Join All Star Rafting for a fun filled guided half day, 1 day, 2 day, 3 day or 5 day rafting trip on the Deschutes River near Maupin, Oregon. Or rent rafts and kayaks out of Maupin for self guided trips along the lower 100 miles of the Deschutes River.

The Deschutes...
The Deschutes River starts high in the Cascade mountains at Lava Lake. As it flows north toward the Columbia 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. While most other rivers of the West have dried up by the end of June, the Deschutes still has plenty of water. Our base of operations is Maupin, a sleepy little town located 2 hours east of Portland, Oregon on Hwy 197. With 300 days of sunshine, clear starry nights and hot summer days, boating, fishing and camping here is great all spring, summer and fall!

The river is divided into four segments with many different trips available. You can enjoy everything from a one hour paddle to a week long trip downthe entire 100 miles. Much of the river has train tracks on one side and a primitive road on the other. However there are still lots of remote areas, great scenery and many primitive riverside camps.

Segment one is from Pelton dam to the Locked Gate and is 40 miles in length. This segment is very popular for overnight trips and has Whitehorse Rapid, a two mile long class III-IV. Segment two is an action packed area used mainly for day trips, it is 16 miles long running from the Locked Gate through Maupin to Shears Falls. This segment has Wapinita, Box Car, Oak Springs, White River and Elevator rapids. Segment three runs 20 miles from Shears Falls to Macks Canyon. The first five miles have fun rapids including the Trestle Hole and Wreck rapid, while below to Macks Canyon is class I-II which is excellent for beginners. Segment four runs from Macks Canyon 23 miles to the confluence with the Columbia River. During summer power boats are allowed on this segment 10 out of 14 days (the fishing here can be fabulous). Every other Thursday through Sunday this segment makes a great float trip. Fun rapids include Washout, Colorado, Gordon Ridge, Rattlesnake and Moody.

Currently no permits are needed to run the river. There is a $2.00 per day per person fee collected by the Oregon State Parks and many campgrounds charge a fee.

The best guide book is "Handbook to the Deschutes River" by Quinn and King. It can be ordered from Frank Amato Publications, P.O. Box 82112, Portland, OR 97282 (503) 653-8108

BLM Deschutes River information

Maupin...
Maupin is a sleepy little town of 460 people. It is located 95 miles eastof Portland, 45 miles south of The Dalles and 90 miles north of Bend. The river is what keeps the economy going. Since the mill closed a few years ago rafting, kayaking and fishing are the mainstays of the community. There is a grocery store, two gas stations, three or four restaurants, a general store, a post office, a fly fishing shop, lots of whitewater businesses and four hotel/bed and breakfast/lodge overnight style accommodations. Maupin Chamber of Commerce

The folks here do their best to make your stay memorable. With 300 days ofsunshine, HOT summer days and clear starry nights Maupin and the Deschutes River are a great place for boating, fishing and recreating.