About Heritage Landing (Deschutes)
Heritage Landing is a boat launch and day-use area offering access to the Columbia and Deschutes rivers, located across from the Deschutes River State Recreation Area campground. It serves as the primary gateway to the Lower Deschutes River, a 100-mile stretch designated as both a National Wild and Scenic River and an Oregon Scenic Waterway, valued for its scenic beauty, ecological significance, and recreational opportunities. The site is commonly used by river guides, anglers, and families for salmon fishing, water skiing, and floating.
A Boater Pass is required year-round for all watercraft and floating devices on the Lower Deschutes, available online at recreation.gov. The final two miles of the river, from below Moody Rapids to Rattlesnake Rapids, is a pass-through zone where stopping is prohibited to preserve access for hikers and bikers. Jetboating is permitted year-round except on alternating weekends from June to September. A SCAT machine for portable toilet waste disposal is available for a $5 fee, and life jacket loaners are provided on-site to promote safety in the river’s swift, obstructed currents.