Ann & I recently took a trip to the lower Deschutes River for some whitewater and wine tasting....and it was spectacular!
I booked scenic trip on the lower Deschutes River with guide Forrest Foxworthy. Forrest offers the scenic trips in the off season of fishing, and I thought it would be a great way for my wife and I, and some friends to get away and enjoy some spectacular scenery.
We met Forrest at Heritage landing at 10:00 am, loaded up in his jet boat and headed up the beautiful Deschutes River. Forrest eased us up the river through several class 2, 3 & 4 rapids and pointed out all the landmarks and wildlife along the way. It is an amazing way to tour this beautiful river. It took a couple of hours to get about 20 miles up the river and through the majestic Deschutes River Canyon. Once up river, we pulled over to a beautiful spot, and Forrest set up an amazing shore lunch for us.
After relaxing in the sun and eating our lunch, we loaded up and headed back down the river. Be prepared to get soaked coming back, as the waves and wind going back down the river will definitely get you wet, but don't worry the water feels great on a hot day!
The whole trip took about 4 hours, and it was awesome! I highly recommend booking a trip with Forrest to tour this absolute gem of Oregon. You can also book steelhead trips with Forrest in the late summer and fall. Here are a couple of links to some of fishing trips I have taken with Forrest:
Contact Forrest Foxworthy at: 503-720-6993 to book a scenic trip or a fishing trip on the Deschutes River.
Maryhill Winery
Once we said our goodbyes to Forrest, our friends Scott & Lisa suggested we go across the Columbia and visit the Maryhill Winery. In all my years of coming up to the Deschutes I have never once stopped at Maryhill, what a mistake! Even though I am not a "Wine Guy" I fell in love with Maryhill Winery. Situated high above the Columbia river, Maryhill Winery is simply spectacular. From the terrace we could see the confluence of the Deschutes and the Columbia, under the backdrop of a snow capped Mt. Hood. To the east you can see far up the Columbia and the high desert hills surrounding the river.
The food and wine and atmosphere at Maryhill all get 5 stars from me. In fact we liked it so much we joined their wine club and plan on making this a regular visit! What a great way to wind down after a day on the river!
It was another amazing and unique day in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and a trip I highly encourage if you are in the area!