Where to Stay on the Deschutes
By Amy Hazel
When visiting Central Oregon to fish the Deschutes River there is one obvious oasis in the desert that no serious angler should overlook - Maupin, Oregon. Located smack dab in the middle of the lower 100 mile section of the Deschutes, the small town of Maupin (pop. 450) welcomes fly anglers from around the world. Though Bend and Sunriver are more well-known than Maupin, those cities are 90 to 110 miles away from the blue ribbon trout and steelhead sections of the Deschutes. If you are serious about your fly fishing, you will want to station yourself in Maupin to take advantage of nearly 40 miles of river access via unpaved and paved access roads which parallel the river both upstream and downstream of our little community.
Maupin offers four lodging facilities for those who desire a comfortable bed and private bath after a long day on the river. Rooms can be difficult to secure on last minute notice, so we like to make arrangements for our guided clients upon booking a trout or steelhead trip.
Small town charm is what you will find at each of Maupin's four lodging establishments. These family-run businesses offer rooms which are comfortable and quiet but, for the most part, lacking in modern conveniences like televisions and telephones. Your trusty cell phone may not work down in the canyon on the river's edge, but good reception is only a short drive up the hill just minutes outside of town.
IMPERIAL RIVER COMPANY
The only lodging right on the banks of the Deschutes, the Imperial offers 25 rooms tastefully decorated in themes of central Oregon. During the high-season, the restaurant at Imperial River Company serves breakfast,lunch and dinner with river views from the main dining room and an outdoor patio. Kick back and enjoy a hearty meal and an adult beverage as you watch the river flow by. Imperial Room Rates: Winter Rates (Nov-April) $59 - $149 Summer Rates (May - October) $79 - $249 Phone: 800-395-3903
RIVER RUN LODGE As you cross the bridge over the river from West to East, you will see the River Run Lodge perched on the hill facing the river. There are 6 varying size rooms here each with a private bath and ranging in size from "tight quarters" to a suite with a full kitchen. If you are just looking for a clean place to leave your gear while you fish all day, and you are not planning on hanging out in your hotel room, the smaller rooms offer an economical choice for the hare-core angler. All rooms have wireless internet access, coffee maker, refrigerator, and microwave. The two rooms that are $85 and the suite that is $105 have satellite T.V.
River Run Lodge Room Rates: $65 / $85 / $105 (April 1 - November 30) $50 / $60 / $75 (November 30 to March 31)Phone: 877-335-8867
OASIS RESORT
Celebrating fifty years of welcoming visitors to their family-run establishment, the Oasis Resort offers private cabins in a grassy tree-shaded "oasis" just across the street from the river. The Oasis restaurant offers world-famous milkshakes, great breakfasts, and burgers & beer for lunch and dinner May through October. Oasis Cottage Rates: $60-$75 Phone: 541-395-2611
DESCHUTES MOTEL
On the edge of town, perched on a hillside overlooking the Deschutes River, you will find the Deschutes Motel. Though none of the 12 rooms have a river view, they are the only lodging in Maupin with television sets in every single room. While there are no phones in the room, the Deschutes Motel is higher on the hill, so your cell phone may work here! Deschutes Motel Room Rates: $56-$98 Phone: 541-395-2626
CAMPING and CAMPGROUNDS
If you drive up or down river along the Deschutes River access road, you will come across many public fee campgrounds which are maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. The portions of the access road that are closest to Maupin are paved. As you drive further away from Maupin, either upstream or downstream, the paved access road turns into rough gravel. Driving south (upstream) of Maupin, you will find 4 BLM campgrounds in 6 miles of access road; two are on the paved stretch and two are on the gravel section. Driving north (downstream) of Maupin, you will find 9 campgrounds in 28 miles of access road; four are on the paved stretch and five are on the gravel stretch.
All BLM developed campgrounds have very clean permanant outhouses and several designated campsites, each with a picnic table. Group sites (for groups up to 16 people) are available at most campgrounds. It is illegal to camp anywhere on the access road if you are not in a designated fee site. BLM campgrounds fill on a first-come first-served basis, they do not accept reservations. Each campground has a self-service pay station and some have campground hosts. BLM Campsite Rates: $8-$25 per night.
MAUPIN CITY PARK
In the town of Maupin, the Maupin City Park has tent sites and RV sites with full hookups right on the river's edge. City Park also has flush toilets and shower facilities. Camping fees are payable to the camp host at the Maupin City Park. Reservations are not required but are highly recommended during the busy season, June through August. Maupin City Park Rates: Tent Sites $16 RV Sites $21-$24 Phone: 541-395-2252
OASIS CAMPGROUND
Another option close to town is the Oasis Campground, offering tent sites on a soft grassy lawn. Port-a-Potties are on site. Camping fees are payable through the Oasis Resort, call ahead for reservations on busy summer weekends. Oasis Campground Rates: $15.00 per site. Phone: 541-395-2611
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