The best whitewater rafting in oregon
- First and longest running rafting outfitter on the Deschutes in Maupin, Oregon
- An easy day trip from Portland and Bend and the Columbia River Gorge
- All experience levels welcome, ages 6 and up for half day, full day and overnight
Guided Trips
Deschutes HALF DAY
Duration:
3.5 hours
Rafting Class:
III & IV rapids.
Age:
6 to 99
Price:
Starting at $70
Deschutes FULL DAY
Duration:
5.5 hours
Rafting Class:
III & IV rapids.
Age:
6 to 99
Price:
Starting at $95
Deschutes River Multi-Day
Duration:
2 to 5 days long
Rafting Class:
III rapids.
Age:
7 to 99
Price:
Starting at $415
Owyhee River Multi-Day
Duration:
5-day
Rafting Class:
II & III rapids.
Age:
6 to 99
Price:
Starting at $1,350
Raft Rentals
Why choose us
We are a passionate group of outdoor professionals who love sharing the river. Our guides value fun, respect the beauty of nature, and work hard to leave you with incredible memories of an unforgettable day on the water with family and friends. Join us for an epic adventure on Oregon’s best half-day, full-day, or overnight whitewater rafting trips with the most experienced and longest-running outfitter in Maupin.
Where the heck is maupin
The Lower Deschutes carves through 100 miles of central Oregon’s high desert before meeting the Columbia. From our base in Maupin, we run the legendary 13-mile stretch from Harpham Flats to Sandy Beach.
Home to Class III and IV rapids like Boxcar, Oak Springs, and Elevator, plus multi-day expeditions down the Wild and Scenic Deschutes.
What do people say about us
What an amazing trip, Six ( Matt) was so cool and knowledgeable. He made the trip memorable for all of us, such river skills and background on basically anything outdoors in Oregon. Everything went be...Read More
I haven’t had that much fun in a long time! Went out for a day raft trip to celebrate our friend’s bachelorette party, and had the best time. Our guide Jody was patient, kept us safe and was so ki...Read More
We had such an amazing time. Our guide Zakk was fun and made sure we were safe and enjoyed ourselves. I highly recommend Deschutes river adventure over anyone else in the area. Highly trained and know...Read More
We just got off the beautiful Deschutes River with the sparkliest guide in the world—Bailey!! My husband and our grown son who was visiting from Boston signed up for the full day trip. The warm an...Read More
DRA provided a great river trip for our mom and kids trip! 3 days on the river! “River Alpha” Carly was the ultimate scout and camp champ! Nicola rocked the rapids, jumped the cliffs and encourage...Read More
We spent a week exploring Oregon and had a fantastic time, but this day was definitely the highlight! Andrew and Maddy were incredible with our 8-year-old twins, making sure they had a blast while sta...Read More
Finally checked off river rafting from the bucket list! Our guide EMMA was professional, informative, direct, and saved our lives from the Room of Doom😳😎
Pat took myself and my family out for the best time ever! He\'s such an awesome guide! We all had a blast! We will definitely go to DRA and ask for Pat when we go back. And I can tell you, unintention...Read More
Exceeded our expectations!!! Zach set us up for success. He was fun & funny, and prepared us for each of the different obstacles. I would highly recommend this company if you are looking for a fun...Read More
About us
Since 1981, Deschutes River Adventures has been sharing the excitement of the Lower Deschutes River. What started with just a few rafts and simple boat rentals quickly grew as whitewater rafting exploded in popularity. As one of the pioneering outfitters in Maupin, Oregon, DRA helped introduce thousands of people to the thrill of rafting this legendary river.
Frequently asked questions
What size raft do I need for my group?
When set up as paddle rafts, 13 foot rafts fit 3 to 6 people, 14 foot rafts fit 5 to 8 people and 15 foot rafts fit 8 to 10 people. We do not recommend filling your paddle raft with more than 10 people. Rowing frame setups take up more space and work best for 3 to 5 people on the raft, regardless of size.
Can I choose between a paddle setup or a rowing setup?
Certainly! For the Harpham Flats to Sandy Beach stretch, most people want a paddle setup, where each person on the raft has a paddle, but some prefer oars, where one person rows, instead. Let our office know which setup you’d like when making your reservation. There is no cost difference. If you don’t know what any of this means, you should take a guided trip!
Will I fall out of the boat?
Possibly! We recommend that you don’t sit straddling the raft, with one leg in the boat and one leg in the water. Instead, sit with both legs inside the raft and your butt on the outside tube. Make sure your lifejacket is buckled, cinched snug to your body and not loose.
Can I take my dog on the raft?
Yes, we do allow dogs on our rental rafts, though we suggest you know the river well and be experienced in guiding the boat. Ask about our doggy lifejackets available for rent!
How long does it take to raftthe Maupin day stretch?
The whitewater day stretch, Harpham Flats to Sandy Beach, is Maupin is 13 miles long. It takes about 2.5 hours if you don’t make any stops. With our day rentals, you have the raft from 10 am to 5 pm so you’re welcome to stretch out your time on the water by making stops for lunch, swimming and hanging out. All rental rafts need to be pulling into the takeout, Sandy Beach, no later than 5 pm.
What kind of whitewater can I expect on this stretch?
This stretch of the Deschutes River has mostly Class III and II rapids, as well as some calmer water stretches. It’s remote, beautiful and thrilling but still a great option for groups of all ability and excitement levels. The last 12 miles of the stretch is where you’ll see the majority of the rapids on the trip.
What age kids do you take on overnight raft trips?
We take kids age 6 and up and at least 45 lbs on our raft trips.
What are the group size limitations for an overnight raft trip on the deschutes?
We need at least 6 people for a trip minimum and up to 13 people for a trip maximum on our overnight rafting trips. We do combine small groups and we do try to fill any available trip spots.
What is the ideal trip length for an overnight deschutes trip?
Most people book a 3-day, 2-night trip that covers 40 miles of the Wild and Scenic Deschutes River. It’s about 12 hours total in raft, split between 3 days. This allows you to reach camp around 2-3 pm each day. Next up is appetizers, river swimming, camp games and chilling.
What should I pack for my overnight river trip?
Kate always says, “less is more” but seriously, check out our plan your trip page for the packing list and trip itinerary!
Who is the full day deschutes trip best suited for?
Full-Day Deschutes River trips are great for anyone age 6 and up who is ok being in full sun for more than half the day. This trip is great for all experience levels from beginners to adrenaline junkies because the fun swimming stops we make, including the natural basalt waterslides and rock jumping. Our half-day trips are great too, the same 13 mile stretch, same fun rapids, just no swimming stops or bbq lunch.
Which rapids will we do on a guided full day trip?
You’ll paddle your way through class III and IV rapids such as Wapinitia, Boxcar, Devil’s Hole, Oaks Springs, White River, Elevator, and Lower Elevator rapids. We’ll also stop to swim and jump off rocks at the great swimming holes along this stretch.
I have my dog with me, what can I do?
While we LOVE dogs in general, we can’t allow them on the raft with you for guided trips. We have occasionally watched a dog in our office while the owner is rafting, call us to see what we’ve got going on that day. No promises, we’re a busy place but we always try to accommodate when we can.
Should I do the half day trip or the full day? What's the difference?
The Deschutes Half Day trip is a perfect trip for people who want to raft for the whitewater. This is the same 13 miles stretch as the full-day trip, just no lunch or stops to swim. Though there is still opportunity to swim along side the boat during a calm river stretch. The half-day is also great for groups! We have more flexibility in offering discounts for large groups with our half-day trip, ask our office.
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Hours
9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
7 Days per Week, May - October
Find us here
602 Deschutes Ave. Maupin, OR 97037
Directions
We are located 5 minutes away from the best whitewater in Oregon on the Deschutes River in Maupin, OR!
Get to Maupin From Portland:
- Merge onto I-84 E toward The Dalles.
- Take the US-197 exit, EXIT 87, toward Dufur/Bend.
- Turn right onto US-197 South.
- After 1/4 mile at stop sign follow Us-197 South to the left.
- Head 38 miles to Maupin on Us-197 south.
- Once you arrive in to town (you will see sidewalks), we are the first business on your left.
Get to Maupin From Bend:
- Merge onto US-97 N toward Redmond.
- After 42 miles, turn right onto US-97 N.
- After 25 miles, stay straight to go onto US-197 N. to Maupin. Continue to follow US-197 N.
- After 22 miles, you will cross the Deschutes River. Come up the hill, at the far end of town (you will see sidewalks) we will be on your right.
Phone
800-723-8464