Calendar

Past Activity

Metolius River / Smith Rock

  • Start date: 10/08/2018

  • Start time: 12:00 AM

  • End date: 10/09/2018

  • End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

We will camp on the Metolius River at Lower Canyon Campground with Gorge Campground as a back up if Lower Canyon is gated. Lower Canyon will be free if gate is open. Gorge is $14 per site with 50% discount with Senior Pass. I'm thinking two tents per site. Am not making reservations. Should be no problem. Both campgrounds have vault toilets. Water will be from the river.

Vern is graciously providing meats and veggies for skewers at dinner, as well as pineapple upside down cake for dessert. I am bringing fresh rolls and butter. 1 - 2 additional side dishes would be welcome, but not required. Each person is still responsible for own breakfast and lunches. Temperatures should be in the low 30's overnight. Currently there is a slight chance of rain. Campfires are permissible. I will bring wood.

After setting up camp, we will hike out and back from the campground to the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery. 5.4 miles/ 100'

Tuesday morning we will break camp, drive to Smith Rock, and hike the Summit Trail Loop. 7 miles/ 1100'. Lunch will be on the trail. I expect to head back to Eugene by 3:00 - 3:30 pm.

  • Event Leader: Ben Brown

  • Event Leader Phone: 214-930-6394

  • Event Leader Email: benjmbrown@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type:

  • Departure Location: Behind McDonalds, 57th and Main in Springfield

  • Rating: Moderate

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 268

  • Season: 2018

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: (1) breakfast, (2) lunches, (1) dinner - water filter system - 10 essentials - firewood (if desired) - camping/cooking equipment

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 12.4

  • Member Fees: 2

  • Elevation Gain: 1200

  • Non-Member Fees: 10

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

After setting up camp at the Gorge Campground on the banks of the beautiful Metolius River, the group drove to the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery. We then hiked 2.1 miles on an easy trail on the west side of the river full of the reds and yellow of Fall, until we came upon Gushing Springs. These springs make the Head of the Metolius look like a garden hose.

The next morning after breaking camp, we drove the 40 minutes to Smith Rock State Park. Some of the group elected to hike along the Crooked River, some hiked up to Monkey Face on the Misery Ridge Trail before returning to the trailhead, and others went up the Summit Trailmaking a loop around the perimeter.

The weather was splendid, the company grand, and the scenery first rate. A good time was had by all.