Little Deschutes River (Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Deschutes River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Little Deschutes River in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Klamath and Deschutes |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Cascade Range Mule Mountain, Klamath County 6,219 ft (1,896 m) 43°18′25″N 121°59′43″W / 43.30694°N 121.99528°W |
| River mouth | Deschutes River near Sunriver, Deschutes County 4,163 ft (1,269 m) 43°51′14″N 121°27′14″W / 43.85389°N 121.45389°W |
| Length | 105 mi (169 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 1,020 sq mi (2,600 km2) |
| Type: | Recreational |
| Designated: | October 28, 1988 |
The Little Deschutes River is a cool river in central Oregon, a state in the United States. It's a branch of the bigger Deschutes River. This river is about 105 miles (169 km) long. It helps drain a large area of 1,020 square miles (2,642 km2) on the east side of the Cascade Range. Parts of the Little Deschutes River are special! They are protected as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This means they are kept wild and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
Where Does the Little Deschutes River Flow?
The Little Deschutes River begins high up in the Cascade Range. It starts near Mule Peak in the Mount Thielsen Wilderness. This area is in northwestern Klamath County. The river's starting point is about 20 miles (32 km) north of Crater Lake.
From its source, the river flows mostly north. It travels through the Deschutes National Forest. The river generally follows U.S. Highway 97. It passes by the town of La Pine.
The Little Deschutes River eventually joins the main Deschutes River. This meeting point is about 20 miles (32 km) south of Bend. It's located near the town of Sunriver in southern Deschutes County. Along its journey, the river also flows through small towns like Crescent and Gilchrist. The river often twists and turns a lot, especially in its lower sections.
What is a Wild and Scenic River?
In 1988, a special part of the Little Deschutes River was protected. The upper 12 miles (19 km) of the river became part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This system helps keep certain rivers in their natural, wild state. It protects them from development and pollution.
The river's canyon and surrounding flat areas are unique. They have eroding deposits of pumice and ash. These came from the huge eruption of Mount Mazama. This eruption happened about 7,000 years ago.
The Little Deschutes River isn't the only protected stream here. Two other streams in its area are also part of this system. A 10-mile (16 km) stretch of Crescent Creek is protected. All 15 miles (24 km) of Big Marsh Creek are also protected. These sections, along with the canyon part of the Little Deschutes, are called "recreational" rivers. This means they are great for outdoor activities like fishing and boating.
