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 and 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.

• 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
  • Bike gloves to protect hands while paddling.
  • Waterproof camera
  • Small daypack
  • Personal snacks
  • Personal medications
  • Personal water bottle

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:

• Riverrun Lodge
• Imperial Lodge
• The Oasis Resort Cabins & Campground
• Deschutes Motel

Camping:

• Maupin City Park
•     – Online reservations for Maupin City Park
• Oasis Campground
• There is BLM camping along the Deschutes River, available on a first come, first serve basis.
  • CampSites and Day Use Sites PDF
  • Lower Deschutes River Overview MAP
  • Lower Deschutes River Maps (comprehensive)
• Gorge Lodging & Camping: You may also choose to stay in Hood River, which is about an hour from our Maupin outpost. For an updated list of local accommodations, please visit:
  • Gorge Camping
  • Gorge Lodging
• Central Oregon Camping: Visit the Travel Oregon Camping Guide to explore other great camping options in Oregon

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

• The Riverside Restaurant
• Imperial River Company
• Deschutes Oasis Café
• Maupin Market, Deli & Cafe

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