Lower Deschutes River Back Country Byway

Spanning 32 miles along the east bank of the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River, this back country byway offers close-up views of rapids and steep canyon country. Twelve paved miles originate from the hamlet of Maupin and connect to state highway 216 near Sherars Falls. The remainder of the byway is surfaced with high-standard gravel, suitable for passenger vehicles. Twenty-two developed recreation sites offer year-round river access including 4 boat launches, 7 day-use areas, and 10 campgrounds with 140 individual campsites and 21 group campsites. The byway terminates to the south at Locked Gate Day Use Area and to the north at Macks Canyon Campground.

Know Before You Go

• Cell phone service is limited or not available in most locations along the back country byway.
• Watch for bicyclists: portion of the paved section of road is a segment of Sherars Falls Scenic Bikeway
• Boater Passes are required year-round, for both day and overnight use, for anyone using a watercraft or any other floating device as a means of transport on the Lower Deschutes River. See the Boater Pass link elsewhere on this page for further information.

Developed recreation sites along the back country byway are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• September 16th–May 14th: Single sites are $8.00/night; group sites are $25/night.
• May 15th–September 15th: Sunday–Thursday nights, single sites are $8.00/night, group sites are $25/night. Friday and Saturday single sites are $12.00/night; group sites are $35.00/night. 

Recreation and Cultural Sites South of Maupin, Oregon (ordered south to north)

• Locked Gate Day-Use Area
• Nena Day-Use Area
• Devil's Canyon Campground
• Long Bend Campground
• Harpham Flat Campground
• Wapinitia Day-Use Area
• Maupin Section Foreman House Historic Site

Recreation and Cultural Sites North of Maupin, Oregon (ordered south to north)

• Oasis Campground
• Grey Eagle Day-Use Area
• Blue Hole Campground
• Lower Blue Hole Day-Use Area
• Oak Springs Day-Use Area
• Surf City Day-Use Area
• White River Campground
• Sandy Beach Day-Use Area
• Buckhollow Day-Use Area
• Pine Tree Day-Use Area
• Twin Springs Campground
• Oakbrook Day-Use Area
• Jones Canyon Campground
• Beavertail Campground
• Rattlesnake Canyon Campground
• Macks Canyon Campground

Point of Interest

Much of the back country byway was a former railbed, one of two whose owners feverishly competed for completion in the early 19th century. Today, the historic Section Foreman's House remains alongside the road just south of Maupin. Open seasonally, the building is restored to historically-authentic condition and offers interpretive displays and general river information.