Lower Deschutes River | Deschutes River
History
Wild & Scenic River | River
Conditions | Whitewater Classifications
 The Deschutes
River is a river which runs through central Oregon and is a
major tributary to the Columbia River. It provided a major
route to and from the Columbia for Native Americans and later pioneers on the
Oregon Trail. It flows mostly through rugged and arid country and its valley
provides a cultural heart for central Oregon. Today the river is most known for
its outstanding whitewater
rafting.
In fact, the Deschutes River is known throughout the United
States as a premier river for whitewater
rafting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking,
and beautiful scenery. Along with this natural allure the river shares a
rich history and importance to Central Oregon. Because of it's pristine ecology,
abundant wildlife and beautiful landscape, it has been officially designated
as a Wild
and Scenic River by the United States Congress.
The Deschutes River features ruggedly beautiful scenery, outstanding
whitewater
rafting and paddling, and is renowned worldwide for sport fishing
( steelhead, brown trout, and native rainbow trout).
 The
Upper Deschutes River features primarily flatwater boating with
limited whitewater and excellent trout fishing opportunities. The Middle
Deschutes River has excellent
hiking opportunities with spectacular geologic formations and waterfalls, but
boating is limited.
Sage Canyon River Co. operates on the Lower Deschutes
River,
which offers the greatest opportunities for whitewater
rafting in Oregon and is one of Oregon's premier
steelhead and trout fishing areas.
Whitewater
Classifications
Current
River Conditions
| Deschutes River - Designated National Wild & Scenic River |
 "It
is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States that certain selected
rivers ... possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish
and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values, shall be preserved
in free-flowing condition, and ... shall
be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations."
|
| Deschutes River History |
 The
river was originally named Riviere
des Chutes or Riviere
aux Chutes, French for River of the Falls, during the period of fur trading.
Lewis and Clark encountered
the river on October 22, 1805 and referred to it by the Native American name
Towarnehiooks; on their return journey they gave it the new name Clarks River.
During the middle 19th
century, the river was major obstacle for emigrants on the Oregon Trail. The
major crossing point on the river was near its mouth in present-day Deschutes
River State Recreation Area. Many emigrants camped on the bluff on the west side
of the river after making the crossing. The remains of the trail leading up to
the top of the bluff are still visible. |
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