Deschutes

03. Big River Campground to Benham Falls

Reach banner
DifficultyI
Length17.5 mi
Avg Gradientn/a
GaugeDeschutes River at Benham Falls, or
Flow Rate as of 7 hours
1610 cfsrunnable
Reach Info Last UpdatedMay 23, 2018

River Description

This is a mellow float through private land and houses lining the banks including the community of Sunriver. This section ends where the river enters the National Forest and Newberry National Volcanic Monument just above Benham Falls.

For additional information on recreational opportunities see the Deschutes National Forest website.

Logistics:

To reach the put-in, take exit 153 towards Sunriver off Highway 97. Continue 2.3 miles west towards the river on South Century Drive. At this junction you can continue straight on Spring River Road 0.5 miles to an access on upstream river right of the Harper Bridge. Alternatively, turn left at the junction to stay on South Century Drive. In another 3.1 miles turn right at the intersection to stay on South Century Drive and in 2.7 miles you will cross the river at Big River Campground. The boat ramp is on the downstream river right side of the bridge.

To access the take-out upstream of Benham Falls on river right at the Benham Falls East Trailhead, head to the Lava Lands Visitor Center on Highway 97. Coming from Bend turn into the visitor center at mile 149.5 (if coming from the south you will need to take Exit 151 to reach the visitor center). From the vistior center drive 4.0 miles down Forest Road 9702 to the Benham Falls East Trailhead upstream of a footbridge that crosses the river and is well above the falls.


River Features

Big River Campground Put-In

Distance: 0 mi
Big River Campground Put-In

Access on the downstream river right side of the bridge with ramp and parking off the highway. Located at USGS River mile 199.2. The Forest Service Campground is located on the upstream side of the bridge.

Harper Bridge Access

Distance: 7.51 mi
Access Point
Harper Bridge Access

Access on the upstream river right side of the bridge with designated parallel parking along the highway. Located at USGS River Mile 191.7.

Besson Boat Launch

Distance: 10.19 mi
Access Point

Access on river left administered by Deschutes National Forest at USGS River Mile 189.2.

SROA Boat Launch (private)

Distance: 11.04 mi
Access Point

This is a private access maintained by Sunriver Owners Association that requires a recreation card to open the electronic gate to access the launch. Located at USGS River Mile 188.2.

Benham Butte Access (aka "Canoe Take-Out")

Distance: 16.12 mi
Access Point

The Benham Butte Access, also known locally as 'Canoe Take-out,' is an access point used by river runners and located on river right on Deschutes National Forest lands.

Benham Falls East Take Out

Distance: 18 mi
Take Out
Benham Falls East Take Out

Recreation site and day-use area administered by Deschutes National Forest located immedidately upstream of Benham Falls. Access is on river right with a boat ramp.


Site visit to Harper Bridge Access.

Driving tour of access sites along the Deschutes River.