The Deschutes River

The Deschutes River runs hundreds of miles from the mountains near Bend, Oregon to the Columbia River. The river is runnable for it's entire length offering rapids from Class I to VI, great fishing, and overnight trip options. The most popular section of the Deschutes is from Harpan to Sandy Flat and runs through the small town of Maupin.

Harpan Flat to Sandy Beach

  • Length: 10.5 miles
  • Gradient: 24 fpm
  • Difficulty: Class III
  • Season: Year Around
  • Rec. Level: 3,000 to 8,000 cfs
  • Agencies: BLM, Oregon State Parks, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
  • Permits: Boater Pass
  • Put-in: Harpham Flats
  • Take-out: Sandy Beach
  • More Info: Map

This is among the most popular sections of river in Oregon due to fun rapids and consistent flow. This is a great place to raft on a hot summer day.

Just below the normal put-in at Harpham Flats you will encounter the Class III rapids Wapinitia and Box Car. After Box Car, the river mellows out with easy Class II rapids as it passes through the town of Maupin.

About four miles past Maupin the action picks up again with Surf City, Oak Springs, White River Rapids, Upper Elevator, and Lower Elevator.

You'll definitely want to take-out at Sandy Beach since this is the last place to take out before the Class VI Sherars Falls.

Since the Deschutes River is so popular it is also heavily regulated. If you float the Deschutes you must have a Boater Pass which can be bought from a vendor or on the Boater Pass web site. The passes sell out in advance during the busy summer months so be sure to purchase your pass well in advance of your trip.
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