BEND RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Deschutes All Day: A Family Rafting Run Through Basalt Canyons
A 4.5-hour, 13-mile lower Deschutes River trip with class III rapids, a riverside lunch and big‑sky canyon scenery—essential reading for families and first-time paddlers.
Deschutes All Day: A Family Rafting Run Through Basalt Canyons.
Ride the lower Deschutes as it carves through eastern Oregon’s high‑desert canyons on an all‑day float that mixes class III whitewater with long scenic stretches under basalt cliffs. The run covers 13 miles in roughly four and a half hours and pairs adrenaline‑charged rapids with a riverside lunch, swimming stops and chances to spot native wildlife—an offering tailored to families and first‑time rafters alike.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Class III Thrills
The trip includes multiple class III rapids that provide sustained, exciting whitewater suitable for guests seeking a lively but accessible rafting experience.
Basalt Canyons and Big Sky
Paddlers move through classic western canyon scenery—basalt rock cliffs and expansive high‑desert sky—interspersed with quieter stretches ideal for swimming and wildlife viewing.
Built for Families and First‑Timers
Designed to accommodate families and novices, the full‑day outing balances whitewater excitement with relaxed river stops and a riverside lunch to keep all ages engaged.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
From the put‑in at Maupin, the run unfolds across 13 miles of the lower Deschutes in about 4½ hours: alternating pulses of class III rapids and long scenic reaches beneath basalt cliffs, with scheduled pauses for a riverside lunch and swimming in calmer sections. Expect a day that blends athletic fun and immersive canyon scenery, with opportunities to spot native wildlife along the banks.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Trips operate rain or shine; Sun Country Tours is not responsible for cancellations or modifications due to weather, road hazards, vehicle breakdowns or other unforeseen conditions and reserves the right to cancel or modify trips.
The outing runs approximately 4.5 hours and covers about 13 miles of the lower Deschutes River.
Kids under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian at check‑in; unaccompanied minors must have a digital waiver signed prior to the trip. Cancellation policy details are provided in the reservation confirmation.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the All Day Adventure?
The trip lasts approximately 4.5 hours and covers roughly 13 miles on the lower Deschutes River.
What age can children participate?
All children must be at least 6 years old and must weigh at least 45 pounds due to life‑jacket requirements.
What level of rapids will we run?
The trip includes exciting class III rapids.
Do I need to sign anything for minors?
Yes—kids under 18 require a waiver signed by a parent or guardian at check‑in; if not accompanied by a parent or guardian, a digital waiver must be completed prior to the trip.
What if the weather is bad?
Sun Country Tours runs trips rain or shine and is not responsible for cancellations or trip modifications due to weather, road hazards, vehicle breakdowns or other unforeseen conditions; they reserve the right to cancel or modify trips.
Is this trip appropriate for first‑time rafters?
Yes—this all‑day adventure is described as perfect for families and first‑timers while including class III rapids.