A week exploring some of the best of Oregon.
FNO Takes you to the state of: Oregon
Where are you (park, forest, etc.)- Deschutes National Forest
Nearest town (s)- Camp Sherman, Oregon, but nearby is Sisters and Bend as well.
How long is this hike- Trail along the river. Up to 10 miles one way if you desire.
Miles- Varies. Out and Back.
On your toughness scale (1 easiest, 10 toughest): 2. The challenge is in the distance, not the terrain.
Where are you (park, forest, etc.)- Deschutes National Forest
Nearest town (s)- Camp Sherman, Oregon, but nearby is Sisters and Bend as well.
How long is this hike- Trail along the river. Up to 10 miles one way if you desire.
Miles- Varies. Out and Back.
On your toughness scale (1 easiest, 10 toughest): 2. The challenge is in the distance, not the terrain.
The head of the Metolius river emerges from the base of Black Butte. 50000 gallons per minute emerge from the springs.
Tell Us About It-
In late September I was lucky enough to visit Oregon again to see the family and explore the country. The main purpose of the trip out there was for my cousin's wedding in Camp Sherman, Oregon. The epicenter of festivities was a converted fishing lodge which, being the detective that I am, clued me in to a substantial river nearby. Lo and behold the Metolius River was about a ten minute walk, or short drive away. With time to spare it was necessary to explore.
I was informed that the headwaters of the river was a sight to see. I heard there was a notable spring that started the Metolius, but I was surprised with what I encountered. After a short jut down from a Forest Service parking lot we stumbled upon a lookout where a river just suddenly emerged from the side of a hill. The headwaters of the Metolius River emerge from springs that are supplied by a drainage basin near Black Butte several miles away. This drainage basin is situated at a higher elevation which means that all this water flows underground until it emerges again miles later at the "Head". This was a unique site to see as a river seemingly appeared from nowhere.
In late September I was lucky enough to visit Oregon again to see the family and explore the country. The main purpose of the trip out there was for my cousin's wedding in Camp Sherman, Oregon. The epicenter of festivities was a converted fishing lodge which, being the detective that I am, clued me in to a substantial river nearby. Lo and behold the Metolius River was about a ten minute walk, or short drive away. With time to spare it was necessary to explore.
I was informed that the headwaters of the river was a sight to see. I heard there was a notable spring that started the Metolius, but I was surprised with what I encountered. After a short jut down from a Forest Service parking lot we stumbled upon a lookout where a river just suddenly emerged from the side of a hill. The headwaters of the Metolius River emerge from springs that are supplied by a drainage basin near Black Butte several miles away. This drainage basin is situated at a higher elevation which means that all this water flows underground until it emerges again miles later at the "Head". This was a unique site to see as a river seemingly appeared from nowhere.
Although treated with a sight to see at the start, there was more exploring to be done. We jumped in the car and drove ten minutes down to the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery. A series of dams and other human intervention has slowly degraded populations of natural trout and salmon on the river. In the recent years the fish hatchery has been turning the tide and restoring the Metolius to its former glory. Although the education was fun, the hatchery really just served as a starting point for the continuation of the hike.
You have the choice to either venture upstream or downstream from the hatchery. At points there are trails on both sides of the river. Either way you will see a beautiful river power down gorges with undisturbed forests on both sides. I was with my Dad and we worked out way up about three miles before turning back. We had a wedding to get to after all, but this was a great way to start the day. The entire river system and its tributaries was a sight well worth seeing, and if you have any desire to fish, this area has the ability to entrance you for much longer than a weekend.
You have the choice to either venture upstream or downstream from the hatchery. At points there are trails on both sides of the river. Either way you will see a beautiful river power down gorges with undisturbed forests on both sides. I was with my Dad and we worked out way up about three miles before turning back. We had a wedding to get to after all, but this was a great way to start the day. The entire river system and its tributaries was a sight well worth seeing, and if you have any desire to fish, this area has the ability to entrance you for much longer than a weekend.
This was just one of a number of hikes in the area. Given its proximity we decided this was a great way to start the day. If you are ever out near Sisters or Camp Sherman this is well worth the trip. We will warn you though, there are too many good options to choose from. One week is not nearly enough.
See any wildlife?: Pika were frequently seen. A couple thousand trout.
Would you recommend? (Yes or no) I would suggest this for any person who knows they can knock out a few miles in a few hours. Not too tough and very rewarding.
Trail Tuesdays is a new weekly segment of Father Nature Outdoors. We realized that we have friends and colleagues all across the country so why not take advantage of their knowledge, and hear some fun stories in the process. If you would like to contribute to Trail Tuesdays yourself just go to the “Contact Us” page and let us know. We get to hear some awesome stories and in return we’re rewarding you just to go get some fresh air! That’s a win-win in our book.
See any wildlife?: Pika were frequently seen. A couple thousand trout.
Would you recommend? (Yes or no) I would suggest this for any person who knows they can knock out a few miles in a few hours. Not too tough and very rewarding.
Trail Tuesdays is a new weekly segment of Father Nature Outdoors. We realized that we have friends and colleagues all across the country so why not take advantage of their knowledge, and hear some fun stories in the process. If you would like to contribute to Trail Tuesdays yourself just go to the “Contact Us” page and let us know. We get to hear some awesome stories and in return we’re rewarding you just to go get some fresh air! That’s a win-win in our book.
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