Deschutes River State Recreation Area

Deschutes River State Recreation Area is a state park for camping and river access where the Deschutes meets the Columbia, at the dry eastern edge of the Gorge. It’s a handy base for fishing, rafting, biking, or walking beside the water. There are walk-in access points from the campground, and Heritage Landing’s boat ramp is across the river.

For a flat riverside outing, follow the unpaved River Trail along an old railroad grade; it stretches well beyond the developed area, so turn back whenever you’ve had enough. Ferry Springs is a separate stop: drive about 0.4 mile past the entrance and campground to its trailhead. The loop climbs through a dry draw to open river and hill views. Near the spring, a bright green strip stands out against the dry slopes, and spring wildflowers make this a better walk before summer heat. Oregon Trail pioneers regrouped near the spring before their last stretch to the Willamette Valley.

The A Loop has 34 electrical sites with water; flush toilets and hot showers are seasonal. Other loops have vault toilets, with potable water nearby. The tradeoff is noise: freight trains and their horns are common here, so light sleepers may want earplugs.