Deschutes River Trail

May 20, 2018

The last of our three hikes while camping at Tumalo SP started at the park and involved no driving to a trailhead.

Beginning at the day use area, the Deschutes River trail heads upstream and provides beautiful hiking in the canyons and along the river.  The river had a nice combination of slow water segments mixed with some whitewater and even a few small falls all framed between a beautiful canyon filled with various rock formations.  There were some pretty large houses at the top of the canyon too which must make for great views but a dangerous backyard!

One of the faster sections of water 

Trail view with Deschutes river to the right

View of the canyon across the river

Living on the edge!

 We eventually came to the newest addition to the trail which is a steel grated boardwalk that was put in to cross a boulder slide area.  Although Katie didn't like the feel as she walked across, it did provide a much easier way to get across the boulders and allowed for some nice views up and downstream.

Steel grated boardwalk over boulder field

View of Deschutes river at the boardwalk area

Downstream view of boardwalk

After 2.4 miles of enjoying this beautiful trail, we had to stop and turn around.  Although the Deschutes River trail is 12 miles long currently with plans to extend all the way to Bend, dogs are now allowed  past this point due to the Riley Ranch Nature Preserve.  Signs were posted clearly prohibiting dogs, but after reading more about the Riley Ranch Nature Preserve, we are interested in coming back some day and hiking the various trails located in that preserve.

Trail shot

Katie's worst nightmare.

Our hike back to camp was just as relaxing and beautiful and we came across many other folks out enjoying this trail today.  We spotted a Magpie and some waterfowl on the hike back and were treated to a few wildflowers too.  It was a beautiful hike to end our camping trip.

Waterfowl enjoying a view of the river

Deschutes river at the day use area

Looking upstream from the bridge at the day use area.

If you ever get up to the Bend area, be sure to check out Smith Rock SP, Tumalo Falls, or just hang out at the day use area of Tumalo SP and enjoy the scenic Deschutes River.  We really enjoyed all 3 of our hikes in the area and hope to come back again someday to explore other hiking trails in the area.

Trekking Together
Glenn & Carol

Our yurt at Tumalo State Park