Overview
Nestled in Deschutes National Forest, Smiling River Campground offers visitors some of the most stunning scenery in central Oregon
and easy access to an abundance of recreational activities.
Recreation
Hiking and fishing top the list of recreational activities for visitors.
For anglers, the spring-fed Metolius river offers a stunning setting for fly-fishing. Its clear, cold water supports rainbow
trout, whitefish, bull trout and kokanee salmon.
For day hikers and backpackers, the area offers a wide variety of scenic terrain, ranging from riverside trails to routes in
subalpine forests.
Facilities
Smiling River Campground offers sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping, however hookups are not available.
Picnic areas, trails and scenic overlooks, along with the conveniences of firewood, drinking water and flush toilets, give
visitors the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while still having many of the conveniences of home.
Natural Features
Many sites at this campground look out to Metolius River, a tributary of the Deschutes River.
The headwaters of the river are at Metolius Springs at the base of Black Butte, a 3,076-foot cinder cone. The clear, cold river
flows north from the springs through diverse coniferous forest and a landscape of volcanic activity.
The area provides habitat for mammals such as mule deer, coyote and cougar. Migratory birds and native fish also call the area
home.
Nearby Attractions
The Metolius-Windigo Trail, open to hikers, bikers and horses, is more than 100 miles in length, and begins near the Metolius River
headwaters west of the town of Sisters, Oregon. The trail was created in the 1980s primarily to
serve long-distance horse riders seeking an alternative to the Pacific Crest Trail.
Lava Lands Visitor Center in Bend, Oregon, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the
area through interpretive programs and exhibits.
