Deschutes River Trail

This is a 22.6-mile out-and-back from Deschutes River State Recreation Area’s southern day-use lot to Harris Canyon Water Tower and back. The 11.3-mile leg follows a wide, nearly level gravel railbed along the Deschutes’ east bank, with rapids, basalt cliffs and remnants of the railroad and ranches that used this canyon. Do it if a long day of walking sounds appealing. The distance—not climbing—is the main challenge.

From the lot, take the narrow uphill connector, about 0.1 mile, to the former railbed. The first two miles stay within the recreation area, then the route crosses Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Bureau of Land Management land. Near Gordon Canyon, leave the broad grade briefly on a vehicle track, descend to cross Gordon Creek, then climb back up. The trail passes below Gordon Cliffs, where lichen outlines radiating circles in the basalt.

At mile 5.6, a preserved railcar still has its wooden floor; a side path reaches the water. Free Bridge’s stone footings appear at mile 6.6. Wasco County built the bridge in 1887 and rebuilt it in 1905; it was apparently dynamited in 1914. Beyond the footings, Washout Rapids wrap around a river bend beside a rubble-strewn basalt cut. At mile 7.8, the former trestle ramp is gone. Later, a cattle grid marks private land: stay on the trail between grids. Fall Canyon Camp is at mile 10.1. Near the end, pass the remains of Harris Homestead, corrals, hackberry trees and a refurbished caboose before reaching the water tower. Frame the surviving bridge footings with the river and rapids for the trail’s signature photo.

Allow about 10 hours for the full return. There’s little shade and no confirmed drinking-water source, and summer temperatures regularly reach the 100s. The park warns that emergency help is limited; carry the water you need before leaving the campground. Late winter and early spring bring wildflowers. Restrooms are at the campground before the lot, and dogs must stay leashed. The southern paved day-use lot is 0.4 mile past the campground on the park entrance drive. The current day-use fee or pass requirement wasn’t confirmed, so check current parking rules before you go.