The
Deschutes River starts high in the Cascade mountains
at Lava Lake, in Central 
Oregon.
As it flows north toward the Columbia river, along the
dry east side of the Cascade mountains most of this
water is used for irrigation and farming. Fortunately
the river is recharged by the spring waters of the Metolius
and Crooked Rivers. This water flows into Lake Billy
Chinook and is regulated by the Pelton Dam. The lower
100 miles of the Deschutes river, where most boating
occurs, always has plenty of water thanks to this combination
of dams and spring water.
Maupin, a sleepy little town located approximately 2
hours east of Portland, and 45 miles south of The Dalles
on Hwy 197 is in the middle of the lower 100 mile stretch
and where most rafting trips begin or end. With 300
days of sunshine, clear starry nights and hot summer
days, boating, fishing and camping along the Deschutes
is great spring, summer and fall!
Back
