The Metolius River is only about 16 mi. long from its source at Metolius Springs until it runs into Lake Billy Chinook. But it is one of the most scenic 16 mi. around. Few areas capture the beauty of the American west so completely. Emerging as a fully formed small river from lava rock springs it flows north into a valley between the Cascade peaks on the west and Green Ridge on the east. It rapidly gains volume as many snow-fed tributaries join it, including this spring that emerges along the river bank. The clarity and color of the water in the river is amazing, ranging from deep blue and turquoise to frothy whitewater. The forest around the river is predominately Ponderosa Pine, with cinnamon colored bark that practically glows in the central Oregon sunshine. There are trails along much of the river, either official hiker trails or fishing trails along the river's edge. We've hiked several sections over the years, including portions below the Lower Bridge Campground, where the river drops rapidly and becomes a whitewater extravaganza.
This trip we hiked the section upstream from Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery on the west side, where the river flows through a forest of Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, Incense Cedar and true firs. This is an easy hike, gaining little elevation, but covering some beautiful stretches of river. We were out early enough in the season to catch many wildflowers in bloom. Later in the season this will be dry and dusty country except right along the river and not much will be in blossom. Especially showy were these Balsamroot (Balsamorhisa deltoidea?) that grow along much of the hillsides above the river. Also interesting were what we think are Lithospermum ruderale, the Western Puccoon, that were quite common along the trail.
The Metolius River area is east of the Santiam Pass off Highway 20/126 in the Deschutes National Forest. Follow FS road 14 north from the highway, just west of Black Butte, to reach the source of the Metolius and the campgrounds and trails beyond. Get the FS map of the Deschutes National Forest to find your way around. This is an extremely popular area so expect crowds during the peak summer season. If you hope to camp during late summer your best hope is mid-week because the campgrounds often fill up on weekends.
These photos taken 5/17/97
