Rising on the eastern slopes of the
Cascade Mountains south of
La Pine, the Deschutes River flows northward through
Bend. It is dammed just below its confluence with the
Metolius River, forming
Lake Billy Chinook. Continuing northward, it flows through
Maupin and eventually reaches the
Columbia River east of
The Dalles.
The Lewis & Clark Expedition camped near the mouth of the Deschutes River during their return trip upriver on April 21, 1806.
The Deschutes is a popular whitewater rafting river, with many Class III rapids. The river is perfect for families and first-time rafters.
Rising on the eastern slopes of the