DESCHUTES RIVER RAFTING

Fun for the whole family!

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Beginner/Family-Friendly

BEST TIME TO GO

April-October

TRIPS AVAILABLE

River Trip List

Half-Day, Full-Day, or Multi-Day
[ VIEW TRIPS ]

MEETING POINT

Maupin, OR
[ MAP ]

DRIVE TIME

Portland = 2 hrs
Bend = 1 hr 45 mins
Seattle = 4 hr 30 mins

Deschutes River Rafting

Rafting on the Deschutes River is one of the most popular rivers in Oregon for rafting trips. There are many attractive features to this section of the river that has made it such a popular destination. From the warm sunshine, reliable summer water flows, and easy access to numerous fun and exciting rapids, it’s not surprising that many people return to raft the Deschutes year after year.

The Deschutes River originates high in the Cascade mountains from Little Lava Lake. The river carves its path through 250 miles of eastern Oregon before flowing into the Columbia. The ‘Lower Deschutes’ refers to the 100-mile section from the mouth of the Deschutes to Pelton Dam (near Lake Billy Chinook). The Lower Deschutes River offers a beautiful desert canyon filled with sagebrush, osprey, incredible basalt rock formations and plenty of exciting rapids.

River Drifters offers a number of trips on the Lower Deschutes, from half-day to five-day vacations. One of the more popular Deschutes trips is the full-day trip. You’ll cover more than 14 river miles in about five to six hours. There are numerous class III+ rapids on this section of river. Some of the exciting rapids that we will run are Wapinitia, Boxcar, Surf City, Oak Springs, White River, and Elevator rapids.

River Drifters also offers a half-day trip for those who can set aside just a few hours. The Lower Deschutes River is perfect for families and first-timers, and even those who have been rafting for several years.

*Keep in mind that every trip is different, as the weather, water flow, and group dynamics all influence the trip pace.

Half day trips each 3.5 hours

Morning Half Day Trip 9:30am to 1:00pm

    • 9:00am Arrive at the River Drifters Office in Maupin, Oregon. Change into river clothes, get outfitted with a PFD and splash jacket (River Drifters to provide), use the restroom, etc.
    • 9:30am Shuttle departs for the river put-in.
    • 10:00am Unload gear. Guides will give a safety talk and provide instructions for the basic paddle strokes you will need for a safe and fun trip. Then, the group will put-in and start rafting!
    • 1:00pm Arrive at take-out at Sandy Beach and board shuttle back to Maupin. You’ll return your River Drifters gear before changing, checking out the trip photos and heading home.

Afternoon Half Day Trip 1:30pm to 5:00pm

    • 1:00pm Arrive at the River Drifters Office in Maupin, Oregon. Change into river clothes, get outfitted with a PFD and splash jacket (River Drifters to provide), use the restroom, etc.
    • 1:30pm Shuttle departs for the river put-in.
    • 2:00pm Unload gear. Guides will give a safety talk and provide instructions for the basic paddle strokes you will need for a safe and fun trip. Then, the group will put-in and start rafting!
    • 4:30pm Arrive at take-out at Sandy Beach and board shuttle back to Maupin. You’ll return your River Drifters gear before changing, checking out the trip photos and heading home.

Evening Half Day Trip (3 hours July and August only)

    • 4:00pm Arrive at the River Drifters Office in Maupin, Oregon. Change into river clothes, get outfitted with a PFD and splash jacket (River Drifters to provide), use the restroom, etc.
    • 4:30pm Shuttle departs for the river put-in.
    • 5:00pm Unload gear. Guides will give a safety talk and provide instructions for the basic paddle strokes you will need for a safe and fun trip. Then, the group will put-in and start rafting!
    • 7:00pm Arrive at take-out at Maupin City Park and board shuttle back to Maupin. You’ll return your River Drifters gear before changing, checking out the trip photos and heading home.

Full Day Trip 6 hours

  • 9:30am– Arrive at the River Drifters Office in Maupin, Oregon. Change into river clothes, get outfitted with a PFD and splash jacket (River Drifters to provide), use the restroom, etc.
  • 10:00am– Shuttle departs for the river put-in.
  • 10:15am– Unload gear. Guides will give a safety talk and provide instructions for the basic paddle strokes you will need for a safe and fun trip. Then, the group will put-in and start rafting!
  • 12:00pm- Stop mid-way for BBQ lunch at the Maupin City Park. Then, head back to the river for more thrilling rapids.
  • 3:30pm– Arrive at take-out at Sandy Beach and board shuttle back to Maupin.
  • 4:00pm– Arrive at River Drifters office in Maupin. You’ll return your River Drifters gear before changing, checking out the trip photos and heading home.

SUP Full Day Trip 6 hours

  • 9:00am– Arrive at the River Drifters Office in Maupin, Oregon. Change into river clothes, get outfitted with a PFD and splash jacket (River Drifters to provide), use the restroom, etc.
  • 9:30am– Shuttle departs for the river put-in.
  • 9:45am– Unload gear. Guides will give a safety talk and provide instructions for the basic paddle strokes you will need for a safe and fun trip. Then, the group will put-in and start rafting!
  • 12:00pm- Stop mid-way for BBQ lunch at the Maupin City Park. Then, head back to the river for more thrilling rapids.
  • 3:30pm– Arrive at take-out at Sandy Beach and board shuttle back to Maupin.
  • 4:00pm– Arrive at River Drifters office in Maupin. You’ll return your River Drifters gear before changing, checking out the trip photos and heading home.

The age minimum for this trip is 4 years old. The physical and mental criteria for eligibility to participate on any River Drifters river trip can be found on our Eligibility Criteria page.

These discounts are on Deschutes River trips ONLY:

  • Youth Discounts (14 years old and younger) vary per trip river type and date
  • Groups 12+ = $5 off per person
  • Groups 24+ = $10 off per person
  • Military = 10% off trip price for the individual cardholder

The Deschutes River Scenic Waterway offers spectacular basalt cliffs, bighorn sheep, wild trout and steelhead fishing, exciting history, and of course, spectacular whitewater. The Lower Deschutes section offers plenty of sunshine and is fun for beginners, families and experienced boaters alike, making it one of the most frequently rafted rivers in Oregon. Soon after launching onto the river, you’re sure to get wet when dropping down Wapinitia and Boxcar rapids (Class III). You’ll float a mild section of the river before running numerous fast and fun rapids including Surf City, Oak Springs, White River, and the Elevators.

Our guides are accomplished in outdoor skills, trained in first aid, CPR and river rescue, and knowledgeable about the natural and cultural history of the area. They are fun, interesting people who have a passion for rivers and guiding. If you have questions about rafting or the unique features of the Deschutes River, ask and they will be happy to share what they know.

During the summertime, the weather in Eastern Oregon is very warm and mostly dry. However, you must be prepared for rain and wind every season. In the trip itinerary, there is a chart of average temperatures and rainfall in Eastern Oregon during the rafting season.

Prior to packing for your trip, we recommend that you check the forecast.

View the trip itinerary for a chart of average temperatures and rainfall in the Maupin, Oregon area during the rafting season.  You can check realtime weather at our stations here:

–Realtime Maupin, Oregon weather

–Maupin, Oregon Live weather.

Your safety and comfort is our top priority. River Drifters provides all necessary rafting and safety gear, and makes sure that you have professional, experienced and well-trained guides.

River Drifters Provides:

  • Rafting gear.
  • 2-3 mil “farmer John”-style wetsuits or splash jackets (if needed)
  • PFD (Portable Floatation Device) require for each person
  • Shuttle to and from the river put-in and take-out
  • Professional, well-trained guides
  • Helmet (optional)

  • A pair of quick-drying shorts and t-shirt (wool or synthetic are best. Do NOT wear cotton), or a bathing suit to wear under a wetsuit.
  • Long-sleeved synthetic shirt or fleece (NO cotton) for extra warmth when outdoor temperatures are colder than 80°F.
  • Waterproof sunscreen and chapstick
  • Hat for sun protection
  • Old pair of tennis shoes, neoprene booties with soles or sandals (closed-toed, such as Keen, are recommended).
  • Sunglasses and/or prescription eyeglasses or contacts.
  • Sunglass strap for both sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses (we sell these in our shop).
  • Change of clothes for drive home.
  • OPTIONAL Items
    • Waterproof camera
    • Small daypack
    • Personal snacks
    • Personal medications
    • Personal water bottle ESPECIALLY in Hot Weather

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our guides work very hard throughout the season to ensure that guests have a safe and enjoyable trip. As such, tips are very much appreciated by our guides, drivers and office staff. Tips normally range from 10% of the trip cost. How much you tip should depend on your satisfaction with your trip and your financial means. Most people tip the lead guide, who will split the money equally among the crew.

The Deschutes River full-day trip is safe for most kids age 4 and older. A child’s maturity level and weight are just as important as their age. If you have any concerns, please call us to discuss your situation.

We recommend the following local Maupin lodging and camping:

Lodging:

Camping:

We highly recommend the following lunch and dinner spots in Maupin, all of which are family-friendly.

Please feel free to contact our office at 1-800-972-0430. Once on the river, our experienced and knowledgeable guides will be happy to answer any questions you have. We welcome suggestions about how we can make your next experience on the river an even better one!


The Deschutes River Flow at Moody

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Rafting on Oregon's Deschutes River

Rafting on the Deschutes River is ideal for families, first-timers, and experienced outdoor enthusiasts looking for exciting whitewater rapids on a half-day up to a 5-day river trip.

Outpost facilities include retail, changing rooms, restrooms, grassy picnic area, and plentiful parking on 5 acres to facilitate large groups, youth organizations, and team building.

Warm desert sunshine and temperature, reliable summer water flows, and easy access to white water rafting 90 miles from Bend and 90 miles from Portland.

The Lower Deschutes River offers a beautiful desert canyon filled with sagebrush, osprey, incredible basalt rock formations, and an abundance of wildlife.

Budget-friendly camping options from BLM first-come first-serve basis to reservation-based camping, lodging, and small cabins.

World-class site seeing and family fun along the drive to the Deschutes River including Sherars Falls, White River State Park, and Timberline Lodge!

Deschutes River Rafting Trips ….
Deschutes River Rafting

Deschutes River Full-Day

Season: April - October
Duration: One Day
Length: 15 miles
Price: $74-95 (not including boater passes and BLM land use fee)
Rapids: I-III
Skill Level: Family and beginner friendly
Age Minimum: 4
Download Trip Itinerary

Rafting on the Deschutes River

Deschutes River Half-Day

Season: April - October
Duration: Half Day
Length: 12 miles
Price: $55-70 (not including boater passes and BLM land use fee)
Rapids: I-III
Skill Level: Family and beginner friendly
Age Minimum: 4
Download Trip Itinerary

Deschutes River Two-Day

Season: May - October
Duration: 2-Days, 1 Night
Length: 42 miles
Price: $325-365 (not including boater passes and BLM land use fee)
Rapids: I-III
Skill Level: Family and beginner friendly
Age Minimum: 4
Download Trip Itinerary

BOOK NOW Customized trips: call for booking info. 8 person minimum.

Deschutes River Three-Day

Season: May - October
Duration: 3-Days, 2 Nights
Length: 50+ miles
Price: $399-475 (not including boater passes and BLM land use fee)
Rapids: I-III
Skill Level: Family and beginner friendly
Age Minimum: 4
Download Trip Itinerary

Oregon Overnight Rafting

Deschutes River Four-Day

Season: May - October
Duration: 4 Days, 3 Nights
Length: 60+ miles
Price: Custom
Rapids: I-III
Skill Level: Family and beginner friendly
Age Minimum: 4

BOOK NOW Customized trips: call for booking info. 8 person minimum.

Deschutes River Five-Day

Season: May - October
Duration: 5-Days, 4 Nights
Length: 100 miles
Price: Custom
Rapids: I-III
Skill Level: Family and beginner friendly
Age Minimum: 4

BOOK NOW Customized trips: call for booking info. 8 person minimum.
Stand-up paddle boarding on the Deschutes

Deschutes River Full-Day SUP

Season: May - October
Duration: One Day
Length: 6 hours (mileage varies depending on skill)
Price: $250 (not including boater passes and BLM land use fee)
Rapids: I-III
Skill Level: Physically fit, swimming proficient
Age Minimum: 16

Customized trips: call for booking info. 6 person minimum.

Deschutes River 3-Day SUP

Season: May - October
Duration: Three Days
Length: 50+ miles
Price: $750 (not including boater passes and BLM land use fee)
Rapids: I-III
Skill Level: Physically fit, swimming proficient
Age Minimum: 16

Customized trips: call for booking info. 8 person minimum.

Are you ready for your rafting adventure on the Deschutes River?