International Scale of Rapids
Whitewater rapids are rated on a scale of I (very easy) through VI (life threatening), indicating the level of difficulty of each rapid at medium water level. Remember that the nature of a particular rapid can change dramatically as river flows and water levels fluctuate. Be sure you know how to read water and scout rapids from the shore, if necessary, to find the safest route.
	Class I - Very Easy
	Class II - Easy
	Class III - Medium
	Class IV - Difficult
	Class V - Very Difficult
	Class VI - Life Threatening
Class I
Very Easy - Small, regular waves and riffles, few or no obstacles, little maneuvering required.
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Class II
Easy - Small waves with some eddies, low edges, slow rock gardens, moderate difficulty, some maneuvering required.
Class II rapids on the Lower Deschutes include:
	Upper Trout Creek Rapids
	Lower Trout Creek Rapids (II+)
	Four-Chutes Rapids
	Surf City Rapids (II+)
	White River Rapids (II+)
	Upper Elevator Rapids
	Lower Elevator Rapids (II+)
	Trestle Hole Rapids (II+)
	Bull Run Rapids
	Jet Pump Rapids (II+)
	Harris Rapids
	Green Light Rapids (II+)
	Free Bridge Rapids
	Knock-Knock Rapid
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Class III
Medium - High and irregular waves, strong eddies, narrow but clear passages that require expertise in maneuvering, scouting from the shore is recommended.
Class III rapids on the Lower Deschutes include:
	Whitehorse Rapids (III+)
	Buckskin Mary Rapids
	Wapinitia Rapids
	Box Car Rapids
	Wreck Rapids
	Washout Rapid
	Gordon Ridge Rapids
	Colorado Rapids
	Rattlesnake Rapids
	Moody Rapids
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Class IV
Difficult - Long rapids with powerful irregular waves, dangerous rocks, boiling eddies, precise maneuvering and scouting from the shore is imperative, take all possible safety precautions.
Class IV rapids on the Lower Deschutes include:
	Oak Springs Rapids
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Class V
Very Difficult - Long rapids with wild turbulence and extremely congested routes that require complex maneuvering, a danger to your life and boat, near the limits of navigation.
No Class V rapids are noted on the Lower Deschutes River.
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Class VI
Life Threatening - The limits of navigation, rarely run, a definite hazard to your life.
	Sherar's Falls is the only Class VI rapid on the Lower Deschutes River.  MANDATORY PORTAGE FOR ALL BOATERS.
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