Lower Deschutes Classic 3-Day Rafting Trip

During our pre-trip meeting, we will provide you with a large dry bag (camp bag) and a small dry bag (day bag). These waterproof bags will carry your belongings for the duration of our time on the river. The large dry bag measures 16″ in diameter and 25″ tall when closure is rolled to maximum volume. Pack your clothing into a soft duffle bag or laundry bag so that it easily fits into the dry bag next to other items. Use small ziplock bags to organize medicines and toiletries. Be sure to bring a small pillow as well. Please reference the packing list below for a full list of supplies to bring on your trip.

_____ 1 pair shoes you don't mind getting wet (tennis shoes, strap on sandals) _____ 1 pair camp shoes (tennis shoes, sandals, lightweight boots, loafers) _____ 2-3 shorts (swimsuit, Quick-Dry Shorts for Boat, cotton/jean shorts for camp) _____ 1-2 pair pants for camp (jogging pants, jeans, sweats, etc.) _____ 2-3 lightweight shirts (short sleeve, tank top, synthetic/quick dry, etc.) _____ 1 shirt or sweater, long sleeve, flannel _____ 2-3 pairs of socks _____ undergarments – 1 per day _____ 1 rain jacket, wind breaker or lightweight jacket with hood _____ 1-2 sun visor/baseball or broad-brim hats (1 beanie as desired) _____ 1 bandana or hankie _____ 1 water bottle, we provide purified water for refills _____ sun screen/block _____ sun glasses _____ eye/sun glasses retainers _____ spare eyeglasses/contacts/sunglasses _____ personal toiletries _____ 2 sets of medication (in separate sealed containers) _____ insect repellent _____ camera _____ favorite book and writing materials _____ 1 headlamp or small flash light and extra set of batteries _____ personal beverages. We provide coolers, storage boxes and ice. We also provide water, lemonade, coffee, hot tea, and cocoa. Please feel free to bring your favorite soda, fruit drink, canned beer, wine or liquor and mix. _____ 1 bath towel, 1 hand towel, 1 washcloth, biodegradable soap _____ sleeping bag (NRA can provide as requested), 1 small pillow

Average Highs / Lows in Fahrenheit for Lower Deschutes River

April: 61 / 37 May: 67 / 43 June: 75 / 50 July: 84 / 56 August: 85 / 55 September: 76 / 47 October: 64 / 39

Yes, absolutely! Cans are best, but we can also take glass bottles as long as extreme care is practiced to avoid broken glass accidents. We have safe storage space in dry boxes and coolers. For obvious safety reasons, we do not provide access to alcoholic beverages while on the river. Do not pack any beverages in your personal dry bags as they could break or rupture. Please give any containers to your guide for safekeeping.

We are proud to offer sleeping pads that are ultra-comfortable, thick, and extremely durable that are made for river trips for our guests. Since our sleeping pads are waterproof and inflatable, try floating on yours in the river next to camp to beat the afternoon heat!

Depending on where we camp, there will either be an outhouse or porta-potty set up near camp. If we have a porta-potty, we will have it set-up in a private location that is easily accessed from camp. We provide toilet paper and use an indicator (normally a paddle) to show whether the “bathroom” is in use. We also encourage guests to urinate directly into the river when possible. The solution to pollution is dilution!

We’ll be traveling through a wilderness area that is home to many creatures. On our Lower Deschutes trips, we may see big-horned sheep, otters, beavers, deer, birds of prey, and wild horses. We take precautions to keep human and wildlife interactions to a minimum and these will be discussed by our guides before your trip and at camp.

Bugs are going to be a part of any outdoor adventure and we recommend packing mosquito repellent as they tend to show themselves late in the afternoon and early evening. Ticks are also something to be aware of and it is advisable to check yourself every morning or evening in the privacy of your tent. Tweezers are very useful in carefully removing any ticks. If you have severe allergic reactions to bug bites and/or bee stings, please bring any and all necessary medications and devices to prevent anaphylaxis.

Rattlesnakes are part of the healthy ecosystem of the Lower Deschutes River. Although they are rarely seen in camp, one must take care when exploring outside of camp and keep a keen eye and ear to avoid any unwanted interactions.

Poison Oak can also be found on the Lower Deschutes River. If you have had severe allergic reactions when you’ve come into contact with Poison Oak in the past, we highly recommend that you bring with you any and all necessary medications and devices to prevent anaphylaxis.

Our Lower Deschutes trips accommodate up to 13 guests total, creating the perfect group size for building camaraderie without feeling crowded. Many of our guests find that sharing the river with like-minded individuals and families adds to the experience—meals feel like a shared celebration, campfire conversations flow easily, and a special sense of community often forms by the end of the trip.

That said, if you're looking for a more intimate experience, groups of 6 or more can typically be arranged as a private trip. Just select the private rafter option at checkout or reach out to let us know your preference.

We typically raft the 51.6-mile stretch from Warm Springs to Sandy Beach, one of the most scenic and iconic sections of the Lower Deschutes River. This route winds through dramatic basalt canyons, past hidden waterfalls, ancient petroglyphs, and rolling high-desert landscapes. It offers a mix of fun Class II–III rapids and mellow stretches perfect for swimming, relaxing, and taking in the views.