The Metolius River Trail

Being one of Oregon’s epic and most popular rivers, the Metolius has fantastic trail systems with numerous options. The headwaters starts at the base of Black Butte by miraculously gurgling from lava tubes deep underground as a full size river that never changes temperature or flow. The free flowing Metolius is also classified as a National Wild and Scenic River in order to preserve it’s outstanding natural, recreational and cultural values. For the most part, fairly flat single track follows both sides of this river for miles which makes for great trail running with the crystal clear water always at your side.

The roughly 5.6 mile adventure began by parking at the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery, crossing the bridge and heading north on the trail – running this loop in a counterclockwise fashion. The trail hugs the meandering contours of the river as you wind your way through the well spaced, mature ponderosa pines and sage brush. We ran this trail with our two teenagers in mid-June, mid-afternoon, last summer. It was warm. The trail was dusty, so hydration vests were a must.

On this side of the river, you first pass through Allen Springs Campground, one of the many campgrounds in this popular summer getaway. Just past Allen Springs, we paused after noticing a large rainbow trout in the slack water behind a rock feeding lazily feeding on nymphs as they floated by in the current, but we continued on as this trout was apparently unafraid of the four people staring down from above.

About half way along the trail on both sides of the river, you reach a fenced off section of private property that you have to run up and around before diving back down to the water again. The apex of the loop is Lower Bridge Campground where you cross the bridge to head back. We took a quick break next to the large pool by the bridge and watched two buddies unsuccessfully try to lure a bull trout from it’s depths.

Below, is my daughter running a section of the trail on our way back toward the hatchery. It is a good representation of the well maintained single track that is good for running. This side of the river seemed a bit more forested and shaded which helped in the heat. The overall experience of this trail was a magical Metolius moment…

And, of coarse, the Camp Sherman store is a must post-run for good eats, local hospitality and a cold beer.