Hike the wild side of the Metolius

The springs on the Metolius River are the highlight of a wonderful hike. photo by Tom Chace

There are probably as many favorite hikes along the Metolius River as there are hikers.

Possibly the most scenic and least used trail is along the west side, upstream two miles from Wizard Falls Hatchery.

It is not too arduous from the hatchery end, walking up stream, but from the other direction, where the natural beauty is found, it takes a bit of doing.

Along this stretch of class four and class five rapids the water roars within feet of the hiker. It is here where water falls from the far side of the embankment in a continuous display of natural magnificence.

The natural springs create this "waterfall" year around. As with the Head of the Metolius, the volume of water at the falls does not seem to diminish or increase with the seasons.

This is a trail densely forested on one side of the narrow path with the water's edge immediately on the opposite side. Here, wildflowers bloom throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons.

One visitor from Southern California was heard to say that it was wonderful how the Forest Service "landscaped" this particular trail. It's not landscaped, but it is lovely.

It is cool along the West Metolius, due to a light spray from the turbulent rapids and the shade of tall ponderosas, tamarack and white pine protecting the rugged path.

Sturdy walking shoes are a must, as the trail, while quite good, is also quite rocky and there are spots where caution is required to avoid slipping down a slight sandy or gravely slope.

The river is posted at the campground entry, "Caution! Heavy Rapids Next Four Miles." This stretch of river is not to be rafted. The water, the river here, is dangerous. A horse and rider were lost on this stretch of the Metolius several years ago.

It appears calm and placid as one approaches from the top side near Canyon Creek Camp Grounds. But within a hundred yards, out of sight at the beginning, the water turns ugly into a roaring, rock-and-boulder-strewn river running and rampaging out of control.

It is beautiful to behold. It is awesome to stand beside. It is nature at it most violent, powerful self, yet giving off a presence of reverence.

This is the same river, five miles south, near the headwaters -- the Head of The Metolius -- where the river is placid to the point of wadding and fishing in farmer's boots.

But here, six miles downstream, it is vicious; wading is life threatening and fishing absurd.

To get to the active part of this river, drive from downtown Sisters 12 miles west on Highway 20, the Santiam Pass Road. Turn right toward Camp Sherman. After four miles, stay left at the "Y" to a stop sign at Camp Sherman itself.

Continue straight ahead 3.3 miles (on road #1420, now paved all the way to the turnoff), passing the Allingham Bridge Road, the Redmond Riding Club, the turnoff for the House on the Metolius, crossing Jack Creek.

There will be easy-to-read signs on the left directing you to a right-hand turn to the Canyon Creek Camp Grounds.

The total distance from Highway 20 to this turnoff is 9.1 miles.

Turn right on this rutted, dirt road for .8 mile. Just beyond the campsite is a parking area with the river below.

The waterfall is a 1/2-mile hike down stream from the parking area and the extreme rapids another 1/2 mile.

The trail climbs at the 1-1/2-mile mark and follows the river downstream, to Wizard Falls another mile away.