The Deschutes River flows 250 miles north from its source at Lava Lake to its confluence with the Columbia River, east of The Dalles. See a Deschutes River area map (PDF) for reference.

PGE partnership with Warm Springs Tribes
Pelton Round Butte hydro project, completed by PGE in 1964, is a 20-mile long complex in the Deschutes River Canyon about six miles west of Madras. It is jointly owned by PGE and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs and is the only hydroelectric project in the U.S. co-owned by a Native American tribe and a utility.

Fish passage restoration
PGE and the Tribe have constructed an underwater tower and fish collection facility at the lower end of Lake Billy Chinook to restore fish runs above Pelton Dam. For the first time in 40 years, salmon and steelhead will migrate to the Metolius, Crooked and upper Deschutes rivers. Visit DeschutesPassage.com for the complete story.

Green hydropower
Pelton Round Butte is an official producer of green power. Fewer than 40 hydro plants in the U.S. have earned this designation. The Low Impact Hydropower Institute Board certified the output as renewable energy, based on planned environmental protection measures.

Round Butte picnic area and Pelton campground
PGE operates Round Butte Overlook Park with a public picnic area on the rim of the Deschutes River Canyon. We also have a campground with more than 70 campsites at Pelton Park, on the shore of Lake Simtustus, the reservoir behind Pelton Dam.