Central Oregon is well known for the high desert landscape, and it’s also home to a network of rivers beyond the Deschutes that you’ve probably heard of. That means there are a ton of outdoor water activities available to people of all ages! We’re going to share some of the most notable rivers in Central Oregon and the activities available to you!

1. Deschutes River

The Deschutes River is the heart of Central Oregon, winding through Bend and outlying areas. Here are some highlights:

Whitewater Rafting: The Deschutes River is great for whitewater rafting, with day float options in Bend and multi-day adventures that launch outside the city.

Fly Fishing: There are also fly fishing opportunities, most notably in Warm Springs, and the Deschutes has native redband trout and steelhead.

Scenic Drives: The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway follows the river and offers gorgeous views and access to numerous hiking trails that parallel the river.

2. Metolius River

The Metolius River is a much lesser known river that flows from the base of Black Butte from a natural spring. You can even visit the headwaters of the Metolius River in Camp Sherman, Oregon!

Crystal Clear Waters: The Metolius is crystal clear and COLD! That makes it a great place for fly fishing.

Hiking: You can also hike along the Metolius River Trail to explore river from land.

Campgrounds: There are tons of campgrounds along the river, and are a great choice for seeing the river at different times of day.

3. Crooked River

Flowing through the Crooked River Canyon, this tributary of the Deschutes River is most well known as the river that runs through Smith Rock State Park.

Smith Rock State Park is famous for its world-class rock climbing and diverse hiking opportunities. There are hikes that go along the river that are accessible for hikers of all levels, and they offer fantastic views of the river and the sheer climbing walls above.

Fly Fishing: The river is also good for fly fishing, particularly for trout.

Scenic Overlooks: When you are coming from the north toward Bend, make sure to visit Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint for breathtaking views of the Crooked River canyon.

4. John Day River

The John Day River is east of Central Oregon and is most popular for multi-day mellow floats with some exciting Class III rapids!

Wild and Scenic: Part of the John Day River is designated as Wild and Scenic and permits are required for floating through this area.

Camping, Wildlife, and Fishing: There’s some of the best remote camping and wildlife viewing opportunities in Oregon, where you can see bighorn sheep and eagles, scorpions and the occasional marmot. The fishing is some of the best in Eastern Central Oregon, especially for Bass.

Fossil Beds: Explore the nearby John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s also Fossil, Oregon, where you can dig your own fossil for free behind Wheeler High School!

Conclusion

Central Oregon's rivers offer so many fun adventures and experiences to get out into nature and experience the natural beauty of the area. Whether you're into rafting, fishing, hiking, fossil digging or just looking for a peaceful escape, these rivers are a magical place to spend some time. The next time you find yourself in Central Oregon, be sure to explore these and other local rivers!