While Oregon’s higher elevations are still under snow, the trails and forest around the Metolius River are in full bloom, so they make a great spring and early summer outing in Central Oregon. As one of the largest spring-fed rivers in the United States, the river is known for its clear, cold waters and world-class fly-fishing. On its shores, you can ride grippy single-track and smooth gravel roads. Just be sure to pack extra water in your kit of Ten Essentials, since the high desert starts to feel hot and dry in June, and many of the trails don’t have water access along the way. Here are three perfect adventures to inspire your next trip.
1. Hike the Trail for River Views and Butterflies
Meander along the Metolius River Trail, where you may glimpse trout moving through the river’s crystalline waters. A 5.3-mile out-and-back West Metolius River Trail hike starts from Lower Canyon Creek Campground and follows the river north through a canopy of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and cedar to the Wizard Falls Hatchery. For a 6.5-mile loop hike on the Metolius River Trail, start from Lower Bridge Campground and hike south along the east side of the river to the Wizard Falls Hatchery. Cross the bridge and return on the opposite side of the river.
For a longer hike near the river, explore 14 miles of trails in the Metolius Preserve, and identify more than a dozen migrating butterflies or any of the 110 bird species that inhabit the watershed. You might even spot resident elk or black bears, and you’ll likely be sharing the trail with cyclists and horseback riders.
While you’re in the area, make a stop at the Head of the Metolius Observation Site, where a short walk or roll on a paved trail will reward you with views of the spring-fed river as its turquoise waters flow out of the ground.
2. Hit the Gravel on a Cycling Adventure
Imagine your bike tires whirring down a red-cinder road, while snowcapped mountains float along the horizon. As you turn your pedals on the 28-mile Metolius Preserve + Bonus Lakes route, wildflowers blur past your feet in streaks of red, yellow, orange, purple and white as you tackle this moderately demanding ride.
Find even more routes along the river at Dirty Freehub, the go-to resource for downloadable maps, ratings and reviews, photos and more. Options range from buttery-smooth forest roads to rolling single-track and technical surfaces covered in knobby rocks. Try a moderate 38-mile loop to the Green Ridge Lookout, where you can catch a breeze along the ridge while taking in up-close views of Mt. Jefferson, and view the entire Metolius River Valley as it stretches north toward Lake Billy Chinook.
The epic 77-mile GravelCracker (The Overlander) — a challenging route with a 1,200-foot elevation gain to the heights of 4,700 feet — is a tour of the entire Metolius region that starts from Sisters. It follows rolling dirt single-track through ponderosa forests around the flanks of Black Butte, before turning north and following the flow of the Metolius River. Two tough climbs bring you to Round Lake, near Three Fingered Jack, followed by a thrilling descent to Suttle Lake. Here, it’s worth a lunch stop at the Boathouse. Rolling single-track, bumpy washboard gravel and smooth pavement take you back to Sisters.
3. Fish the Clear Waters of the River
Enjoy the serenity of the river from the water with your fly rod in hand while casting for fish like rainbow trout, bull trout, kokanee and mountain whitefish. Stand among eddies between gentle rapids while fish dart along the sandy riverbed and conifers tower overhead. The 12-mile stretch of river from its headwaters to Bridge 99 is fly-fishing only, although lures and artificial flies are allowed downstream of Bridge 99, and the entire river is catch-and-release. The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife is your best resource for fishing regulations and where to buy a required license; it also posts regular fishing reports.
If you’re new to angling, it’s worth noting that guided fishing is not available on the river, so it’s strongly advised that you take a lesson in Camp Sherman. The Camp Sherman Store offers private instruction as well as gear rentals, flies and knots, as well as the most up-to-date information about the river and regulations. The Fly Fisher’s Place in Sisters also offer fly fishing lessons.
If You Go:
- Camping along the Metolius River offers access to trails right from camp. Riverside Campground and Camp Sherman Campground are both located along the river, and each has more than a dozen campsites outfitted with picnic tables and fire pits. The sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance from the end of May through September.
- Cabins for rent and RV parking are also available within Camp Sherman at Metolius River Lodges and Cold Springs Resort.
- For luxury lodging, Black Butte Ranch offers upscale stays and family-friendly amenities like a spa, a golf course, horseback riding and day camp for kids.
- About 15 miles east, the town of Sisters has several hotel options, as well as restaurants and shops.
