Class II Deschutes River, OR
Warm Springs to Trout Creek
The Deschutes River begins its journey high in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon at Little Lava Lake and travels through deep rimrock-lined canyons on its 252-mile course north to the Columbia River. The last 100 miles of this path were designated as an Oregon Scenic Waterway in 1970 and a Federal Wild and Scenic River in 1988. The Deschutes has a unique flow that is fairly constant due to the many springs that feed the river in the upper reaches and the effects of the Pelton Reregulating Dam, which delivers a uniform flow for the last 100 miles. The Lower Deschutes River is managed cooperatively by three agencies: Prineville District, Bureau of Land Management; the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs; and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. (Source: Bureau of Land Management)
Section Details
| Trip Length | Full Day, 9.5 Miles |
| Notes | |
| Fishing | Yes |
| Camping | No |
| Permit | Yes |
| Manager | Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District Office |
| Wild & Scenic | Yes |
| Water Trail | No |
| Partner Information |
http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/wsrs.php
https://myodfw.com/lower-deschutes-wildlife-area-visitors-guide |
| Description | American Whitewater |
| River Flow Information |
https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1507/ This section of river is dependent on flow being released from an upstream hydropower dam. Agricultural diversions upstream near Bend remove water from the river, but springs on the Crooked, Deschutes, and Metolius rivers provide consistent year-around flow which is further regulated by the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric project. The peak season is the summer and the river attracts a wide range of user groups including recreational floaters and drift boat fishermen. (Source: American Whitewater). |
