Exploring the Deschutes Basin

Understanding the Deschutes River Dams – Part One

It’s dawn. You rhythmically dip your paddle, pull, then glide east across the surface of Wickiup Reservoir. You’re alone in your canoe and for all you can tell you’re the first human to ever cross…

What Makes the Deschutes Tick?

Things have been heating up in Bend and the summer tourist season seems to be in full swing.  Last weekend, I decided to head up to Wickiup Reservoir to get away from the crowds and…

Rain, Snow and River Flows

If you’re like me, the transition to summer over the past month has been a welcome one!  In Oregon, summer not only means longer, warmer days but also less wet stuff falling from the sky. …

How Geology Creates a River’s Identity

By Jake Sahl Contributing Writer for the Deschutes River Conservancy This past weekend, I took a visit to Smith Rock State Park to do some rock climbing with a friend. As we walked and climbed…

Exploring the Deschutes – A New Blog Series

By Jake Sahl Contributing Writer for the Deschutes River Conservancy When I finally got my head above water, I found myself in the quiet cave formed by our overturned raft. The world under here seemed…