Whitewater Packraft - Deschutes River (Lower): Warm Springs to Columbia River

We will meet at our take-out at Heritage Landing in Deschutes River State Park, consolidate cars, and drive up-river to the put-in at the BLM Buckhollow Boat Launch (drive time 1:00 h). Alternatively, we can arrange a car shuttle (approx. $100/car) if trip participants prefer. More detail will be provided closer to the launch date. 

Overview

Early autumn is a great time to visit the Deschutes River; it is generally sunny and pleasant and the number of boaters on the river have moderated from summer. We'll paddle the 43 river miles from Buckhollow, a mile below Sherar's Falls, to Heritage Landing at the confluence with the Columbia River.

On the river

Most rapids are Class II and several are Class III, with most of the latter being near the end of the trip. The American Whitewater website, BLM river maps, and Soggy Sneakers provide detail.

Expenses

River permits are $5/person/day. Depending on participant preferences, we can run the shuttle ourselves or reserve a commercial shuttle service for approximately $100/car.

How to Join

Read through the river and trip description above, including the river descriptions.  If you feel the trip is within your ability, then read the goals, expectations and style below to discuss the trip with the leader.

Goals

• Welcome all members of the Mountaineers packraft community including those relatively new to packraft trips
• Be safe: Make decisions with risk management in mind
• Have fun and enjoy being on the trip regardless of conditions
• Enjoy one another’s company and create a positive culture of mutual supportiveness, respect, and kindness

Expectations

• Actively contribute to achieving the group’s goals
• Participate in group decisions and abide by decisions made by the group or the leader
• Be able to assess whether you can safely paddle versus portage a rapid
• When river conditions are more difficult, maintain group awareness and positioning to help each other
• Don’t take risks that other group members don’t support

Style

• A relaxed breakfast, on the water by mid-morning, stop for camp by 4pm, have time for some hiking and a relaxed evening
• Decision-making collaborative and by consensus whenever possible
• Low-impact camping, including no fires