We do a self support on the Deschutes every year. I'm not sure which run you are interested in, as there are 2 that I know of. The "upper," starts at either Warm Springs off OR26 and goes roughly 53 miles to Sandy Beach, just north of Maupin. We like the alternate put in at Trout Creek, because it shaves off 9 miles of flatwater. There is a lot of flatwater on the trip, anyway, but the camping is great, interesting wildlife from rattlesnakes, birds, wild horses, deer and coyote. In April or May the water is higher and count on 6000 to 10,000 CFS, though I've really only seen it go up to 8k.

The biggest rapid that is not roadside is Whitehorse. It is 3+ big water run and long. There is a short and fast moving pool that goes right into another long-ish 2 to 2+ after the main drop. Any carp will be in the water for quite awhile. On the left side there is an easier channel to bump down at lower water. Quite possibly you could walk the left "bank" but it's a long scramble across mid size boulders. The other reason I mention the left channel is that if someone swims, the possibility of getting into an eddy on the left side is much better than the main channel. If someone swims the main channel they better be like Michael Phelps or it's on to Lower Whitehorse they go.

Other than that, count on wind in the afternoon, no campfires from May to October, but great camping. I like Upper Dant on that section. We've camped in between the Whitehorses and just above depending, on how long the shuttle takes, (more on that later.) The day stretch is above and below Maupin. Straight forward except Oak Springs which is rated either 4 or 3+ depending the source. Easy portage on the right. Don't swim it as there are reefs below the main hole that will tear the hell out of you. Ask me how I know.

The lower section just north of Maupin is interesting, also with great camping. There is a much longer flatwater section, but the length is the same as the upper at 44 miles. Not quite as many rapids, nor are they quite as memorable as Whitehorse or Oak Springs. At higher water in the spring they seem to me to get that washed out feeling. In late summer flows, I actually enjoyed it more as they were sharper and I felt busier.

Lots of information at www.boaterpass.com. We have used Linda's River Shuttles to have the car waiting for us at the takeout. On the lower stretch it was like a hundred bucks. Kinda worth it when even weekend warriors like me are pressed for time. The shuttle on either section is about 3 hours, otherwise. On 3 day weekends, consider the FR23 that connects the Cispus drainage to the White Salmon, due to I-5 holiday traffic. Be advised to check with the Forest Service during spring to summer if it is open or there are slides. One last note, the upper section is more popular and getting a permit, especially for 3 day weekends will require a little more pre-planning. Feel free to PM me if you need more info. We will likely be doing the upper next Memorial Day weekend if you or anyone else wants to come along. Might even be able to get a rafter to take the "beer equation" out of the picture.

Cheers,

Rob G

...And if you got any hot chicks going rafting with you, ask me about the "Maupin Special"

Yes, I'm curious also.