Boxcar Rapids facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Boxcar Rapids |
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| Location | South of Maupin, Oregon (river mile 44) |
| Coordinates | 45°09′11″N 121°06′32″W / 45.152984°N 121.108955°W |
| Type | class 3 rapids |
| Elevation | 760 feet (230 m) |
| Average width | 75 feet (23 m) |
The Boxcar Rapids are exciting Class 3 rapids. You can find them on the Deschutes River in Oregon, United States. They are located south of the town of Maupin. These rapids are a popular spot for whitewater rafting adventures.
Contents
Why Are They Called Boxcar Rapids?
A Train Crash Story
The Boxcar Rapids got their name in 1954. A train from the Oregon Trunk Line was traveling along the railroad. It went around a curve and suddenly hit a rock slide. The powerful engine crashed into the rocks. This caused all three locomotives and twelve boxcars to go off the tracks.
The railroad tracks are built high up on the side of a steep valley. Because of this, two parts of the train fell into the river below. One locomotive and one boxcar tumbled into the rushing water. The boxcar could be seen right in the middle of the rapids.
Naming the Rapids
It took a long time to remove the train parts from the river. It took over two weeks to get a rope onto the engine. Then, it took another two weeks to pull it out of the Deschutes River. This train accident was a very serious event for the Oregon Trunk Line. Soon after the crash, the rapids were officially named the "Boxcar Rapids."
Experiencing Boxcar Rapids Today
What to Expect at the Rapids
Boxcar Rapids is a very popular spot on the Deschutes River. Many people visit these rapids, especially on whitewater rafting tours from Maupin. The water here is very active and exciting. You will find large waves and a noticeable drop in the river.
There is also a small ledge drop on the left side of the rapids. This drop creates a feature called a "hole." In whitewater rafting, a hole is a spot where water flows over an obstacle and then curls back on itself. This creates a fun, bouncy area for rafts.
Nearby Wapinitia Rapids
Close to Boxcar Rapids, you'll find the Wapinitia Rapids. These are also Class 3 rapids. The name "Wapinitia" comes from a word used by the Warm Springs tribe. The correct spelling of the word is wapinita.
It's a bit tricky to translate the exact meaning of "wapinita." However, it generally suggests a place near the edge of something. This could be the edge of a desert or land that has been farmed. Wapinitia Creek flows into the Deschutes River just south of Maupin.
