Deschutes

Boaters from Eugene, Corvallis, and Bend converged Saturday November 3rd at Tumalo State Park to paddle an upper section of the Deschutes. There was a wide variety of boats and people. The river saw tandem open boats, solo canoes, kayaks, and even a C-1. With this assortment of boats came an array of skill levels. We were a group of fifteen by the time we set boats to water. Ranging in age from twenties to fifties, male and female, beginner and experienced paddlers gathered for this class II(III) offering.

After a quick safety talk we launched. The sun was hot as some boaters purposely submerged before climbing into their boats. Paddlers welcomed the cold water early on, and I considered sunscreen for the first time in weeks. The long class III below Aubrey Falls saw some carnage, with rocky rapids making for a few rough swims. But our swimmers were resilient and their buoyancy in spirits was admirable.

Despite the large group we generally stuck together and enjoyed the varied company. The fourteen mile day was spent ogling rock formations, running slight drops, and mellow rapids. The group stopped for lunch with a grand overlook of Aubrey Falls, and the pace was leisurely. People practiced rolls, got acquainted, enjoyed the scenery, and gleaned paddling skills from the more experienced members. Halfway through the day, we played a bit of musical boats and finished at Cline Falls in the shade and cooler weather of the evening.

Saturday night was kicked off with a visit to the St. Francis School McMenamins – an excellent resort-like destination when visiting Bend. Next time we need to get there a bit earlier in the evening; a late dinner precluded our efforts to visit the in-house Turkish soaking pool. After sleeping in posh yurts and eating a ridiculous IHOP breakfast including cheese, grease, meat, syrup, more meat, eggs, and coffee we decided to hit the river.

Sunday saw a smaller group, this time the canoes outnumbered the kayaks, what I believe to be a rare event in Oregon. There were six boats in our Sunday posse. Again we enjoyed spectacular weather and fun social dynamics. The group moved a bit faster and enjoyed a more scenic day in small remote canyons that comprise the river between Cline Falls and Lower Bridge. Rapids were further between but offered several moments of excitement. Including some attempts to boof a sixteen foot canoe.

Rapids punctuated the quiet flat-water as we wove our way down the river. Lunch was had beside the one portage – Odin Falls. With sun in our eyes we found the take-out a couple hours before sunset. And with surprising creativity we (and by we I pretty much mean Brad, Steve, and Karl) fit six boats and eight people in two vehicles. Stripped of our dank gear we looked almost normal heading back to our various parts of Oregon. Almost. I recall chuckling at three men, two canoes and a kayak, plus all their gear in a little red Jeep.

I can only speak for myself, but the trip was a success. I was able to meet a group of cool new people, paddle a tandem canoe (something I had not done in years) and see a fresh part of Oregon. The group offered a great blend of new paddlers and experienced boaters. Safety was observed and support was never lacking. Add good food and warm digs and it sounds like the perfect ingredients for a fun weekend. And it was.

-- Cate Doucette