make it through such rapids/falls as Benham and Dillon falls! And that is just the beginning! Stealhead Falls, Big Falls, Cline Falls, the list goes on and on!
Now, the Deschutes is a great Whitewater Rafting River, in places. The upper Deschutes around the town of Bend has a few very nice runs like the Big Eddy Rapids, just 7 miles SW of town, even private boaters who own or rent their own raft can make it through this stretch, putting in at Aspen Camp and taking out at Lava Island Falls, Before the Falls!! Scout the Big Eddy section carefully though, it is narrow and technical! The other great rafting section is from the Warms Springs Indian Res to the mouth at the Mighty Columbia, with the heavily used area around the tiny town of Maupin. Many awesome rapids can be found here, and the river, having absorbed the waters from the Crooked, the Deschutes, the Metolious and Tumalo Creek is now Huge and the rapids are fairly easy to navigate even by individuals with not too much whitewater experience!
Fishing is a huge recreational activity all along the Deschutes, and Steelhead runs on the Lower Deschutes in the fall is awesome! Camping is a great pursuit in the spring, summer, and fall, but the busy summer season should really be avoided by those who seek solitude.
White River drains the White River Glacier on nearby Mt Hood, and the Falls at White River Falls State Park are a must see when in the area. Winter visitors to the Lower Deschutes may occasionally see snow! Summer visitors may be not able to visit due to wild fire! All in all, it is a true treasure of Oregon, and years can be spent and never see or do it all!
Now, the Deschutes is a great Whitewater Rafting River, in places. The upper Deschutes around the town of Bend has a few very nice runs like the Big Eddy Rapids, just 7 miles SW of town, even private boaters who own or rent their own raft can make it through this stretch, putting in at Aspen Camp and taking out at Lava Island Falls, Before the Falls!! Scout the Big Eddy section carefully though, it is narrow and technical! The other great rafting section is from the Warms Springs Indian Res to the mouth at the Mighty Columbia, with the heavily used area around the tiny town of Maupin. Many awesome rapids can be found here, and the river, having absorbed the waters from the Crooked, the Deschutes, the Metolious and Tumalo Creek is now Huge and the rapids are fairly easy to navigate even by individuals with not too much whitewater experience!
Fishing is a huge recreational activity all along the Deschutes, and Steelhead runs on the Lower Deschutes in the fall is awesome! Camping is a great pursuit in the spring, summer, and fall, but the busy summer season should really be avoided by those who seek solitude.
White River drains the White River Glacier on nearby Mt Hood, and the Falls at White River Falls State Park are a must see when in the area. Winter visitors to the Lower Deschutes may occasionally see snow! Summer visitors may be not able to visit due to wild fire! All in all, it is a true treasure of Oregon, and years can be spent and never see or do it all!
Written 4 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4duffy2
Bend, OR415 contributions
July 2015 • Friends
This stretch of river has a few class III rapids, and one 3+ rapid. It was a great time to go rafting on a hot day.
It was a private trip, with out guide being a friend. We all had to paddle.That it made it a community effort.
Some people went swimming, just cause it was a hot day. Very nice to raft the river with friends. I had never been on this stretch of river before.
There is the White River that joins the Deschutes, comes in from somewhere near Mt. Hood. Easy to see how it got it's name, from the glacial silt. Interesting line of demarcation where the White River runs into the Deschutes.
Fun time was had by all.
It was a private trip, with out guide being a friend. We all had to paddle.That it made it a community effort.
Some people went swimming, just cause it was a hot day. Very nice to raft the river with friends. I had never been on this stretch of river before.
There is the White River that joins the Deschutes, comes in from somewhere near Mt. Hood. Easy to see how it got it's name, from the glacial silt. Interesting line of demarcation where the White River runs into the Deschutes.
Fun time was had by all.
Written 7 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chowa-Rides-Again
Bend, OR2,052 contributions
June 2015 • Friends
The Deschutes River, especially in and around Bend, Oregon has so many ways it can be enjoyed. Why don't you share some of your favorite ways to enjoy it. It's one of our favorite things to do in the summer, we love to kayak, float, fish, hike along, bike along and sit next to while listening to music in the old mill.
From Sunriver to Bend, the vegetation along the Deschutes River is a combination of old growth ponderosa and aspen, and the shorelines vary from marshy meadows to basalt bedrock.
The name Deschutes means “River of the Falls.” Much of the water is fast and with multiple falls between Sunriver and Bend there are still many good fishing spots from the bank and kayaking places along this stretch.
Grab a river guide from REI or online to know exactly where it is safe to kayak, paddle board, or fish. This will list all the boat ramps and river access points.
Here is our list of our favorite things to do on the Deschutes River in Central Oregon.
1. Float / Paddle board from Old Mill to downtown Bend
2. Swim/Wade in the water at the Farewell Bend park
3. Hike the trail along the river from the Bill Healy Memorial Bridge upstream
4. Kayak from above Dillon falls up to Benham falls
5. Go Fishin'
6. Stroll through Drake Park
7. Go Geocaching along the river (it's everywhere)
8. Sit on a bench and watch the swans - from Pioneer Park
9. Go White water Rafting - Big Eddy
10. Enjoy Drinks & appetizers on the patio of Anthony's or Greg's Grill.
11. Take your 4 legged friend to the Riverbend dog park and let them swim in the water
12. Pole Pedal Paddle - every year third week in May 2015 - Bend, OR
From Sunriver to Bend, the vegetation along the Deschutes River is a combination of old growth ponderosa and aspen, and the shorelines vary from marshy meadows to basalt bedrock.
The name Deschutes means “River of the Falls.” Much of the water is fast and with multiple falls between Sunriver and Bend there are still many good fishing spots from the bank and kayaking places along this stretch.
Grab a river guide from REI or online to know exactly where it is safe to kayak, paddle board, or fish. This will list all the boat ramps and river access points.
Here is our list of our favorite things to do on the Deschutes River in Central Oregon.
1. Float / Paddle board from Old Mill to downtown Bend
2. Swim/Wade in the water at the Farewell Bend park
3. Hike the trail along the river from the Bill Healy Memorial Bridge upstream
4. Kayak from above Dillon falls up to Benham falls
5. Go Fishin'
6. Stroll through Drake Park
7. Go Geocaching along the river (it's everywhere)
8. Sit on a bench and watch the swans - from Pioneer Park
9. Go White water Rafting - Big Eddy
10. Enjoy Drinks & appetizers on the patio of Anthony's or Greg's Grill.
11. Take your 4 legged friend to the Riverbend dog park and let them swim in the water
12. Pole Pedal Paddle - every year third week in May 2015 - Bend, OR
Written 14 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John D
Olympia, WA59 contributions
Sept 2013 • Friends
Your can drive 17 miles down the river and camp along it in many places near the gravel roadway. Hot, dry and great views. You get some railroad traffic across the river, but nothing to distract you. Rafting trips would be on the list to try - and of course fishing. You're away from everything. Be advised- come in and return on Rt 216 from route 197. Going East from Sherars Brudge towards route 97 uphill on a small 2 lane paved road is a 'white knuckle' experience. But, the river area is well worth the trip-plan a couple of hours seeing it from end-to-end.
Written 15 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OutdoorValleyForge
Valley Forge, PA69 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
Recently booked a trip with Deschutes River Outfitters fishing the Deschutes River outside of Bend Oregon.
The fishing was absolutely phenomenal and the scenery is just absolutely amazing.
I fished just about every river/tributary for trout/salmon/steelhead in the Northeast and nothing can prepare you for the unbelievable fishing on this river; the atmosphere is a fly fisherman's dream, and the wild native trout are beautiful and never disappoint!
Mike and the team at Deschutes River Outfitters (DRO) made the trip easy and super enjoyable. They are truly professionals... patient and extremely knowledgeable, they took care of everything for us and consistently put us on fish.
We had a range of experience fishing in the boat, and DRO crew tailored their instruction to each individual member of our party. Great team of guides.
I highly recommend the multi-day overnight trips! It will be an experience you will not forget!!
The fishing was absolutely phenomenal and the scenery is just absolutely amazing.
I fished just about every river/tributary for trout/salmon/steelhead in the Northeast and nothing can prepare you for the unbelievable fishing on this river; the atmosphere is a fly fisherman's dream, and the wild native trout are beautiful and never disappoint!
Mike and the team at Deschutes River Outfitters (DRO) made the trip easy and super enjoyable. They are truly professionals... patient and extremely knowledgeable, they took care of everything for us and consistently put us on fish.
We had a range of experience fishing in the boat, and DRO crew tailored their instruction to each individual member of our party. Great team of guides.
I highly recommend the multi-day overnight trips! It will be an experience you will not forget!!
Written 8 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
USN_Seabee_Wife
Chehalis, WA588 contributions
July 2013 • Family
If you go to Bend on vacation and don’t float the Deschutes River then you missed out on one of the best FREE, did I say FREE, activities! Don’t miss out on being one of the happy, happy, happy people floating past as you stroll through along the river eating and shopping at the Old Mill District.
You ask, how do I get to float the river, well, here’s how…
1. Bring a float on vacation with you. You didn’t bring one, then rent one at Sun Country Tours or Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe. They are very inexpensive for a few hours on the river.
2. Get into your float from Riverbend Park or Farewell Bend Park. Either place makes it easy for you to enter the river
3. Check with the rental shops regarding having a Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD). You must follow Oregon’s laws (but don’t let that stop you from going).
4. Follow the rest of the throngs of people who are floating down the river and enjoy the view of the houses (and the people on the banks enjoying the view of you).
5. You can return to your car upriver via a very inexpensive shuttle or walk back to your car or catch a ride back with someone. The shuttle is the easiest!
6. Most of all, have fun and remember, “It’s 5:00 Somewhere”!!!
You ask, how do I get to float the river, well, here’s how…
1. Bring a float on vacation with you. You didn’t bring one, then rent one at Sun Country Tours or Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe. They are very inexpensive for a few hours on the river.
2. Get into your float from Riverbend Park or Farewell Bend Park. Either place makes it easy for you to enter the river
3. Check with the rental shops regarding having a Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD). You must follow Oregon’s laws (but don’t let that stop you from going).
4. Follow the rest of the throngs of people who are floating down the river and enjoy the view of the houses (and the people on the banks enjoying the view of you).
5. You can return to your car upriver via a very inexpensive shuttle or walk back to your car or catch a ride back with someone. The shuttle is the easiest!
6. Most of all, have fun and remember, “It’s 5:00 Somewhere”!!!
Written 29 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
da b
Orange County174 contributions
June 2012 • Friends
So this was billed as a guided fly fishing “float” trip. The reality is, you cannot fish from the boat unlike every other float trip I have taken. So, you have to get out and wade, which is fine. However, you wade to the same hole that every other boat has hit in the last few hours / days. Then you fish where everyone else has fished for the last few hours / days. The pressure on the fish is tremendous. There is very little you can do about it, except look at all the great fishing holes accessible from the boat that you will never get to wade to. This is my least favorite river to fish, ever. I would probably rather work than fish this river, it was that disappointing.
Written 2 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zingiber
Bend, OR38 contributions
June 2012 • Couples
The Deschutes River above Dillon Falls is full of wonderful dispersed camping areas, perfect for fishing and close to Bend.
Written 16 June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
famplas
Portland, OR4 contributions
Aug 2011
We did a 2 night 3 day rafting trip on the Deschutes river from Warm Springs to Maupin. It was a perfect section to intruduce our 3 kids 7-9yrs to rafting, warm, exciting but not scary, perfect length trip.
There are rafting companies in Maupin that you can rent from and they will drop off / pick up the rafts and shuttle your car. We did self support/ guided but there are also guides! you do have to get a permit but they are readily available.
There are rafting companies in Maupin that you can rent from and they will drop off / pick up the rafts and shuttle your car. We did self support/ guided but there are also guides! you do have to get a permit but they are readily available.
Written 13 September 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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