Deschutes River Rafting | Maupin, Oregon
Fun for the whole family!
River Drifters has been guiding Deschutes River rafting trips out of Maupin, Oregon, since 1979 — longer than any guided rafting operation on the river. Our half-day, full-day, and multi-day Deschutes River rafting adventures run the Class II–III+ whitewater of the Lower Deschutes, a National Wild and Scenic River carving through the basalt canyons of Central Oregon’s high desert. Family-friendly for ages 4 and up, our guided Deschutes River rafting trips run April through October with dam-controlled flows and warm summer temperatures.
RIVER BETA
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Scenery:
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WHO CAN GO
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.
WILDLIFE EXAMPLE
Osprey
(Pandion haliaetus) – The name Osprey comes from the Latin Ossifragus which means “bone breaker”, (they’re only fish bones, of course, but still, cool etymology). They patrol almost every river we run, and have multiple nests along the Deschutes that you will be able to see from the river.
Similar Trips
OVERVIEW
About the Deschutes River Rafting
River Drifters has been guiding Deschutes River rafting trips out of Maupin, Oregon, since 1979 — longer than any guided rafting operation on the river. Our half-day, full-day, and multi-day Deschutes River rafting adventures run the Class II–III+ whitewater of the Lower Deschutes, a National Wild and Scenic River carving through the basalt canyons of Central Oregon’s high desert. Family-friendly for ages 4 and up, our guided Deschutes River rafting trips run April through October with dam-controlled flows and warm summer temperatures. In total, it runs approximately 250 miles from its headwaters in the Cascade Mountains near Bend, Oregon, to its confluence with the Columbia River.
The Deschutes River Scenic Waterway winds through a picturesque desert canyon on the east side of the Cascade Mountain Range. The river offers spectacular basalt cliffs and scenery, diverse wildlife, exciting history, and, of course, spectacular whitewater. The Lower Deschutes section also offers plenty of sunshine and fun for beginners, families, and experienced boaters alike, making it one of the most frequently rafted rivers in Oregon. Throughout the rafting trip, there are numerous opportunities to float in the river, ride the bull through rapids, and surf the raft in waves.
The river winds through a deep and picturesque canyon with spectacular basalt cliffs and fascinating geology. An abundance of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, black-tailed deer, osprey, eagles, bobcats, coyotes, trout, steelhead, river otter, and beaver, all call the Deschutes River home. In the evening, the sun drops over the canyon rim, creating stunning sunsets, and on clear nights, the stargazing is extraordinary. The Deschutes River also has a rich cultural history and remains a vitally important and cherished river to many.
Our Guides
Our guides are experienced and accomplished in outdoor skills and trained in first aid, CPR, and river rescue. They are environmental stewards of the outdoor areas where we work and play and are knowledgeable about the river’s natural & cultural history. They are fun, interesting people who have a passion for rivers and guiding. If you have questions about rafting, camping, cooking in the outdoors, or anything else, ask, and they will be happy to share what they know.
Fishing
The Deschutes River is well known among anglers for its wild trout and steelhead. Regulations allow fishing only from riverbanks or while wading. For trout, the season is year-round on the Lower Deschutes. If you’d like to bring your fishing rod and equipment and give it a go, please purchase a fishing license prior to arriving at the River Drifters outfitter. Additionally, check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife rules and regulations for fishing on the Deschutes River. *Be sure to purchase an Oregon fishing license.
Wildlife Viewing
The Deschutes River canyon is a diverse ecosystem and home to many different animal and plant species. The Deschutes River is exceptional for birding, with a vast assortment of species, including birds of prey, ducks, geese, kingfishers, blackbirds, wrens, orioles, dippers, magpies, and many more. Oftentimes, we are fortunate enough to see a variety of wildlife on our rafting trips. Guests are welcome to bring along field guides, small binoculars, or a spotting scope to enhance their wildlife viewing.
Deschutes River Frequently Asked Questions
Deschutes River Rafting Trips ….
Deschutes River Full-Day
Season: April - October
Duration: One Day
Length: 15 miles
Price: $82-105 (not including boater passes and BLM land use fee)
Rapids: I-III
Skill Level: Family and beginner friendly
Age Minimum: 4
Trip Itinerary
Deschutes River Half-Day
Season: April - October
Duration: Half Day
Length: 12 miles
Price: $62-75 (not including boater passes and BLM land use fee)
Rapids: I-III
Skill Level: Family and beginner friendly
Age Minimum: 4
Trip Itinerary
Deschutes River Two-Day
Season: May - October
Duration: 2-Days, 1 Night
Length: 42 miles
Price: $425-450 (not including boater passes and BLM land use fee)
Rapids: I-III+
Skill Level: Family and beginner friendly
Age Minimum: 4
Trip Itinerary
Deschutes River Three-Day
Season: May - October
Duration: 3-Days, 2 Nights
Length: 42+ miles
Price: $495-560 (not including boater passes and BLM land use fee)
Rapids: I-III
Skill Level: Family and beginner friendly
Age Minimum: 4
Trip Itinerary
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
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