West Metolius River hike
View Photos
West Metolius River hike
Difficulty Rating:
It’s a postcard-perfect river walk: simple as that. The Metolius River is unbelievably beautiful and the easy hike along its flank is worth the relatively long drive from Bend. The water is clear and flecked with stunning whitewater rapids. This truly is a trek worth taking.
Getting there
From Bend drive north along US-97 and then turn onto US-20 west towards Sisters for 32.0mi. After Black Butte Ranch turn right onto Camp Sherman Road and follow it for just under 3.0mi. Veer left to stay on Camp Sherman Road, which turns into NF-1419. After 5.5mi, turn right onto NF-1420 towards the Lower Canyon Creek Campground.
About
| When to do | Year Round |
| Backcountry Campsites | None |
| Toilets | At trailhead |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Out and back |
West Metolius River
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for West Metolius River
The trailhead is beside the small campground, where you’ll also find pit toilets. From the trailhead, descend down to the slow moving Metolius River. You will be shocked at how clear the river is! You will be able to see right down to the rocky bottom in the very center of the river. Begin hiking along the riverside, along the well-kept, flat trail.
You will pass a small tributary waterfall, called Gushing Springs. This wide, short, gentle waterfall cascades slowly down to the river, creating a beautiful scene.
Continue hiking as the river veers left. You will pass by several sections of whitewater sets as you continue following the flow of the river. Approximately two-thirds of the way through, the trail will begin to ascend and you will traverse through a sparse forest. Soon you will arrive at the Wizard Fall Fish Hatchery, where you can feed the fish and is an interesting stop. Here there is a bridge and a parking area. This is also the turnaround point of the hike.
Return following your path you came out on.
Would you like to try a similar level hike around Bend? Check out the Tumalo Falls.
Insider Hints
You can also start the hike at the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery, reached by going along NF-14 from Camp Sherman.
An option to extend the hike is to continue past the hatchery. You can go another 3.2mi to Pioneer Ford and the Lower Bridge.
Similar hikes to the West Metolius River hike
Whychus Creek Trail
This hike is perfect for escaping the crowds at many of the popular walks closer to Bend. A moderate trail…
Smith Rock's Misery Ridge Loop
The most popular hike in Smith Rock State Park, the Misery Ridge Trail takes hikers and sightseers to one of…
Tumalo Falls Hike
The Tumalo Falls in Oregon is an amazing 97-foot waterfall near Bend, which is a great sight for nature lovers…
Charlie T 6 months ago
A nice and easy stroll along the river.
BlueMountains 7 months ago
Nice hike. No elevation gain, no need to work too hard for the nice views.
Kristina Norm 7 months ago
I agree, a really nice river walk. Great landscape to experience.
Gianna 7 months ago
It's not the hike just a nice walk. Loved it
Ronny 7 months ago
The West Metolius river hike was great. Good views. A bit short so we decided to continue and went to the Pioneer Ford. Got some great pictures from this trip.