Deschutes River Trail Overnight

Trail Name: Deschutes River Trail

Enter/Exit: Lower Deschutes Trailhead

Trip type: Out and Back

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Distance: Up to 22.6 miles round trip

Elevation: 365 feet

Guide: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Deschutes_River_Hike

Review: The Deschutes River Trail has been a long time staple on my backpacking calendar. There were times I would hike this trail multiple times per year due to its easy access and ability to hike in and camp anywhere from 3 (ish) miles to the turn around point nearly 12 miles in. I have done short 6 mile round trip or the full 22 mile trips. The views are stunning and its location along in Eastern Oregon makes it’s weather mostly temperate. Temps can get awfully low but rain is infrequent which makes it an idea place to hike during the winter months. The trail mostly follows an old railroad bed which means little in the way of elevation change and most of the trail on a gravel road that is use by the Oregon State Park Rangers to service the handful of vault toilets that are located near the primitive tent sites. Because of the easy access the trail is a popular place for mountain bikers and backpackers especially during the summer months. Show up early and ensure you pay the fee for overnight parking before you take off to enjoy the wonderful scenery that North Central Oregon has to offer. Cheers!

Rating: Come back. I’ve done it many times before and will hike it again and again.

Rating Guide:

-Gram it: Check out the pictures on Instagram because this one is not worth seeing in person.

-Hike it: It’s short and sweet. Might as well knock it out in a day.

-Bag it: Pack a bag and spend the night.

-Bring a friend: Easy enough to bring a friend. Maybe this is where you can introduce someone to backpacking.

-Come Back: I will keep doing this trip it is so good!