The Deschutes River State Recreation Area is a tree-shaded, overnight oasis for campers. The sparkle-laden, swift, green rush of the Deschutes converges with the Columbia here, and there's no better place for family outing activities like hiking, mountain biking, camping, rafting, world-class steelhead and trout fishing, and equestrian trail riding.
Trail riding is permitted March through June. Reservations are required. Up to 10 horses are permitted on the trail per day [read rest of trail rules], and to make your reservation, call 1-800-452-5687. There is a $6 nonrefundable reservation fee per phone call for this service; for example, if you use one call to make a reservation for a party of 4 horses, the reservation fee is still just $6. You can reserve one date per call.
A mountain bike trail begins at the park entrance and follows the Deschutes River for 17 miles. Trailhead parking is located right at the entrance. The trail, itself, is an old railroad bed; so it is very wide. The surface is dirt with some compacted gravel areas, and is not suited to street bicycles. Horses also travel on it from March 1 to June 30.
Spring comes early in the Deschutes canyon, painting the walls of the canyon green for a few months each year, before heat begins to build in June, turning the vegetation a golden shade of brown. The canyon is sheltered and warmer than you might think; the first wildflowers break from winter's grip in late February. What a great escape from the rainy weather!
The Atiyeh Deschutes River Trail at river level is a favorite jaunt for hikers on hot summer days. You just can't beat the cool river and the shade of white alder trees (and while you're resting, look for the hanging basket-type nests built by the orioles).
The Deschutes, which is both a national and state scenic waterway, drops about a quarter of a mile in its final 100 miles as it twists through canyons 700 to 2,200 feet deep - great for days of fun whitewater rafting, kayaking, and inner-tubing.
Heritage Landing is a popular jetboaters launch. It provides access to the Deschutes and Columbia Rivers. This is where river guides meet their clients, families gather to head out onto the Columbia River for salmon fishing or water skiing, and everyone collects to share the excitement of their big catch. Jetboating is allowed on the lower segment of the Deschutes River all year 'round except alternating weekends from June - September; boaters passes are required.
The lower two miles of the Deschutes River is a PASS THROUGH zone for boaters. This provides fishing access for the many hike-up anglers that depart from Heritage Landing and use the river trails.
 (751k; full park brochure and map; requires Acrobat)
 (253k; just the campground map; requires Acrobat)
Vital stats
This park has restrooms, but no showers. 34 electric sites (maximum length 50 feet). 25 primitive sites (a few are longer than 30 feet); and group RV/tent (4 reservation areas). One extra vehicle allowed per site (all others must be parked in overnight lot). Call (541) 739-2322 or (800) 551-6949 for information. To make reservations, call 1-800-452-5687.
Park rates (subject to rate changes; winter, emergency or other closures)
May 1 to September 30
Electrical hookup: $16
Primitive/Overflow: $8
Extra vehicle: $5
Group (tent): $61
| | October 1 to April 30 (Discovery Season)
Electrical hookup: $12
Primitive/Overflow: $5 - Primitive only
Extra vehicle: $5
Group (tent): $40
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Services
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Camping |
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Electric |
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Primitive |
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Reservable group tent |
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Reservations |
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Picnicking |
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Wildlife watching |
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Boating |
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Fishing |
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Horse trail |
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Hiking trail |
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Bicycle trail |
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Waterways |
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Canyons |
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Interpretation |
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Interpretive signs |
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Year-round |
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Restrooms |
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