HIKING EXPLORING East Metolius River Trail to Start of Wizard Falls! | Deschutes NF | Central Oregon

Chapters & Timestamps:

0:00 Storm Clouds Hiking East Metolius River Trail
0:40 Life Cycles of Metolius River
1:48 The Beginning of Wizard Falls
2:10 Mineral Rich Section of Metolius River

Here is the VIDEO exploring TRULY SPECTACULAR Turquoise 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 FULL HIKE from West Metolius River Trailhead to the First Waterfall Zone:

https://youtu.be/_4z-gHea3n0

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 Campground Trailhead 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 this Lower Canyon Creek Campground Trailhead of West Metolius River Trail, Hiking North 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 to Lower Canyon Creek Campground 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 2/19/2022! 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, the last under a mile to Lower Canyon Creek Campground is a bit bumpy you definitely want to go slow but most cars can comfortably make it with safe driving (there are multiple access points along Metolius River so if you have any concerns I would advise you pick a different Trailhead likely on the East Side of the River). 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, and of course do so at your own risk!