Local Paddling on the Deschutes

Today Team Alder Creek was able to get out and paddle Dillon/Lava Island Falls. The crew consisted of John Cramp, David Kinker, Christina Russell, and Josh McKeown (Author). With 60+ degree weather none of us could ask for anything better! We all meet at the traditional Meadow Camp parking lot below Lava Island Falls and packed into my 2 person Tacoma truck. Reaching the turn off for Dillon Falls a few minutes later we all discover a truck stuck in the snow at the bottom of the hill. This problem was nothing new for John Cramp and I because only a few weeks earlier we got 3 people unstuck, while trying to run the shuttle for Lava. With Johns trusty pin kit we were able to get the truck unstuck with in a matter of minutes. At this point we decided to hike in the last mile instead of getting my truck stuck in the snow to. Here are some pictures of the crew hiking in.

Photo: Josh McKeown


Once reaching the put in we were all hot and happy to finally be paddling. I jumped out at Dillon Falls and took a few pictures of the crew running the drop. Both Christina and myself thought it would be a fun day to try surfing Dill Hole. It was fun…

Dillon Falls (663 CFS)
Photo: Josh McKeown


Christina Russell: Dillon Falls
Photo: Josh McKeown



John Cramp(Hand Paddling): Dillon Falls
Photo: Josh McKeown


Christina Russell Surfing Right Side of Dill Hole
Photo: Josh McKeown


From here we paddled the 3+ miles of flat water to Lava Island Falls. Christina jumped out and took some sweet pictures of Lava 1 and I grabbed a few on Lava 2.

Hanging out in an eddy in Lava Island Falls
Photo: Christina Russell



Josh McKeown: Airplane Turn, Lava Island Falls
Photo: Christina Russell


Josh McKeown: Lava 1
Photo: Christina Russell


David Kinker: Lava 1
Photo: Christina Russell


John Cramp: Lava 2
Photo: Josh McKeown


Christina Russell: Middle of Lava 2
Photo: Josh McKeown


From here we concluded yet another enjoyable run down the Deschutes River. And all I know is that Spring is here and the water is coming. Finally! Hope to see you out on the water.

Christina Russell: End of Lava Island Falls
Photo: Josh McKeown