Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Deschutes River, OR

The Deschutes River was named by fur traders of the Hudson Bay Company as "Riviere des chutes," meaning "river of falls." It has often been described as resembling a tree with nearly all of its branches on one side.

Because the lava underneath it acts as a giant sponge, the Deschutes River maintains a remarkably even flow even though it's fed by thousands of springs as it winds its way across the state, having started at Little Lava Lake. It eventually drops to a point of 150 feet above sea level as it reaches the Columbia River, 140 miles to the north.

This river plays an important role in irrigation, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreation in the form of fishing, whitewater rafting, tranquil float trips, and swimming.

A favorite thing to do here is float the Deschutes River from below Pringle Falls to just above Benham Falls, north of Sunriver Resort. Although its only about 29 miles "as the crow flies," the distance for the trip on the winding river is nearly double.