Running the River

The Little Deschutes River winds for two miles through the ranch, past grassy banks, willows, and woodlands.  The high bank in the photo to the right is just below where the river enters the ranch. The upper part, above the bridge, is a virtual wilderness untouched by man.  Some of the ranch’s beautiful log houses are visible from the river below the bridge but the river banks are completely natural and undeveloped.  The ranch is private property and non-owners need to stay off the land. (Text & photos continue below.) 

The photos to the right show the upper portion of the river.

On a typical summer day the river’s width varies from about fifteen feet to about sixty.  The photo to the left shows the river just above the bridge. Depth varies from two and a half feet to eight feet or more.  The river flows three feet per second in the middle of the current.  There are no waterfalls or rapids - though a few fallen trees below the bridge and a sharp turn by the Homestead are best navigated with some quick paddling.  (See photos below.) In spring high water, when the snow melts, the current can be strong and the river can be dangerous.   

The river is easily navigable by kayaks, canoes, and float tubes.  Floating the length of the ranch takes about two hours.  A kayak or canoe can take less time, depending on how vigorous the paddling is.  The summer temperature of the water is about 68 degrees, a little chilly for a prolonged swim but perfect for floating half in and half out of the water on a hot day.  Some owners with children float the almost every afternoon. 

Boaters can continue another two miles through the Crosswater Golf Course to the junction of the Little Deschutes with the Deschutes River.  There is an established public take-out at the Harper Bridge where Spring River Road crosses the big Deschutes.    

For more information see a map of the river on the ranch.  For more on river flows, fish, and the environment surrounding the river see the Riparian Section of the ranch Stewardship Plan.  Also see a description of the complete course of the Little Deschutes River.