Frequently Asked Questions

Passes

Where do I get a boater pass?

Get your passes from Recreation.gov

Segment 2 – Harpham Flat to Sandy Beach

This segment is our most popular 1-day float on the Deschutes River. It’s an “unlimited section,” meaning passes are always available. Get your passes at recreation.gov. Bring your pass with you or have it on your smart phone.

Segments 1, 3 & 4

These sections are under the “limited entry” system. Passes for Seg.1, 3 & 4 limited entry are available at the new boater pass website, recreation.gov. Search “Lower Deschutes River Boater Pass” or click here. Limited entry dates vary by segment. Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. They are released at 50%, 30% and 20%. Check the website for actual release dates.

BLM Map Deschutes River Segment 1

Can I purchase a pass at your shop?

No, all passes must be purchased through recreation.gov in advance of your trip.

What information do I need before I purchase a pass?

On the website, you will need a driver’s license for the group and a credit card. You need to know your put-in site (launch point), your take-out site, and how many people in your party. One pass will cover up to 16 people on Segments 1, 3 & 4, and 24 people on Segment 2.

How much does a boater pass cost?

Passes cost $2.00 per person for weekdays and $8.00 per person for weekends beginning the Saturday before Memorial Day, and ending the Sunday before Labor Day. Your boater pass can be printed out and you’re ready to go! There is no time limit on passes, so you can purchase it at any time prior to the trip!

General

Where is Maupin, Oregon?

Directions

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 in town, cross the bridge over the Deschutes River
  • Take a left turn, and we are the big barn with a giant red roof on your right.

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 20 miles you will stay right on Bakeoven Rd. Do not cross the bridge.
  • We are the big barn with a giant red roof on your right.

What transportation options are available?

Avoid the hassle of fighting traffic, finding a place to park, and putting up with driving back and forth from raft put-in to take-out sites on the Deschutes. Simply park your car at River Trails Deschutes and we will transport you by bus or van to the river at Harpham Flat and pick you up at Sandy Beach. This is a great convenience for any size group. Cost is $35 per boat load round trip. Please add this request with your reservation.

If you prefer to have your car shuttled and waiting for you at Sandy Beach, or other locations Warm Springs to Heritage Landing, contact one of the companies listed below. Or we can offer shuttle services as a part of your trip.

 

Deschutes River Shuttles

deschutesrivershuttles.com
541-395-2649

Linda’s River Shuttles

www.4shuttles.com
541-395-2488

Henry’s Deli

facebook.com/henrysdelimart
541-414-3679

Reservations recommended.

I keep hearing about bringing a Porta-Potty… what are the requirements?

This regulation requires all overnight rafters to carry an approved Porta-Potty system. If you don’t have an approved one, we can include this in our rental equipment (a 5 gallon bucket w/gamma seal) at no additional charge. However, if it is necessary to use it, it becomes yours for a cost of $20.00.

You can clean the buckets at Maupin City Park. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has installed a scat machine that takes only the 5 gallon bucket system. Cost to clean your bucket is $1.00. It is recommended that you run it through the scat machine twice for a complete sanitation.

Bagged toilet systems are not allowed on the Deschutes, so if you have a Porta-Potty already, make sure it is approved for use on this river. We know this was waaay more than you wanted to know, but forewarned is forearmed.

Do I need to sign a waiver?

Yes, you can download the River Trails Liability Waiver Here

All parties must print, sign and bring with you for your trip.

How do I get to River Trails Raft Shop?

Directions

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 in town, cross the bridge over the Deschutes River
  • Take a left turn, and we are the big barn with a giant red roof on your right.

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 20 miles you will stay right on Bakeoven Rd. Do not cross the bridge.
  • We are the big barn with a giant red roof on your right.

Where do I view my pictures from my raft trip?

Several photos are taken at popular rapids by local photographers. To see photos from your trip, click here.

Camping / Overnight

Where should I camp in Maupin, Oregon?

Maupin City Park

cityofmaupin.org/services/
(541-395-2252)

Reservations are required to insure a spot on a busy weekend! They are located along the banks of the Deschutes, right across the street from our shop.

Riverview Campground

(541-395-2611)

A private campground located just where the river access road takes off for Harpham Flat. Reservations are recommended there as well. Both of these campgrounds do have curfews for quiet time making them a good choice for families and folks who like a little more peace and quiet while camping

Other

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also has several designated campsites along the Deschutes near Maupin. They are a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations). Fee boxes are installed for a self-pay system. Download this chart for more details.

It is recommended that you get there early if you want a campsite on a busy weekend (mid-July to the end of August).

Where should I camp if there is a large group?

Some of the campsites are for groups – 24 people is the maximum. Harpham Flat, Wapinitia and White River are the larger group sites. They offer good camping facilities (rest rooms), and are not far from our shop or the town of Maupin.

Where should I camp for the Deschutes Rapids & Camp – Outfitted Adventure?

For the chart of campsites’ location, size, and toilet facilities for this stretch of river click here.

If you would like to camp at Trout Creek:

Maupin to Trout Creek

Go south on Hwy 197 -23 miles to the junction with Hwy 97. Continue south on Hwy 97 to milepost 87. Turn right onto Qualle Road. Take a right onto the gravel road at the power substation. Stay on the gravel road until you come to a stop sign at the pavement. Turn right and go across the railroad tracks. Turn right again just after the RR tracks onto Clemens Dr. (a gravel road). Follow it approx. 3 miles to the Trout Creek Campground.

Mt. Hood Hwy 26 to Trout Creek

Go east on Hwy 26 over Mt. Hood to the town of Warm Springs. Stay on Hwy 26 past Warm Springs about 6 miles. Turn left onto Columbia Street. Stay on Columbia until you hit Juniper Lane. Turn right on Juniper Lane, approx.
4 miles to Gateway. Turn left just before the RR tracks onto Clemens Drive (a gravel road). Follow it approx. 3 miles to the Trout Creek Campground.

You can also go to the Bureau of Land Management website, now recreation.gov – to check on campsites on this upriver stretch. Remember, even if there is an outdoor bathroom at your campsite, you must still bring and set up a Porta-Potty because outdoor bathrooms on this stretch of river are changing and are not a sure thing even when listed.

Where should I camp for Deschutes to Columbia – Outfitted Adventure?

Sherar’s Falls to the mouth of the Deschutes

The Bureau of Land Management website is a good source for campsites along this stretch of the Deschutes (segments 3 and 4). Go to recreation.gov for a chart of facilities at each location.

I don’t want to camp – what should I do?

Stay in a motel, cabin, or B&B here in Maupin.

Deschutes Motel

deschutesmotel.com
541-395-2626

Oasis Cabins

deschutesriveroasis.com/
541-395-2611

Imperial River Company

deschutesriver.com
541-395-2404

River Run Lodge

riverrunlodge.net/
541-395-2747

What should I pack?

What to Pack/Wear on my Trip:
On the River in Warm Conditions:

  • Hat with brim (for sun protection)
  • Sunglasses with a strap- so you do not lose them in the water
  • Quick dry Shorts or swimsuit
  • Sturdy footwear. Our suggestion: sandals with straps or sneakers, or water shoes. No flip flops, croc style shoes or bare feet- for your safety.
  • Lip balm with SPF protection and Sunscreen that is waterproof

*We have dry bags available to rent for non-guided trips. For our guided and overnight trips, dry bags are available to rent at no extra cost. We also have items available for purchase if you forget anything- sunglass straps, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, raft shoes etc.

What to bring for after your trip:

  • A set of dry clothes, socks, and shoes
  • A bag for your wet clothes

On the River in Cool/Cold/Rainy Conditions:

  • Avoid all cotton items, as cotton gets cold when wet
  • Outer layer of windproof and waterproof jacket
  • Outer layer of windproof and waterproof pants
  • Thin, snug, warm hat
  • Synthetic or wool socks
  • Synthetic long sleeve shirt(s) for added layer
  • Synthetic long underwear layer

*the raft shop has dry suits available for rent, please inquire for pricing

Suggestions for Kids:

  • A pair of river shoes/sandals that wrap around toes and provide extra protection for the feet. Try to avoid slip on water socks
  • Hat and sunglasses with a strap- For added protection. We suggest with a strap, so they do not get lost in the river
  • Sunscreen- to be able to reapply throughout the trip and when needed

What to pack/wear (cont’d)
Over Night Guided Camping trips (All-Inclusive):

  • T-shirts and shorts
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Long pants
  • Sweatshirt or fleece top
  • Socks and underwear
  • Warm hat for those chilly evenings
  • Sneakers or light hiking boots (a pair that has been worn in. Nothing like sore feet after hiking in brand-new shoes- ouch!)
  • Small towel and travel-sized toiletries
  • Insect repellent
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Sunscreen
  • For chillier trips make sure you have plenty of polyester/fleece tops and bottoms for layering
  • Book/journal/etc. if you choose to do so
  • Sleeping bag; pillow

Suggestions for kids (in addition to list above)

  • Games: for example, card games, travel board games, a frisbee. We do not suggest any type of electronic games as they can get damaged either on the raft or at camp
  • Special snacks they love

Optional items:

  • Waterproof camera
  • Extra batteries (for flashlight, camera, etc.)
  • Soda, beer, wine, or your favorite drink- we will keep your drinks on ice, if you would like. We ask that drinks be contained in non-glass containers.
  • Small first aid kit: with band aids, ibuprofen, etc. While all guides carry their own supplies, it is handy to have your own.

*Dry bags are provided for rent at no extra cost on all overnight trips. We take care of everything else- food, cooking supplies, camping chairs. Think of this as a 5-star trip where you just need to bring clothes, rafting shoes, sun protection, pillow, sleeping bag and maybe a book.

It's time to start planning

We would love to answer any questions you have about River Trails Rafting, the Deschutes, or how to prepare for your upcoming rafting trip.

River Trails Deschutes

info@raftmaupin.com

Physical Address
201 Bakeoven Rd
Maupin, OR 97037

844-GOT-RAFT

Hours:

Monday - Sunday
8am - 8pm

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 309
Maupin, OR 97037