Lower Deschutes River Boater Pass

Lower Deschutes River Segments and Boat-in Camping Information 

The Lower Deschutes River is divided into four segments based on geographical features, public road access, and recreation use patterns. Boating experiences and recreation opportunities vary by segment. The information below can help you select the segment that best meets the experience you want to have. 

Boater Pass Reservation Tip 

When passing from one segment to another in the same day, there must be boater passes available for reservation in each segment you are passing through. For example, if you are boating from Segment 3 to Segment 4 on July 31st, there must be available passes in both segments on that day. 

River Segments (View Map) 

Segment 1 – Above Warm Springs to Harpham Flat  

Outstanding fishing opportunities abound for steelhead, Chinook and trout with seasons that vary, but generally run from April through October. This 27 mile, remote section of the river is also popular for multi-day rafting trips, especially over Memorial Day weekend and during the warmer months of mid-June through mid-September. The 10 mile stretch from Warm Springs to Trout Creek has no rapids so it is a good choice for those with less experience. Motorized boating is not permitted in Segment 1. Limited entry days for Segment 1 include: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 15 - September 15. 

Boat-in camping in Segment 1 is restricted to designated sites only. Sites are marked by posts and numbered according to river mile. 

Segment 2 - Harpham Flat to Sandy Beach  

Several challenging rapids (Class III+) and easy road access make this the most popular segment for one-day whitewater boating trips, with most use occurring from June through mid-September. This segment also sports year-round trout and steelhead fishing. All boaters must exit at Sandy Beach or above. A vehicle portage around Sherars Falls is required if continuing into Segment 3. Motorized boating is not permitted in Segment 2. 

All camping in Segment 2 is restricted to developed fee campgrounds. 

Segment 3A – Buckhollow to Pine Tree  

Segment 2 boaters desiring to add a few extra miles onto their trip can hire a vehicle portage around Sherars Falls and continue from Segment 2 into Segment 3, launching again at Buckhollow and generally ending their trip at Pine Tree. The four-mile stretch from Buckhollow to Pine Tree offers a short scenic float without rapids, for those with less experience or short on time. Motorized boating is not permitted in Segment 3A between June 15 and September 30. Limited entry days for Segment 3A include: seven days a week from May 15 - September 15. 

All camping on the east side (river right) in Segment 3A is restricted to developed fee campgrounds. 

Segment 3B – Pine Tree to Macks Canyon 

Steelhead fishing is popular on this segment, as are multi-day boating trips that continue into Segment 4. The 15-mile stretch from Pine Tree to Macks Canyon offers a scenic float without rapids, for those with less experience. Motorized boating is not permitted in Segment 3B between June 15 and September 30. Limited entry days for Segment 3B include: seven days a week from May 15 - September 15. 

All camping on the east side (river right) in Segment 3A is restricted to developed fee campgrounds. 

Segment 4 - Macks Canyon to Heritage Landing 

Rapids are Class III or below. There is no road access between Macks Canyon and Heritage Landing. Limited entry days for Segment 4 include: seven days a week from 5/15 – 10/15. Motorized boating is allowed all year, except on alternating weekends from 6/15 to 9/30. See the Lower Deschutes Motorboat Schedule . 

All floating craft except float tubes, must observe a pass-through zone in Segment 4 from Rattlesnake Rapids to the no-wake zone below Moody Rapids. No stopping allowed in this zone; the area is set aside for hikers & mtn. bikers. Swimming or use of inner-tubes and other water toys are not allowed in Moody Rapids on days when motorboats are allowed. Water toys attached to banks by line are prohibited. Fixing line across river is prohibited. 

When motorized watercraft is allowed, camping in one campsite is limited to no more than 9 consecutive nights between May 15 and October 15. After these limits are reached, ALL camping equipment and personal property must then be removed and cannot be relocated within 1/4 mile of the same site for 14 days. 

Invasive Species - YOU can help lessen the spread of invasive species!

• Limit travel through weed-infested areas. When setting up camp, don't encourage foot traffic through weeds. 
• Before departing campsites AND upon reaching the takeout: inspect your clothing, gear and watercraft for plants and animals, such as snails.
• Use caution if you pull weeds; gloves are recommended as some species are harmful, and insects may have been released to help control weeds.
• Areas recently treated should be signed, and blue dye may be observed on plants.
• Clean, drain, and dry your watercraft after use to prevent spread of invasive species