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!
