Recreation

Fishing has long been a strong drawing card for Maupin because of the city's location on the banks of the Deshutes River, . The Deschutes is world renown as a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream, featuring the wild population of the Native Red Band Rainbow Trout or “Redside”. With a river and bankside teeming with aquatic insects from the Giant Stonefly in the Springtime to clouds of Caddis in the Summer to Mid-Winter hatches of Blue Winged Olives the Deschutes provides unparalleled year round dry-fly fishing. The Deschutes is equalling famous for having a good return of wild Summer Run Steelhead. Like their Redside cousins, the Deschutes steelhead love to rise to a well presented surface fly on warm Summer evenings. FInally, a strong run of Spring Chinook add additional reasons to come and enjpy fishing on the Deschutes River.

The John Day River, about 50 miles to the East, has become famous for its small mouth bass fishing, while the Columbia, less than 40 miles north offers Salmon (Chinook & Coho), Sturgeon, Bass & Walleye. Finally, there are many Alpine Lakes in the Mt. Hood National Forest, as well as a number of private lakes available for a fee. About 20 miles from Maupin are the Pine Hollow and Rock Creek reservoirs, which each offer fishing, as well as other water sports.

White Water Sports: The Deschutes is likewise famous for its white water rafting and kayaking. An annual kayaking tournament is held here in the spring. Raft trips can run from several hours to several days, at your discretion.

Hunting: The North Central Oregon region is renowned for its trophy quality big game hunting. Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear and even Big Horn Sheep abound. The Deschutes Canyon is used as a breeding ground for Big Horn Sheep, which are then transported for re-introduction to other areas of the country. Cougar, although elusive, are also common.

A number of upland game bird species are native to the area, including Chuckar, Quail, Dove and Grouse. Pheasant can also be found, particularly those escapees from one of the many shooting preserves dotting the area. Ducks can be found in any of the many ponds and small lakes dotting the region, and great goose hunting can be had on many farms. Finally, wild Turkey thrive in the oak woodlands along the periphery of the coniferous forests, where it’s not unusual to see flocks of 30 or more.

Everything Else: Speaking of world class, the Columbia River Gorge defines this for windsurfing and its offshoot, kiteboarding, which is quickly gaining in popularity. People come from all around the world to “surf” the Columbia, yet it is less than 40 easy miles from Maupin.

Skiing (downhill and cross country) is less than an hour away on Mt. Hood. Year ‘round glacier skiing is available at Timberline Lodge, where the U. S. Olympic Ski Team practices during the summer. Miles of trails for snowmobiling are likewise easily accessible.

Horseback riding is a common pastime, and there is a well established equestrian community in the area, including several local breeders. Lots of riders enter public lands from Tygh Valley, just north of Maupin. This “back door” to the Hood River National Forest offers easy access to lightly used public lands.

Golfing is always popular here. There is also a very nice 9 hole golf course at the Pine Hollow Resort, near Wamic. Greens fees are low, and Tee times are readily available. An 18 hole course is available in The Dalles, and a number of other courses lie within a reasonable drive to the south or west.

Miles of back country roads offer great opportunities for bicycling, while an extensive system of trails in the Mt. Hood National Forest offers the same for mountain biking and hiking. Photographers and Artists will appreciate the beautiful vistas, ranging from the dramatic Deschutes Canyon to the serene Tygh Valley, and, of course, the omnipresent Mt. Hood. Rock climbers of all skill levels will enjoy the challenges of Smith Rock, 70 miles south. Birdwatchers will enjoy our substantial and varied avian population, including a number of different species of hawks, osprey, Great Blue Heron, eagles, and even the occasional stork.

Public Lands: One of the great attractions for Oregon in general, and this area in particular, are the huge tracts of public land. The Mt. Hood National Forest, just 20 miles to the west, comprises 1,667 squaremiles of forest lands, including 295 square miles designated as wilderness areas. The White River Game Management Area, stretching from the Columbia River south to the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, encompasses 53 square miles, and there are thousands of additional acres of public lands managed by BLM and the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

In short, Maupin lies in the center of a recreation paradise. If you like the outdoors, you'll love it here.