The Deschutes River State Recreation Area is a tree-shaded, overnight oasis for campers and a gateway to the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area that begins just over a mile south of the park. The Deschutes River converges with the Columbia at this hub for hiking, mountain biking, camping, whitewater rafting and world-class steelhead and trout fishing.

Spring comes early to the Deschutes, painting the landscape green for a few months and offering a break from rainy weather further west. The first wildflowers emerge from winter's grip in late February.

Heat starts to build by June, with summer temperatures regularly reaching the 100s. Anglers flock to the park in summer and fall; winter marks upland bird hunting season beyond the park boundary.

Park Trails
The park has trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Six miles of looping trails are reserved for hiking only; don't miss the Ferry Springs Trail that loops toward the canyon rim with views of the surrounding hills and the river.

Bring your bicycle and enjoy a 26-mile round-trip ride on the Deschutes River Trail along the east bank of the river. The trail is an easy, flat grade, but mountain bikes are recommended due to the dirt and gravel surface. Be prepared with a patch kit in case of a flat tire—it’s a long walk back. Backcountry camping is allowed along the trail.

Bicycles are also welcome on the 2-mile Rock Pile trail that follows the west bank of the river.

From March 1 through June 30, equestrians can ride on 11 miles of the Deschutes River Trail route. Go to the Park Store to reserve your trip. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset; no overnight camping with horses is allowed.

Wild and Scenic Deschutes River
The Deschutes River begins high in the Cascade Mountains and travels 252 miles north to the Columbia. The last 100 miles of the river's path is known as the Lower Deschutes. This section is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River and an Oregon Scenic Waterway for its outstanding scenery, ecological importance, and recreation value.

Three whitewater rapids — Washout, Rattlesnake and Moody — test rafters and boaters on the lower 25 miles of the Deschutes. This section of the river also boasts one of Oregon's premier steelhead and trout fisheries. Heritage Landing boat ramp, located across the river from the campground, is a popular jetboater's launch.

The Lower Deschutes uses a Boater Pass system to protect it from overuse and degradation. Boater Passes are required year-round for day and overnight use for anyone using a watercraft or floating device (including float tubes). Purchase passes online at recreation.gov.

The lower 2 miles of the Deschutes River from below Moody Rapids to Rattlesnake Rapids is a pass-through zone for boaters, meaning boaters are prohibited from stopping. This area is set aside for hike-in and bike-in river access.

Detailed maps of the entire Lower Deschutes River are made available by the Bureau of Land Management.

The Lower Deschutes River is managed cooperatively by three agencies: Prineville District Bureau of Land Management, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.