I just did the Deschutes section Buckhollow to Macks. It was super hot and the river was pretty mellow. My kids had a great time swimming and hanging out. They are teenagers but pretty new to whitewater sports. It was mostly class 2 with a couple of class II+ III rapids. We took an IK down as well with no issues. It is only 25 miles or so so we really stretched it out to do 3 days. Finding a rattlesnake was the biggest hazard on the trip. Only really or or two really nice beach camps though.

 

Salmon: Lucile to Hammer (Looks like blackhawk is easily walkable)

Thoughts for full value this time of year, fun and splashy, fun beaches and at least some shade?

Just saw this post, so although too late for your trip this weekend, here are some thoughts for future reference.

The right side sneak on Blackhawk is class II at best. I've done it in the last month in a 9' boat and my 16' cat. Just sneak the bank and go down the short/minimal drop.

Though roadside, Lucile to Hammer is a nice mellow family-oriented trip. There's nothing above class II to contend w/ and you could sneak just about every rapid at these flows. Lots of slow mellow water between riffles. China Creek beach is really nice for camping. Box Canyon Beach is nice too, also the big beach appx. 2/3 mile above Blackhawk.

For whatever it's worth, if you're ever thinking about Carey Creek to Ruby, Ruby is super chill at current flows. Class II. Though class III, Lake Creek is very straightforward. Go just right of the large rock and bounce down a short friendly wave train. The road is right there in case you wanted to walk the kids around. If those two rapids aren't a barrier, you could do Carey down to Shorts Bar. Everything else in that section is mellow.

Hope you have fun wherever you end up this weekend!