Rafting On The Deschutes River: February 2023
Rafting The Deschutes River
Working in the local hotel industry I wanted to share this pamphlet on rafting in the Deschutes River if you want a rafting trip I grabbed this flyer and I wanted to show this business that allows anyone to try rafting on the Deschutes and it is not that far away from Hood River.
The website is: https://www.raftdra.com/
The rafting trips look amazing, granted I haven’t yet tried it myself but wanted to share this great thing to do here locally in the area. It is about a little over an hour to get there but you get an adventure for the price you pay per person.
So, the first thing is you have to decided whether you want the guided tour or just rent the raft.
Why Raft The Deschutes??
Great question! Well the Deschutes is a scenic water route to the Columbia River Gorge and offers an adventure complete with scenic beauty that you will not find in many other places. The Bureau of Land Management website offers the following:
“The Deschutes River was designated an Oregon Scenic Waterway in 1970 and a Federal Wild and Scenic River in 1988. The river runs through a deep rimrock-lined canyon that ranges from 900 feet to 2,600 feet in depth. The elevation drops from 1,393 feet at Pelton Reregulation Dam to 160 feet at its confluence with the Columbia River. The average gradient is 13 feet per mile and is relatively constant throughout its length. The most significant drops in gradient are Sherars Falls (River Mile 44), with a vertical drop of 15 feet, and Whitehorse Rapids (River Mile 75), with a vertical drop of approximately 35-40 feet over one mile. Within this canyon you will experience an incredible geologic and cultural history and a diverse community of fish, wildlife and vegetation. The Deschutes River is an increasingly popular river for all kinds of recreationists. Thousands of people visit each year to enjoy its incredible fishing, exciting whitewater, and beautiful scenery. The river offers a variety of opportunities for both day and overnight trips. Recreational activities include boating, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and hiking.”
Whether you are a nature lover or want to explore the wildlife or geology, or just get out in the outdoors this makes for a fun time to get to explore the great outdoors in a unique way, especially with someone such as family or friends this would make an amazing adventure.
The Deschutes River is also known for its scenic beauty and stunning natural landscapes. The river flows through a variety of different terrain, including high mountain forests, rocky canyons, and broad, open valleys. Along the way, it passes through several different ecological zones, ranging from alpine meadows to sagebrush steppe.
One of the most scenic stretches of the Deschutes River is the section between Bend and Maupin, which is a popular destination for fishing, hiking, and river rafting. This section of the river flows through a deep, winding canyon that is flanked by towering cliffs, rocky outcroppings, and verdant forests. The scenery here is breathtaking, with dramatic vistas around every bend in the river.
Another beautiful section of the Deschutes River is the area around Lake Billy Chinook, which is located in the central part of the state. Here, the river flows through a series of deep, narrow canyons that are surrounded by steep cliffs and rocky bluffs. The clear, blue-green waters of Lake Billy Chinook are also a striking sight, especially when viewed from the overlooks along the river.
Throughout its length, the Deschutes River is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, elk, eagles, and a variety of fish species. In the spring and summer months, the riverbanks are alive with colorful wildflowers, adding to the already stunning natural scenery. Overall, the Deschutes River is a true gem of the Pacific Northwest, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural significance.
Check out this book on Amazon about The Deschutes Railroad War, I haven’t read it but thought someone may like to check it out in case you are into the historical perspectives of the Deschutes River:
Guided Tours On The Deschutes
Deschutes River Adventures Offers half day and overnight rafting trips on the Deschutes River, an unforgettable experience you will surely enjoy.
Below is the map to get to their place there:
Lets go over the guided tour first and the options.
1/2 Day Guided Tours
Full Day Guided Tours
Overnight Guided Tours
What do you get with each? Lets take a look!
1/2 Day Guided Tours:
1/2 day guided tours are a 4 people minimum and looks like they may be able to combine tours if needed so if you are with someone and there is another 2 people that want to go they can combine your small groups to make a group of 4.
Prices depend on whether it is the weekday or weekend, so for adults the prices will be 70 dollars for weekday and 80 dollars on the weekend.
Kids are: 65 dollars on the weekday and 75 on the weekend.
There are two times for the half day to leave one is at 9am and the other is 1:30pm for the PM half day.
Below is a quick shopping list of possible things from Amazon for your rafting adventure!
How long is the trip? About 13 miles and it will usually take around 3.5 hours to complete the half day trip.
Full Day Guided Tours
The fully guided tours come with your choice of 2, 3, 4, or 5 days and during this time you will have the opportunity to camp overnight, and not much is needed on these trips just a sleeping bag, perhaps a good book and a fishing pole to enjoy the journey.
Prices for these are as follows:
So for the 2 day it depends on whether it is the weekend or weekday. Adults are 355 weekday and 385 on weekend.
Kids are 335 weekday and 385 weekend. Kids being 6 to 14 years old.
For the 3 day adults are 455 weekday and 485 weekends. Kids are 435 weekday and 455 on weekends.
For the 4 day: Adults are 555 weekday and 585 weekend. Kids are 535 weekeday and 555 weekend.
For the 5 day 655 adults weekeday and weekends are 685 for adults. Kids are 635 weekdays and 655 on weekends.
Maximum group size is about 12 people on the overnight trips and the overnight trips will cover roughly 40 miles.
What to bring? Great question there is a page that lists all the things recommended such as change of clothes, sunscreeen, and fun things like cameras, binoculars, games and things like that to make the trip a fun and exciting adventure.
Raft Rentals
Yes! Rentals are available just see the chart below taken from the website for prices:
Below is a quick video on the scenic beauty of the Deschutes River:
To check out Deschutes River Adventures give them a call at:
1-800-rafting or visit their website at RAFTDRA.com
They are located in Maupin and the map above will give you their location and thanks for reading!
See Also: Deschutes River Coffee Shop
Windsurfing In Hood River Oregon
Need a place to book? Try the Hampton Inn and Suites in Hood River!
Also: In case you wish, Discover Hood River has a podcast to check out some local interviews here in The Gorge, about an hour away from Maupin where the Deschutes River Rafting Adventures starts check it out!!
Thanks for listening and reading!!
