10/17/2024 Lower Deschutes River Maupin City Park SCAT Machine Closure Notification: Please be advised that the SCAT machine located at Maupin City Park is closed for the 2024-2025 winter season. Anticipated re-opening of the SCAT machine is spring 2025. As a reminder, all boaters must carry and use the approved human waste pack out system.
Lower Deschutes River Boater Pass
It’s time to discover the wonders of the Lower Deschutes River! Float through steep walls of basalt cliffs to enjoy world-class fishing, exciting whitewater and beautiful scenery on this spectacular river. Every day offers opportunities to experience a diverse community of fish, wildlife, vegetation, and the incredible geologic and cultural history of the region.
The Deschutes River begins high in the Cascade Mountains and travels 252-miles north to the Columbia River. The last 100 miles of the river’s path are known as the Lower Deschutes River, which is designated as both a Federal Wild and Scenic River and an Oregon Scenic Waterway.
The Lower Deschutes has a unique flow that is fairly uniform compared to other similar rivers. The annual fluctuation between flows is small due to the many springs that feed the river in the upper reaches, and the effects of the Pelton Reregulation Dam, which delivers a uniform flow for the last 100 miles.
Whitewater rafting, kayaking, drift and jetboating are all available on the Lower Deschutes River. For thrilling whitewater, the most popular section is the 10 mile day-float from Harpham Flat to Sandy Beach, with rapids rated up to Class III+. Anglers from all over the world are drawn to the river for the abundant trout and steelhead fishing. The river also offers opportunities for overnight boating trips, drive-in camping, hiking, mountain biking and hunting.
The Lower Deschutes uses a Boater Pass system to protect it from excessive human impacts. Boater Passes are required year-round for day and overnight use for anyone using a watercraft or floating device for transport. As part of that protection plan, we also ask you to learn and practice “Leave No Trace” ethics and leave no trace of your visit.
If you plan to camp overnight in a drive-in campground, be sure to arrive early to get a campsite, as no reservations are taken and campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Lower Deschutes has a rich cultural history, providing sustenance for thousands of years to the Warm Springs and Wasco people moving seasonally through the area. In the 1800s, due to increasing pressure from settlers, many moved to the lands now known as the Warm Springs Reservation, which borders much of the west side of the Lower Deschutes. Members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs retain their fishing rights and can be seen dip net fishing the traditional way on platforms over the river just below Sherars Falls.
The elevation drops from 1,393 feet at Pelton Dam to 160 feet at its confluence with the Columbia River. The most significant drops in gradient are Sherars Falls (River Mile 44), with a vertical drop of 15 feet, and Whitehorse Rapids (River Mile 75), with a gradient of approximately 35-40 feet over one mile.
The Lower Deschutes River is managed cooperatively by three agencies: Prineville District Bureau of Land Management; the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs; and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Permit & Season Information
Boater Passes are required year-round for anyone using a watercraft or any other floating device as a means of transport on the Lower Deschutes River. The Lower Deschutes is divided into 5 segments. The Boater Pass is only valid for the segments and dates for which it is issued and for only one group. Each person may be named as group leader or alternate leader on only one Limited Entry Pass at a time.
Access is restricted to a limited number of boaters on:
Segment 1: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 15 - September 15
Segment 2: No Limits
Segment 3A & 3B: No Limits
Segment 4: 7 days a week, May 15 - October 15
Learn more about the 5 unique Lower Deschutes River Segments.
Limited Entry Pass Availability
Passes become available in a batch rolling release as follows:
• 26 weeks in advance - 50% of passes released
• 4 weeks in advance - 30% of passes released
• 1 week in advance - 20% of passes released
Important Dates
| Dates | Information |
|---|---|
| November 8, 2024 - October 10, 2025 |
How Does the Quota Work for this Permit?
The quota for a Boater Pass is measured by the number of individual boaters accessing a specific segment per day.
Segments w/Limited Entry Dates & Quotas
Segment 1: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 15 – September/15, 550 boaters per day
Segment 4: 7 days a week, May 15 - October 15/214 boaters per day
Passing Through Multiple River Segments
If you pass through two segments in the same day, there must be a Boater Pass available in each segment (e.g. if you are boating from Segment 3B to Segment 4 on 8/1, there must be available passes in both segments on that day). Boater Passes aren’t transferable and the group leader or alternate leader named on the pass must be present the entire trip.
Maximum Group Size
Definition of group size is total people in group including guides regardless of number of boats used for float.
Group size is a maximum of 16 people in Segments 1, 3B (Pine Tree to Macks Canyon) & 4; and 24 in Segment 2 & 3A (Buckhollow to Pine Tree).
