Name: Metolius River
Start: 2022-07-16T00:00:00-07:00
End: 2022-07-16T23:59:59-07:00

Past Activity

Metolius River

Start date: 07/16/2022
Start time: 12:00 AM
End date: 07/16/2022
End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

A long loop hike along the banks of what's been called the Most Beautiful River in Oregon. We will include stops at a Fish Hatchery and the Sherman General Store.

Event Leader: Whitney Gould
Event Leader Phone: 5103688941
Event Leader Email: whitneygould@yahoo.com
Assistant Leader: Holger Krentz
Event category: Trips
Area Type: Mountain
Departure Location: Behind McDonalds, 57th and Main in Springfield
Rating: Moderate
Roundtrip total drive miles: 188
Season: 2022
Permits Required:
Event Status: Passed
Supplies and Equipment Required: 10 essentials. Be prepared for a warm day.
participant prerequisites:
Conditions:
Total Distance: 12
Member Fees: 1
Elevation Gain: 150
Non-Member Fees: 5
Committee: Trips
Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

Nine of us enjoyed a day hiking the trails bordering the Metolius River. We began our trek at 10 a.m. at the Lower Creek Campground, and soon encountered a waterfall and swarms of butterflies. After about 2.5 miles of gently sloping trails, we reached the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery, where we used the restrooms, and explored this vibrant center of piscene nativity. We continued our trek northward for another 3.5 miles and found an idyllic lunch spot complete with picnic table at the Lower Bridge Campground. Newcomer Tom Farley supplied brownies, which were greatly appreciated.
From there, we crossed the Lower Bridge and began our trek southbound. The trail wound through several campgrounds, and momentarily disappeared, but we found our way, usually with the river in sight. Several of us dipped our feet in the cool water - a refreshing break on a warm day. We again crossed the river, returning to the Fish Hatchery, where we retraced our steps back to the parking lot. Tom again saved the day with ice-cold drinks for the crowd! However, coffee was needed by some, so we paid a quick trip to the Camp Sherman store, four miles away.