Deschutes
Printed From: ProfessorPaddle.com
Category: General
Forum Name: Whitewater Forum
Forum Discription: Open Discussion Forum. Whitewater related subjects only
URL: http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15015
Printed Date: 18 Jun 2025 at 5:50pm
Topic: Deschutes
Posted By: megspk
Subject: Deschutes
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2015 at 6:56am
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So I've never been on the Deschutes, but I'm looking to do a multiway out there, potentially by raft.
Is this a permitted river? If so what's the best way to obtain one? What section would be good for 3 days? I'm looking for class 3, with little class 4. Are there places down there to rent rafts from? Also has anyone been out there lately? Just wondering if it's super busy since not many rivers are running.... Shuttle service needed? Ok thanks ahead of time! Cheers, Megan  ------------- “A strong person and a waterfall always channel their own path.” -Unknown |
Replies:
Posted By: melger
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2015 at 1:53pm
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I organized a trip last summer - it is a fun time and a mellow river. Bring lots of beer! Yes, you need a permit. I believe they do 100 per day, and you can buy them ahead of time on www.boaterpass.com. They don't check permits at the put-in, but if you do run into a ranger. . you'll want to have one as they are required. We put in at mecca flats and took out at sandy beach (above shearers falls). we did 3 days and took off about 1pm on the 3rd day. This is the lower deschutes. River Trails is a good spot for rental rafts. They have all the gear (coolers, dry boxes, etc) and will drop off and pickup at the put in/take out. Linda's river shuttle is who we used. |
Posted By: Ellingferd
Date Posted: 05 Aug 2015 at 9:21am
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Definitely in the class III range. Hardest rapid on the mecca to sandy beach section is Oak Springs, but III+ at best (not IV as claimed).
The section below Shearers falls (buck hollow to the confluence, heritage landing) is also pretty awesome. Slightly different scenery (more canyon like), feels more remote, some sandy beaches, and I always thought the water felt slightly warmer than the upper (the water is cool b/c it comes out the bottom of the pelton dam). My theory was always that the aeration from Shearers falls warms the water slightly, but who knows, probably all in my head. This section is also a three day with the third being more of a half day, depending on how you camp. There is a restriction on the lower in the last 10 miles I believe which prohibits floaters from stopping/camping on shore b/c use is granted to walk ins. Also, there is a restriction on camping on islands on both the mecca to sandy and buck to heritage sections. I guided both of these sections, a lot, for about seven years. Let me know if you have any specific questions. ------------- Wave Sport |
Posted By: Ellingferd
Date Posted: 05 Aug 2015 at 9:22am
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Oh, and even though there are toilets at most camps on the mecca to sandy section, you still need a toilet with you, or you will get fined. ------------- Wave Sport |
Posted By: megspk
Date Posted: 05 Aug 2015 at 10:08am
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Thank you! ------------- “A strong person and a waterfall always channel their own path.” -Unknown |
Posted By: mprussak
Date Posted: 06 Aug 2015 at 10:06am
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Never been there, but if you're looking for extra bodies, I might be down depending on the date, and I've got a buddy who oar rigged the grand, and he might be free as well.
------------- Marek Prussak 206-465-2055 |