The Lower Descutes River offers one of the most popular multi day rafting and fishing experiences in Oregon. The Lower Deschutes River is a popular choice for rafters because it is close to the city of Portland and it’s a great river for those who are new to whitewater who want to learn the basics, but challenging enough for experienced rafters to keep them on their toes. The Lower Deschutes is likely Oregon’s most well known and most sought after spot to fly fish for both wild trout and steelhead. With trout populations running over 3500 trout per mile, the first 50 miles below Pelton Dam offers some of the finest trout opportunities in the state.
Whether this is your first time planning a multi day adventure with High Desert River Outfitters, or you’re a self proclaimed ‘river rat’, there are many things to consider. Logistics and planning are our passion and there is a lot that goes into preparing for each and every trip to ensure that our guests are safe, comfortable, well fed, and of course having lots of fun along the way. Determining the length of your trip is a good place to start. For the novice who would like a great introduction to multi day rafting or those who are on a tight schedule our two and three day Deschutes Rafting trips are the most popular.
On our Deschutes Two Day Rafting trip there are two put-in and takeout options. Trout Creek to Sandy Beach or Buckhollow to the mouth of the Deschutes where it enters into the Columbia River. Trout Creek to Sandy Beach is the most popular of the two options for those who are looking for a little more whitewater action provided by locally famous rapids like White Horse class iv, Wapinita and Box Car class iii, and Oak Springs class iv. There is still enough tranquil stretches of quiet river to provide a little something for everyone on this trip. Buckhollow to the mouth takes you deep into the river canyon as the river meanders from bend to bend providing unparalleled views of steep basalt cliff faces where if you look carefully you just might spy the allusive Big Horn Sheep. This stretch of river offers spectacular fishing and swimming holes, picturesque camping sites, and enough whitewater action to keep you on the look out.
The most popular multi day trip that we offer is our Deschutes Three Day rafting trip. This popular trip starts at Warm Springs and continues 55 miles to Sandy Beach. With an extra day of rafting we spend fewer miles on the river each day which allows for more free time in camp to relax, hike, fish, or just enjoy the sun and scenery of this beautiful high desert river canyon. You’ll experience all the best that the Deschutes has to offer for both scenery and exciting whitewater action. This trip also includes the white knuckle ride through White Horse, Buckskin Mary, Box Car, and Oak Springs.
No matter which trip you choose deliciously prepared meals are provided for you from breakfast on the first day to lunch on the last. We can tailor the menu to cater to guests with special food needs or wants. Of course you’re always welcomed to bring any of your own favorite snacks and drinks. We’ll provide plenty of fresh water and lemonade, but you have to provide for your own adult beverages. While we do allow alcohol on these trips in camp our priority is your safety and no consumption of alcohol is allowed while on the river. These trips are set in remote locations with limited to zero outside access and response times for medical emergencies can take a long time.
We are a complete outfitter which means we can provide you with everything you’ll need to be comfortable on any of our multi day trips. We have tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads available for rent. We’ll provide you with your own personal dry bag to put your personal belongings in and splash gear and wet suits to help keep you warm and comfortable free of charge. Check out our Gear List for recommended items you may want to bring along with you on your trip.
Multi day rafting can be an amazing experience and great way to spend quality time with family, friends, or celebrate special occasions like birthdays, reunions, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and corporate team building. With a little careful planning and attention to the details we can help ensure that you’ll have a trip that exceeds your expectations and have you coming back year after year. It’s never too early to start planning and getting your group to agree on a date or time frame and to help you with that you can call our office 1-800-461-5823 and speak with one of our staff or checkout our online reservation system for availability.
We look forward to sharing this amazing and unique opportunity with you this coming season!
