Deschutes River Guided Mulitday Trips

MEETING PLACE: Maupin, Oregon
MEETING TIME: Super Day 9:00 AM / Classic Day 10:00 AM / 2 to 5-Day Trips: 8:00 AM
RIVER RATING: Class II-III+ (read more on understanding white water classifications)
TRIP MILES: 12-97
RETURN TIME: 2- to 5-Day Trips 3:00-4:00.  Guests will be returned to Maupin, Oregon
TRIP LENGTH: 2, 3, 4 or 5 days. If you are looking for day trips on the Deschutes see our 1-day Deschutes Rafting page
AGE LIMIT: Minimum age is 7
BOAT TYPE: Paddle Raft, Oar Raft, Inflatable Kayaks

TRIP INCLUDES: Services of our talented adventure consultants and professional guides, all meals/beverages as indicated in the itinerary, all rafting/camping gear, transportation to/from river.
DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airfare/transportation to/from beginning and ending points, gratuities, travel protection plan, pre-& post-trip hotel, items of a personal nature

Day 1:  ARRIVE IN MAUPIN, ORIENTATION, LAUNCH & RAFT

Arrive in Maupin, Oregon at 9:00 AM for an orientation meeting and to get your dry bags to pack with your personal items. 

We depart Maupin to drive about one hour to the river put-in point.  Once at the river we have a safety talk.  Some main points will be the proper way to paddle and ride, how to swim safely in rapids and several other tips. After this, we load your personal gear into the rafts and start downstream.  Based on your reservation requests you will have a choice of paddle rafts or inflatable kayaks.

Summer days are typically hot and dry with highs in the daytime that reach 90-95 degrees and nights down to the 60's. 

The Lower Deschutes River is a “pool and drop” style trip, which means that there will be a long stretch of calm river punctuated by periodic rapids. The river starts out with plenty of flowing but smooth water where you learn how to maneuver.

At lunchtime, we stop on the river’s banks and while some of our crew prepare lunch, another guide gives a quick orientation on how to lessen our impact on nature. ROW follows the ethical standards of “Leave No Trace,” and you learn the proper place to dispose of trash, how to use the bathroom and where and how to wash up. This is followed by build-your-own deli sandwiches enjoyed in the beautiful open air. Around 4:00-5:00 pm we arrive at camp with time to hike, swim, fish, read or just relax.

At 6:00 we serve our legendary ROW d'oeuvres followed by dinner around 7:30 pm. After dinner we share stories, learn about the night sky and soak in the darkness beyond city lights. 

• ACCOMMODATIONS: Riverside Camping
• MEALS INCLUDED: L, D

Day 2: CONTINUING DOWNSTREAM

Tea and coffee is available by 7:00 am followed by a hearty breakfast around 7:30 am. While the guides clean up and pack the kitchen, you take down your ROW-provided tent and pack your personal gear. By 9:00 to 9:30 we set out for today's adventure. We are surrounded by gorgeous scenery, sunlight and exciting rapids on this day of your rafting trip. We learn about the native peoples of the area who lived here on millions of acres and built settlements along the Deschutes and other rivers. These rivers fed them with fish and provided spiritual inspiration. We may stop for a short walk to a point of interest, a swim through a mild rapid, or simply a stretch on the banks. At lunch, we stop at a place where you can swim and play some games. Then we climb aboard the rafts again for an afternoon of adventure. With luck, we may see eagles soaring overhead and other wildlife along the banks. Once we arrive at camp, we repeat our evening routine.  Or, if you are on a 2-day trip, we end by about 4:00 PM in Maupin.

• ACCOMMODATIONS: Riverside Camping
• MEALS INCLUDED: B, L, D

Day 3: MORE FUN RAPIDS AND EXPLORATION

On Day 3 of our 3-day trip, we enter the Maupin rafting day trip section which is a fun-filled day of rapids and discovery.  This is the day with Wapinita and Boxcar before lunch.  We have lunch in the small town of Maupin, then continue downriver to run Oak Springs, Roller Coaster, Surf City, and the Elevators!  We reach out take-out at Sandy Beach around  3:30 PM and have a short 20-minute drive back to Maupin where your car awaits.

• MEALS INCLUDED: B, L

*4-5 DAY TRIPS: Our 4 and 5-day itineraries follow a similar pattern as above.

DEPARTURE:
Some folks leave Maupin immediately after the end of the rafting trip, while others stick around the area.  There are limited accommodations in Maupin, so be sure to plan ahead.  There are several camping areas.  See our Accommodation Guide for more information.  

MEETING TIME: 

• 2 to 5-Day Trips: 8:00 AM

On the morning of your trip, we meet you for a short orientation meeting.  On overnight trips we also give you your waterproof bags to pack. We have some of our specialty outdoor items for sale such as ROW hats and eyeglass retainers. Please have breakfast on your own before we leave. 

LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS:
See our Accommodation Guide for ideas on where to stay near Maupin if you want to arrive the evening before.

DRIVING TO MAUPIN, OREGON:
Maupin is located on Highway 197 just two hours from Portland and one and half hours from Bend. Both cities have airports and car rental agencies. 

FLYING TO MAUPIN, OREGON:
The Portland airport is served by many airlines.  The Redmond/Bend, Oregon airport is served by five airlines including Allegiant Airlines, American Airlines, Alaska Air, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines.  From either airport you can rent a car and drive to the town of Maupin.

DESCHUTES RIVER ACCOMMODATIONS AND CAMPING 

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages more public lands than any other agency in the United States.  BLM lands surround the Lower Deschutes River corridor and there are quite a few riverside campgrounds not far from Maupin.  It’s important to note that these public campgrounds are available only on a first-come, first-serve basis, so on busy weekends space can sometimes be hard to come by.  Facilities include a pit toilet, but no running water other than the river itself.  campfires are prohibited so you need to bring a cookstove of some sort.  A list of nearby camps can be found through the BLM.

If you want to reserve something ahead of time, there are a couple of camping options.

One is the Maupin City Park located on the banks of the Deschutes on the edge of Maupin. There are grassy areas for tents as well as full RV sites.  Restrooms and running water are also part of the facilities.  For reservations, call (541)395-2252 or visit the City of Maupin Website. 

Another private campground is operated by the Oasis Café.  Located on a grassy slope on the north side of the river, it offers lovely views and nice facilities. They also offer simple cabin accommodations.  The ten cabins were once used by railroad workers and offer a glimpse into that time in history.  

Lodging options are very limited in Maupin and include:

• The 6-room Deschutes Motel 
• The River Run Lodge which is a particularly good choice for families or groups of up to 13.
• 20 minutes to the north is the small town of Dufur and the 20-room historic Balch Hotel.
• 45 minutes north of Maupin is the city of The Dalles with a number of accommodation options.
• About 45 minutes to the south is the city of Madras with several motels.

Located in the high desert of central Oregon, the lower Deschutes River has hot summer days and cool nights with very comfortable camping conditions.  It rarely rains, there are no mosquitoes and air temperatures are typically between 80-90 degrees during the day and 55-60 at night.  Water temperatures on the Deschutes range from around 60-70 degrees from mid-June to late August, with the higher end of this range happening from mid-July to mid-August.

WHEN TO GO:  We focus on the hot summer days that start in latter June and go to late August, as well as the beautiful late summer days of September.  There is practically no rain during this time and the days are hot and sunny.

Here at ROW Adventures, our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirement of the trip you choose. 

All of our multi-day rafting trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions.  ROW Adventures is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities, and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip.  We ask that you consult your Doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure.  In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:  

• Wear all protective and safety equipment that is required by ROW Adventures and recommended/required by industry-wide standards.
• Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for ROW Adventures activities.
• Reach the river access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Enter and exit the raft, or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.
• Perform all on water activities, including following instructions that like paddling commands from the guide in class I and higher whitewater on their own or with the assistance of a qualified companion. 
• Float on their back when entering moving and still water.  The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while underwater.
• Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a whitewater swim.
• Get out from under a raft, whether the raft is up-right or capsized, in moving water.
• Climb into the raft, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the river.
• Make progress toward the shoreline or a raft by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the river and ascend the shoreline once reached.
• Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of the trip. 
• Move about the campsite on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion on all trips that include overnight camping and/or lunch.

Packing properly for a river trip is CRITICAL to your enjoyment while on the river. We recommend that you prepare yourself for three basic scenarios:

• A cool day on the river.
• A warm day on the river.
• Time spent lounging in camp.

Take care of these, and you are free to let the river and the canyon work their magic. Weather in the northwest is unpredictable.

You must come prepared for the cold/wet weather and hot/sunny weather – sometimes even on the same day! The following information will help you be prepared for the expected as well as the unexpected events of your trip. You may not use all of the gear listed below, but we recommend bringing it all!

DRYBAGS THAT ROW PROVIDES

• One large waterproof bag (16” in diameter x 33” tall) per person. This will contain your ROW-supplied sleeping bag as well as your personal clothing and items. This bag is generally NOT accessible during the day as it goes ahead of the group with our cargo raft. 
  • *Note: This bag will also contain additional gear provided by ROW: Sleeping bag, flannel liner & pillow

• A small daypack (9” in diameter x 20” tall) for items you want to access during the day such as rain gear, sunscreen, camera, medications, etc.

WHAT YOU SHOULD PACK:
All of your personal items should be packed into a soft-sided duffle bag approximately 12” x 13” x 24” in size. Due to weight allowances and raft space, please limit your gear to 20-25 pounds. This bag will then go inside of your large waterproof bag provided by ROW.

ITEMS FOR ON THE RIVER

• Two T-Shirts (1 quick dry and 1 cotton for a hot day)
• One light long-sleeved shirt for sun protection and cool evenings. Popular options are a rash guard or sunscreen shirts.
• Two pairs of shorts (nylon quick drying always better than cotton).
• Light pants are great for sun protection or on a windy day. Lightweight zip off pants works great.
• Swimsuit – two-piece suits are easier for women - tankinis with river shorts are a great option.
• One pair of river sandals (must have an ankle strap, no flipflops!) Velcro is okay if in good condition. Popular name brands include Chaco, Teva, Keen, or Merrells. Tennis shoes with wool or polypropylene socks are a good option if your feet tend to get cold.
• One Cap, Sun Hat or Visor (ROW hats are available when you arrive.)

ITEMS FOR YOUR DRY BAG ON THE RIVER

• One rain suit, jacket & pants (windbreaker without cotton liner works well, but no cheap ponchos)
• Mid-weight to light-weight long underwear tops and bottoms made of polypropylene, silk or merino wool. This is an optional suggestion in case of a cool weather situation. 
• One synthetic or wool mid-weight sweaters for layering on the river on cool days.
• Sunglasses with retaining cord/device
• Bee Sting kit for those allergic to bees
• Sun Screen
• Water bottle with carabiner
• Extra Sun Hat, Cap or Visor
• ITEMS FOR TIME AT CAMP
• Two Short sleeve shirts (Cotton is fine for on shore camping)
• One pair of pants (lightweight nylon, cotton or fleece)
• Pair of shorts
• One synthetic mid-weight sweaters for cool evenings (same one you have for the day)
• Underwear and socks, beanie hat for cool mornings
• Flashlight or headlamp with extra bulb and batteries
• Skin lotion, lip balm, waterproof sunscreen, etc.
• Toilet kit - toothbrush and paste, soap ( biodegradable is best, no soaps can be used in the river), camp towel, washcloth, comb, handkerchief, a small pack of tissues, small mirror, moist towelettes, shaving stuff, feminine sanitary supplies, etc.
• Extra eyeglasses and/or contact lenses strongly suggested. ALL glasses need a head strap!
• One pair of tennis shoes or walking shoes for cooler weather and hiking. (We don’t recommend you bring large hiking boots as they take up too much space and aren’t necessary.) You can wear the same river sandals in camp too.

OPTIONAL ITEMS

• Camera – waterproof digital with extra batteries & memory card recommended. Many guests use smartphones (there is NOT cell service on the river). A waterproof case and a flotation device is highly recommended for protection and ease of use.
• Paddling Gloves
• Sarong – many uses for both ladies and men - a good item to help you cool off if you do not want to swim.
• Sundress for camp – ladies
• 2-3 Carabiners for clipping items to the boat
• Binoculars if you’re a bird watcher
• Nylon bags (2-3 for separating dirty/wet clothes in your waterproof bag)
• Cards, games, books, musical instruments, journals
• Fishing gear and Oregon fishing license if you plan to fish.  The rod should be in a protective case & disassembled. 

LAYERING FOR OUTDOOR COMFORT
Clothing layers are the thermostat of the wilderness. As you get ready for your river trip, think about dressing in layers. By adding and subtracting layers you can keep yourself perfectly comfortable. If you were to look into the dry bags of a well-prepared river guide you would see packing for three weather scenarios -- cold, wet days; hot, summer days; and cool evenings and mornings in camp. All of your on-river clothing should be made from synthetic fabrics with names like fleece, pile, polypropylene, Capilene™ or polyester or natural fabrics like merino wool or silk.  A cotton T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt is used occasionally on hot, sunny days, but cotton clothing is best saved for on-shore camp use. 

• LAYER #1: The layer next to your skin should be close-fitting and thin. Start with a swimsuit and/or swim trunks and synthetic or merino wool shirt as a base layer. You do not want to wear cotton on the river. The evaporation of water from a wet cotton layer will actually make you colder! Synthetic and wool fibers maintain insulative properties when wet and "wick" moisture away from your skin.
• LAYER #2: The next layer should also be made of a synthetic fiber or wool, but should be a bit heavier in weight. If you get too warm you can always peel this layer off.
• LAYER #3: The outer layer is what is known as the "barrier" layer. This layer should be waterproof and loose-fitting enough to give you a good range of motion. The idea of this layer is to seal out water, and seal in the warmth generated by you and insulated by layers # 1 and # 2. A good rain suit can do the job, or a good paddling jacket and pants. Not only will this protect you from rainstorms, but chilly water temperatures when running rapids as well! 

FISHING
If you plan to fish, please bring your own fishing gear (with a protective case), as we do not have any to loan. An OREGON fishing license is required if you plan on fishing. Fishing from watercraft is not allowed on the Lower Deschutes, so you have to be on shore to fish.  You can pre-purchase a license by going to the following website.

https://www.takemefishing.org/oregon/fishing-license

LIQUOR AND PREFERED BEVERAGES
ROW packs moderate quantity of soft drinks as well as wine and beer for legal age guests. If you bring liquor, please give it to your guide in a labeled plastic container. Beer should be in cans - No glass beer bottles please. Bottled wine is fine.

DESCHUTES RIVER READING LIST - Some of our favorite books on the Deschutes River

• The Deschutes River Railroad War

• Fishing Oregon's Deschutes River

DESCHUTES RIVER BLM MAP

•  https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/lotteries-and-permit-systems/oregon-washington/lower-deschutes/maps

VISIT OREGON SITE:

• https://traveloregon.com/

OUR COMMITMENT
Our hope is that your first trip with ROW Adventures is just one of many. Thus our goal is to provide thorough and complete communications and be clear with the details of our agreement with you.  Because the fine print sometimes changes, you will receive the most current Terms & Conditions along with your travel documents at the time of booking.

PRIVACY POLICY
Our terms and conditions include this Privacy Policy with regards to sharing customer information, data collection, marketing, email newsletters, and cookies.

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP
We do our best to provide you with all kinds of great resources to prepare for your trip.  These include packing lists, reading lists, detailed itineraries and more.  All of our multiday river camping trips include tents, sleeping bags, and pads.  The reservation packet that we send you will include a detailed gear list of what you should bring.   

Most of our trips are suitable for beginners; however, some are more active than others.  A spirit of flexibility and adventure is a good thing to bring along.   It’s important that you understand the physical requirements for whatever trip you choose.  If you’re not sure about this, or you’re not sure which trip or date will best meet your needs, please call for advice from our talented and knowledgeable Adventure Consultants.  Be sure to read the “Trip Member’s Responsibility” below and if you have any medical concerns, we encourage you to speak with your doctor before reserving space on a trip.

If you are planning a special event during the trip such as a birthday or anniversary, please let us know as always have a few surprises up our sleeves.  On our trip application form, you can indicate any food need you might have and we’re happy to accommodate those.

HOW TO SIGN UP
To make a reservation, please contact us by one of the following methods:
1)    Call us at 800-451-6034 – Monday-Friday from 8:30 to 5:00 pm Pacific Time.  
2)    Send us an email at info@ROWadventures.com
3)    Use the “Book Now” tab found on some trip pages on our website.

We accept all major credit cards for the initial deposit.  When we receive your reservation request we will hold your space and send you a confirmation packet including, invoice, trip application, waiver, and a suggested packing list.  However, confirmation is not final until we also receive a copy of your completed trip application and deposit.  Credit cards are accepted for deposits  – balance is preferred by check. Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.  You are welcome to pay the final balance with a credit card with an additional 3% administrative fee. While it is often possible to join one of our trips on short notice, space is limited and we recommend you sign up well in advance.

DEPOSITS

• The following deposit amounts are required to confirm your space(s) within 10 days of your reservation:
• Trips lasting 6 or more days: $600 per person.
• Trips lasting 5 days: $500 per person.
• Trips lasting 4 days: $400 per person.
• Trips lasting 3 days: $300 per person.
• Trips lasting 2 days: $100 per person  
• Trips lasting 1 day: $50 per person  

BALANCE DUE
USA-based trips:  Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure. 

Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.  You are welcome to pay the final balance with a credit card with an additional 3% administrative fee. ** DAY TOURS ARE DIFFERENT
Reservations made after the balance due date must be paid in full at the time of booking. We reserve the right to cancel your reservation if full payment is not received by the due date.  

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
If you find it necessary to cancel your trip, you should notify ROW Adventures in writing, by e-mail or fax immediately.  If written cancellation is received (call to verify) before the final balance is due, you will be given a refund less the amount of the deposit.  Deposits are not refundable.  If cancellations are made on or after the final due date, no money will be refunded.  If you are unable to go on the trip, you are welcome to find a replacement for yourself.  Please understand that once you’ve signed up, we lose the right to sell your reserved space to other individuals or groups.  Therefore, we regret that we cannot make exceptions for personal emergencies.  For this reason, we strongly recommend you consider purchasing the Travel Protection Plan ROW offers.

TRANSFER FEES
If you transfer from one trip to another, there is a $75 per person charge for USA-based trips (within the same season) up until 60 days prior to departure. Transfers made after these times are treated as cancellations. 

GROUP AND CHARTER RATES
On our Deschutes River trips, we offer a Group Rate for groups of 10 or more.  We are also happy to arrange private charter trips. Contact us for details.

TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN
We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan which can include a full trip refund should you cancel at any time for medical or health reasons.  Coverage also includes medical evacuation, trip delay, and other elements.  Because so many of our guests purchase this plan, on trips lasting 3 or more days, we add the cost to your invoice as a convenience and it becomes effective on the day your premium is received in our office.  Should you not wish to purchase this travel plan, simply deduct its cost from your invoice. **Do we want to do this on Deschutes??

TRIP MEMBER'S RESPONSIBILITY
Trip members have the responsibility to select a trip appropriate to their abilities and interests. We are happy to discuss the trip with you if you have any questions or concerns. Trip members are held responsible for being in sufficiently good health to undertake the trip. Members are also responsible for studying all pre-departure information; for bringing the appropriate clothing and equipment as detailed therein and, for acting in a manner considerate of fellow group members.

Any person who is diabetic, epileptic, or asthmatic or has a history of heart trouble, is allergic to bee/scorpion stings or takes daily prescription drugs should include this information on the reservation form or inform our office. Trip members will also alert their guide (s) of any medical history that could become a problem on the trip. People with a history of heart trouble, pregnant women or any other potentially serious medical condition should consult their doctor before coming on a trip.

RESPONSIBILITY ~ AN IMPORTANT NOTICE
Payment of your deposit represents your acceptance of the following conditions: ROW Inc., ROW Oregon LLC and Remote Odysseys Worldwide, Inc. (dba ROW Adventures), its subsidiaries and cooperating agencies act only in the capacity of agents for the participants in all matters relating to transportation and/or all other related travel services, and assume no responsibility or liability whatsoever for injury, loss or damage to person or property, however caused, in connection with any service, including, but not limited to, that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, irregularity, annoyance, delays and expenses arising from strikes, theft, quarantine, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, government restrictions or regulations, civil disturbances, and discrepancies or changes in transit over which we have no control.

ROW Adventures reserves the right, either prior to or after departure, in its good-faith discretion and in circumstances that warrant it, to change or re-price any tour, trip, or expedition.  This includes the possibility of moving to a different river or river segment due to extreme water conditions, forest fires, road closures and/or acts of God. If we are not able to provide a substitute trip, river, or altered itinerary and have to cancel the departure completely, you will be refunded in full. Refunds are limited to the amount actually paid to ROW Adventures.

ROW Adventures reserved the right to cancel trips that are below the trip minimum (usually 4-5 persons).  All trip members will be notified a minimum of 30 days before the trip departs and will receive a full refund.

In the event of trip cancellation, ROW Adventures is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by trip members, such as penalties incurred through the purchase of non-refundable airline tickets, medical expenses, and passport and visa fees.

PERMITTING AGENCIES
ROW Oregon LLC, doing business as ROW Adventures, is proud to be an Equal Opportunity recreation service provider under permit from the Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District. This permit allow us to provide services and access to some of America’s most astounding resources that might otherwise be inaccessible to most members of the public.
All our operations and facilities are operated on a non-discriminatory basis.

ROW Oregon LLC is bonded and fully licensed by the Oregon State Marine Board.  We are members of the America Outdoors Association; the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and many other effective organizations.

WAITING LISTS
If you wish to be wait-listed for a full trip, the normal deposit is required.  If an opening occurs on the trip, you will be informed and automatically transferred to the trip roster if you wish to join the trip, subject to the normal cancellation policy should you accept the slot. Otherwise, your deposit will be refunded in full.

ROW Adventures reserved the right to take photographic or film records of any of our trips and may use any such records for promotional and/or commercial purposes.

ROW Adventures reserved the right to decline to accept- or restrain from further participation- any person whose actions or deportment impede trip operations or rights, welfare or enjoyment of other trip members.  A refund based on the cost of unused land services is the limit of ROW Adventures’ responsibility.