Deschutes
River Rafting Trips
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 hundred mile section from the mouth of the Deschutes to Pelton Dam
(near
Lake Billy Chinook). The lower river offers a beautiful desert
canyon filled with sage brush, osprey, incredible basalt rock formations and
plenty of exciting rapids.
The Deschutes River is one of the most popular rivers in
Oregon. There are many attractive features to this section of the river
that has made it become so popular. From the warm sunshine, reliable
summer water flows, easy access to the numerous fun and exciting rapids that it
has to offer, its no wonder that many people travel to this destination.
River Drifters offers a number of trips on the Lower Deschutes,
from 1/2-day to a
five-day vacation,
there is a trip for you!
One of the more popular trips on the Deschutes is the
full-day trip. This trip covers
over fourteen river miles and takes between five to six hours to complete.
There are numerous class III+ rapids on this section of river. Some of the
exciting rapids that we will run are Wapinita, Boxcar, Surf City, Oak Springs,
White River and elevator rapids. River Drifters also offers a half-day
trip for those who can only set aside a few hours. The Deschutes River is perfect for
families and first-timers and even those who have been rafting several
times. Whether you are six or sixty-five, the Deschutes River is perfect
for you!
One drawback to the Deschutes River being so popular is that
there is a limited number of spaces that we can fill on weekends from June
through August. So if you are thinking about going rafting this summer its
time to start planning ahead to reserve those seats!
The Deschutes River Half-Day Trip
OUR MOST POPULAR TRIP:
The half-day adventure begins with a short drive to the launch
site. From there, our professional guides will introduce the
Deschutes River to you with a safety talk and orientation. The
first excitement of the day begins right away with over a mile of great
pool and drop style rapids. The middle portion of the trip is
fairly calm and is a great chance to unwind, relax or go for a
swim. The last four miles of the trip are filled with the most
challenging and fun rapids of the day. After the
trip, we transport you back to your vehicle
If you do not wish to spend all day on the river then a half-day trip
may be just for you. On a half-day journey, one will encounter
most of the famous rapids on the Lower Deschutes, including Wapinita,
Box Car, Surf City, Oak Springs and the Elevators. The half-day
trips usually last about three hours and are available at two different
times a day. One of the greatest complements that we receive for
offering a half-day trip on the Deschutes River is the ease and
convenience of being capable to do other activities in the same day.
Whether you are traveling to Central Oregon or back to the valley, there
is not a better way to cool off on a hot summer day than a quick trip
down the river. Our Deschutes River Half-Day trips meet daily at either
9:30am or 1:30pm!
The Deschutes River Full Day Trip
The full-day trip meets at 9:45am in the morning and we finish the trip around
3:30-4:00pm. This very full day takes you over many exhilarating rapids,
gives you a great opportunity to relax and soak up some sun and plenty chances
to jump in the river for a refreshing swim! In the morning we travel
through some very exciting rapids and drift through some placid pools.
There is plenty of time for swimming, splashing the other boats or just
sitting back and taking it all in! We
raft about nine miles in the morning and then we stop for a riverside barbecue
lunch! After feasting on fresh fruits, vegetables, cookies, salads and
some tasty BBQ, we sit back and soak in the days events for a while. At
the lunch's end, we then continue on with our adventure.
The afternoon
portion of the trip presents us with the most whitewater of the day! With
big and famous rapids like Surf City, Oak Springs, White River, Roller
Coaster, The Elevators, Sandy's Hole and several others, you will be sure
to get your fix. We
stop several times to surf the waves and we even stop to swim through a rapid
(if you are up for it)! At the end of the trip, we transport you back to
the meeting site. From there our guides will escort you up to the photo shop
to check out some of the days action (if you desire). Pictures from your
trip are available there (not included in the trip price) if you would like some
memorabilia to show off when you get home!
Who Can Go?
Almost everyone is invited on the Deschutes River. This river is perfect for first timers, groups, family and
organizations of all kind! Children as young as four are welcome on the
Deschutes.
What We Provide
River Drifters provides paddle jackets (if ever needed), professional guides,
life vests and a delicious riverside cuisine! For a
trip
list of personal items to bring please follow the link.
For cooler weather please console with our
Spring
and Fall Trip List!
Trip Prices
Purchase Gift
Certificates
|
Half-Day |
Adult |
Child |
|
Weekday |
$50 |
$40 |
|
Weekend |
$60 |
$50 |
 |
9:30 am |
|
|
|
1:30 pm |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Full Day |
Adult |
Child |
| Weekday |
$70 |
$60 |
| Saturdays (June-Aug) |
$85 |
$70 |
|
Sundays/Holiday |
$80 |
$65 |
|
|
Full-Day |
|
|
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