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Deschutes River

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TRIP DESCRIPTION

Explore Oregon’s premier one-day white water rafting excursion on the Deschutes River, renowned for its sun-soaked canyons, exhilarating rapids, and stunning natural beauty. Nestled in a high desert river canyon near Maupin, this Wild & Scenic river offers a thrilling journey through rapids like Wapinitia and Boxcar, while providing breathtaking views of Columbia basalt flows and abundant wildlife, including nesting Ospreys.

Opt for our full-day adventure to leisurely explore side canyons and enjoy refreshing swims in fun rapids, or choose our action-packed half-day trip focused on navigating thrilling rapids and the scenic descent downriver. Whether you’re seeking a day of exploration or an adrenaline rush, the Deschutes River delivers an unforgettable experience suitable for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike.

Details

  • Season: April–September
  • Meeting Location: Maupin, OR
  • Meeting Time:
    Half Day: 9:30 AM, 1:00 PM
    Full Day: 10:00 AM
  • Nearest City: Maupin, OR
  • Trip Length: Half and Full day
  • Level/Difficulty: Class III (Intermediate)
  • Age Minimum: 7
  • Minimum Total Trip Size: If your group (combined with other groups who have requested the same trip) together total less than the minimum then your reservation will be on hold until the minimum trip size is met.
    – 4 guest minimum for Half Day Trips
    – 5 guest minimum for the Full Day Experience

Highlights

  • Often sunny and warm even when Western Oregon is cloudy.
  • High desert scenery.
  • High volume river means consistent large, splashy rapids and good swimming for everyone.
  • World class fishing.
  • Oregon’s #1 rafted river; crowded on summer weekends.
  • Two hours East of Portland.

OPTIONS

Deschutes River - Full Day

For the full-day Deschutes River trip, immerse yourself in a thrilling adventure through sun-drenched canyons and exhilarating rapids like Wapinitia and Boxcar. With ample time for side canyon exploration and swimming in fun rapids, it’s the ultimate way to experience the beauty and excitement of this iconic river.

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Deschutes River - Half Day

Looking for an adrenaline-packed half-day experience? Our Deschutes River half-day trip is perfect for those seeking an action-packed journey downriver. Focus on tackling thrilling rapids while enjoying stunning views of Columbia basalt flows and spotting Ospreys nesting along the banks.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For over 35 years we’ve run whitewater rafting trips on ten of the best rivers Oregon and Idaho have to offer. Our safety record is excellent. Our guides are friendly, skilled professionals. We use only the best, professional quality rafting equipment. And we offer an unsurpassed variety of boats from which to choose: oar rafts, paddle rafts, inflatable kayaks, and our unique, custom designed Row-Your-Own catarafts.


For more about who we are please click or touch more about O.R.E.

Almost anyone can go. No prior rafting experience is necessary, and no prior camping experience is needed for our multi-day trips. We welcome children ages 7 and up on most of our rivers (some options can be 5 years old), and adults of all ages. While we recommend that our guests know how to swim, non-swimmers are free to join us on most trips (with the exception of certain high-water spring trips).

No, even if it’s your first time we have a trip that can work for you.

 

O.R.E.’s safety record is excellent. That’s because your safety is our number one priority. Running rivers, like other outdoor activities, involves an element of risk. But we work hard to protect your safety and well being. Our guides are trained in river safety and first aid skills. Each trip begins with a thorough safety orientation. Coast Guard Approved life jackets are worn at all times while on the river, and complete first aid and emergency kits are carried on each trip.

Yes, we operate trips even if it is raining. After all, it is whitewater rafting and we enjoy the water. On the rare occasion that conditions warrant it because of safety concerns, O.R.E. will cancel a trip.

Yes, we are unable to accommodate walk-up businesses/customers due to trip planning etc.  Day trips can fully book up for the weekends during the summer, so it is best to reserve early. Mid-week trips and spring/fall trips are not as busy.

We provide top-quality professional rafting equipment, including U.S. Coast Guard Approved lifejackets, helmets, and other safety gear.

 

In general, you will only need to bring your own river-appropriate clothing, footwear, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and a water bottle for day trips. Full-day trips include a freshly prepared deli lunch.

 

Please note that our policies vary for day trips and multi-day trips. 

 

Deposits and payments: Half-day and full-day trips require payment in full when the reservation is placed. (Exception: If more than seven days remain before the trip begins, groups of ten or more may call to reserve with a $25 per person deposit.)

 

Cancellations, Transfers, and Refunds:

Please notify us as soon as possible if you find it necessary to cancel your reservation. Because we lose the ability to sell reserved spaces to other individuals or groups, we strictly adhere to the following policies:

 

  • 7 Days or More Advanced Notice: Choose to receive a refund of your deposit or transfer your reservation to another trip, less a $25 per person cancellation fee.
  • 6 Days or Less: No credits or refunds will be issued if you cancel 6 or fewer days prior to a day trip.

 

Please note that cancellation fees may apply to cancellation of the entire reservation as well as to partial cancellations (for instance, a reduction in your party size from six to five).

Yes! We partner with a local guide and offer this as an option for those looking to fish along their trip. Click here for more details, and be sure to read below for information regarding fishing license requirements. 

You will need to check the local fishing regulations as we operate in many different river locations. You will need a fishing license for the state that you are in. Both Idaho and Oregon offer daily passes and annual for in-state and out-of-state residents. Youth ages 12 and under in Oregon and 14 in Idaho do not require a license.

 

You will be able to fish from campsites and at lunchtime, but we cannot guarantee that you will be able to fish from the rafts while we are moving downriver. If you’re interested in having a fishing guide and an assigned raft for fishing let us know, we may be able to arrange on request.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Plan a perfect river excursion with all the right information at your fingertips. Learn about our stunning locales, explore our detailed gear book, or reach out with any other questions so we can make your trip as smooth as possible.

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