Maupin, Oregon, is a tiny town located on the lower Deschutes River, largely off the beaten track but known primarily for its river-based recreation. There’s a fair amount of seasonal tourist traffic but Maupin never had a brewery—until now (sort of). Government Camp-based Mt. Hood Brewing recently purchased the Rainbow Tavern and is now operating it as the brewery’s third location. There won’t be any brewing on premise, but Mt. Hood’s beers will be primarily available.

Press release:

Mt. Hood Brewing Co. (MHBC) has added another location, this time in the small Central Oregon town of Maupin, the gateway to the Deschutes River. The tavern will continue to be known emphatically as the Rainbow Tavern, but it has been rebranded in a formal sense to Mt. Hood Brewing Co. Rainbow Tavern.

Mt. Hood Brewing Co., a sister company to historic Timberline, has always been a destination for skiers, snowboarders, hikers, mountain bikers, and sightseers on Mt. Hood. Maupin is celebrated for superb whitewater rafting, world-class fly fishing, exceptional upland bird and big game hunting on public and private land, breathtaking cycling routes, hiking trails, waterfalls, and more.

Built in 1935, the Rainbow Tavern is considered an icon by locals and tourists alike. As such, MHBC will make very few changes. Rustic MHBC wood beer labels depicting outdoor recreation will be woven into the existing decor of antlers and antiques. New tables and chairs will be added to compliment the luxe red pleather booths. New windows, a new gorgeously carved front door, air conditioning and other structural updates are planned for the near future. Later, outdoor deck seating is planned to accommodate families in the summer, but the Rainbow Tavern will maintain its 21-and-over status inside.

The food menu mostly remains consistent with what it is now, tavern fare. However, the chef at the Rainbow Tavern is eager to bring her “from scratch” approach to the menu so items will be fresher and house-made.

Currently, there are four MHBC ales on tap with two more to come once additional taps are added. Other MHBC beers will be offered by can and bottle. Classic tavern beers are also available – PBR, Rainier, Coors, and Corona, among others.

Leslie Hansen, an R.L.K. and Co. employee of 25 years (15 of those spent at MHBC in Government Camp), has been promoted to Regional Manager of Mt. Hood Brewing Co. She is managing all operations at Mt. Hood Brewing Co. locations in Government Camp, Portland and Maupin.

The Rainbow Tavern is located at 411 Deschutes Avenue, Maupin, OR, 97037.
Maupin is located just 45 minutes south of The Dalles on Hwy 197, and a short drive from the Portland or Bend areas. The Rainbow Tavern is open daily 11am to midnight.

The Mt. Hood Brewing Co. opened in Government Camp, OR, in January 1991, serving locally-produced beers and hearty pub fare in a family-friendly atmosphere. Mt. Hood Brewing Co.’s distinctive ales are produced by the union of pure glacial water, premium barley, Northwest hops and yeast, and the inspiration of the Mt. Hood Brewing Co.’s brewers. In addition to Government Camp, Mt. Hood Brewing Co. also has restaurants located in Portland and Maupin, OR.

The Rainbow Tavern is located in the main part of town on the bluff above the river. I’ve driven by a few times but never stopped, but it’s definitely got a ’70s dive bar vibe from the pictures. Should be an interesting addition to Mt. Hood Brewing’s growing footprint.