Deschutes River Alliance

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Deschutes River Alliance The Deschutes River Alliance is a non-profit conservation organization working to acquire cooler, cleaner water for the lower Deschutes River.

Our Mission
The Deschutes River Alliance is a science-based advocacy organization seeking collaborative solutions to the threats facing the Wild and Scenic Deschutes River and its tributaries. We advocate for cooler, cleaner water, a healthy ecosystem, and the recovery and protection of robust populations of resident and anadromous fish. Our vision is simple. A lower Deschutes River that is the confluence of a healthy ecosystem, sustainable economy and vibrant community.

Hello Friends of the Deschutes!We are excited to announce the beginning of this years our annual photography contest, th...
10/02/2026

Hello Friends of the Deschutes!

We are excited to announce the beginning of this years our annual photography contest, the winner of which will be rewarded with genuine DRA merchandise. To enter, follow the link in our bio and submit your photos to our community photo album form, any submission between today, October 2nd and October 31st will be considered.

Good luck!

A big thank you to Haley C., for providing our community photo album with gorgeous pictures of their adventures on the D...
10/01/2026

A big thank you to Haley C., for providing our community photo album with gorgeous pictures of their adventures on the Deschutes!

A little bit about Haley and her excursions on the Deschutes:
"I have worked as a rafting guide the last two seasons on the Deschutes, and these are some shots I love! "

Here at the DRA we strive to not only protect the lower Deschutes and all of the amazing biodiversity it sustains but the remarkable people and communities the river is intwined with. We love opportunities to shine a spotlight on the amazing stories and lives made possible by this river!

If you would be interested in submitting your photos for consideration and telling us about your adventures on the Deschutes click the link in our bio.

The Deschutes River Alliance invites you to join us for our Annual Fundraiser Auction, on February 27th, 2027 at the Red...
10/01/2026

The Deschutes River Alliance invites you to join us for our Annual Fundraiser Auction, on February 27th, 2027 at the Redd in Portland, Oregon!

Mark your calendars and get ready to raise your paddles. Our auction has an amazing lineup of high quality camping, fishing and hiking gear as well as artisanal delicacies from local businesses. Did we mention the unforgettable adventures for everything from river rafting to luxury spa days and guided fishing excursions?!

Don't miss your chance to reserve your spot, early-bird tickets go on sale mid-November. We'll see you there!

The Deschutes River Alliance is excited to announce the coming release of our 2025 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Report, con...
09/30/2026

The Deschutes River Alliance is excited to announce the coming release of our 2025 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Report, continuing more than a decade of biological monitoring on the lower Deschutes River.

Since 2015, DRA has monitored the aquatic insects and other small organisms that live along the riverbed to better understand the ecological condition of the river and how its biological communities are changing over time.

To read more about the Macroinvertebrate Report and the vital scientific research the DRA is doing visit our website using the link in our bio.

The lower few miles of the Deschutes before it reaches the Columbia is a designated cold water refuge, protecting steelh...
09/30/2026

The lower few miles of the Deschutes before it reaches the Columbia is a designated cold water refuge, protecting steelhead and salmon heading home not only in the Deschutes, but to other tributaries upstream.

Yet 125 out of 181 days at our monitoring station within the refuge report violations of the state standard for temperatures.

PGE could protect not only Deschutes steelhead and salmon, but these same species throughout the Columbia Basin by moving colder, cleaner water from the depths of Lake Billy Chinook for more than just several weeks out of the year.
Check out the link in our bio to learn more about the DRA and the work we do to ensure a cooler, cleaner lower Deschutes.

Protecting the Clean Water Act:A vital tool for states to protect their waters is the Clean Water Act which establishes ...
09/23/2026

Protecting the Clean Water Act:

A vital tool for states to protect their waters is the Clean Water Act which establishes the standards by which water in the United States should be “fishable, swimmable, and drinkable.”.

In this weeks blog the DRA will examine the crucial nature of the CWA, the important role it plays in establishing water quality standards that underpin our work and what YOU can do to help protect this vital piece of legislation.

To read more click the link in our bio.

The lower few miles of the Deschutes before it reaches the Columbia is a designated cold water refuge, protecting steelh...
09/22/2026

The lower few miles of the Deschutes before it reaches the Columbia is a designated cold water refuge, protecting steelhead and salmon heading home not only in the Deschutes, but to other tributaries upstream.

Yet 125 out of 181 days at our monitoring station within the refuge report violations of the state standard for temperatures.

PGE could protect not only Deschutes steelhead and salmon, but these same species throughout the Columbia Basin by moving colder, cleaner water from the depths of Lake Billy Chinook for more than just several weeks out of the year.

Check out the link in our bio to learn more about the DRA and the work we do to ensure a cooler, cleaner lower Deschutes.

09/18/2026

Attention!

The public comment deadline of the federal register for the repealing of the roadless rule has been extended to October 6th.

This requirment is an important protection for preserving pristine natural habitat and preventing environmental degredation through human development.

We encourage lovers of the outdoors to make your voices heard and submit your thoughts about this change.

To read more and to share your thoughts click the link in our bio

What's happening to wild steelhead in the Deschutes:Ten-year averages, wild steelhead returns to the Deschutes River:200...
09/16/2026

What's happening to wild steelhead in the Deschutes:

Ten-year averages, wild steelhead returns to the Deschutes River:

2005-2006 to 2014-2015: 4,467
2015-2016 to 2024-2025: 1,558

For a closer look at the numbers, check out this week's blog! Click the link in our bio to learn more

Water Quality Update for the weekof September 16th, 2026pH levels in the lower Deschutes River are too high.Above 8.5, d...
09/16/2026

Water Quality Update for the week
of September 16th, 2026

pH levels in the lower Deschutes River are too high.
Above 8.5, damage to the slimy coating that protects
fish can occur. The delicate membranes of the gills can
be damaged. Physiological stress that weakens the
immune system and harms growth and reproduction
are also consequences of water high in alkalinity.

The DRA has observed pH levels come into compliance
when cooler, cleaner water flows into the lower river.

We need more of it, more often.

Address

5520 South Macadam Avenue, Suite 100
Portland, OR
97239

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