West Metolius River
- Physical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
- Technical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
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.
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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 for West Metolius River
- 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 5.1 km to Pioneer Ford and the Lower Bridge.
Getting to the West Metolius River Trailhead
From Bend drive north along US-97 and then turn onto US-20 west towards Sisters for 51.5 km. After Black Butte Ranch turn right onto Camp Sherman Road and follow it for just under 4.8 km. Veer left to stay on Camp Sherman Road, which turns into NF-1419. After 8.9 km, turn right onto NF-1420 towards the Lower Canyon Creek Campground.
Route Information
West Metolius River Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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