Hiking Both West & East Metolius River Trails to the Turquoise Zone! | Deschutes NF | Central Oregon

Chapters & Timestamps:

0:00 Hiking West Metolius River Trail (Crook in River Across from Allen Springs Campground)
0:54 Hiking East Metolius River Trail
1:50 Rocky Shoreline Section of East Metolius River Trail
2:57 Frozen Icicles on the Geological Formations
3:47 *Exploring THE TURQUOISE ZONE!*

Here is the VIDEO exploring TRULY SPECTACULAR Wizard Falls:

https://youtu.be/YpuCvUJRg-8

Here is the FULL CAMPGROUND REVIEW VIDEO of Nearby Lower Canyon Creek Campground, Trailhead for this West Metolius River Trailhead Hike:

https://youtu.be/f2pvhYHOEGk

Here is the VIDEO reviewing the BEST Drive-In Campsite @ Allen Springs Campground:

https://youtu.be/T3gSqQ1_Kwg

Here is the VIDEO reviewing the BEST Walk-In Campsites @ Allen Springs Campground:

https://youtu.be/bAsXyHXG7nM

This was a Day-Hike in Central Oregon, Deschutes National Forest, Metolius River National Recreation Area, starting at Lower Canyon Creek Trailhead & Campground on West Metolius River Trail hiking North to Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery and Allen Springs Campground. This Hiking Segment can be done as a standalone shorter Hike or can be included as a Grand Metolius River Highlight Loop Hike of approximately 13+ Miles, starting at the West Metolius River Trailhead aka West Side of the River at Lower Canyon Creek Campground, Hiking North up West Metolius River Trail all the way up to Candle Creek Campground, Hiking back South and crossing Metolius River at Lower Bridge Campground, Hiking South past Allen Springs Campground and ultimately re-crossing the River at Wizard Falls and Returning the Trailhead. This 13+ Miles Grand Metolius Highlight Loop is ONE OF THE BEST RIVER HIKES IN THE STATE OF OREGON!

The Elevation starts around 2800 FT and stays in a range of up to 3000 FT, at such low elevation it allows this hike to be done in the end of Winter as this was hiked 3/4/2022! The temperature was well below freezing (19F) when I arrived around sunrise, and it got warmer into the 40's and 50's later in the day. The sky was beautiful blue skies, a blue bird day, and there were of course NO Mosquitoes.

As far as road conditions, it's highway to the turn off which is also a paved road, and I'm happy to report that the last 0.8 Mile Road to Lower Canyon Creek Campground has been smoothed out and is a pleasant Forest Road to West Metolius River Trailhead. In my opinion, the road most definitely DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive, however do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year, and drive SLOW and CAUTIOUSLY.