Deschutes

L. Sherar's Falls to Columbia River (Lower Deschutes Segment 3 and 4)

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April 10, 2026

Perfect solo rafting trip

ReporterStephen Wages
Gauge Reading4500 cfs at DESCHUTES RIVER AT MOODY, NEAR BIGGS, OR
FlowMedium Flow

First time on this stretch of the Deschutes (full Buckhollow to Heritage Landing run). Midweek, so I had the place to myself. I I got 7 miles on day 1, and took 4 days overall, which was a very leisurely pace. I stopped often to check out various campsites. Some of the descriptions on the BLM site about 'shady' are way off...maybe trees have died.

I'm a class III/IV boater and the rapids seemed fine in my 14' raft. I scouted from the boat. Colorado III was probably the rowdiest of the bunch, but no problems running it.

I enjoyed a lot of good birding along the way. The Pheasants and Chukkars were out, and all the birds are singing to attract the ladies. I even saw a tom turkey fully strutting his stuff!