
Trip
Backpack - Deschutes River State Recreation Area
An out and back early spring trip up the old railroad grade along the Deschutes River about 11 miles to the Harris Homestead and Falls Canyon Camp.
- Sat, Mar 8, 2025 — Sun, Mar 9, 2025
- Foothills Backpacking Committee
- Backpacking
- Adults
- Moderate
- Moderate
- Mileage: 22.2 mi
- Elevation Gain: 400 ft
- High Point Elevation: 365 ft
- Pace: 2 mph
- 2 (6 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
I am not asking leader permission for this trip. I think this is a pretty easy spring trip. We will want to keep a 2mph pace so it would be good to have some backpacking experience due to the distance. Please let me know if you have questions about gear or the location.
We will hike at a moderate 2 mph pace, taking frequent breaks. We will stop for an extended lunch (~20 minutes). We will break camp and head back to our cars Sunday morning starting around 8am.
There may not be an option for hanging food. I plan to bring my Ursack.
Since this is a long drive for most people we will meet at the Deschutes River Trailhead at 10am and aim to arrive at camp by around 4pm.
Drive east on I-84 to Exit 97 for Highway 206, Celilo Park and Deschutes State Park. Turn right after exiting and then left on Highway 206E for Deschutes Park and Fulton Canyon.
Drive 0.7 miles and, after crossing the bridge over the Deschutes River, turn right into the Deschutes State Park.
Drive all the way to the end of the paved park road and park at the trailhead near the group camping area.
Each car will need a $7 permit. Optional Camping Friday night.
Deschutes River State Recreation Area
-
Green Trails Columbia River Gorge East No. 432S
BLM Prineville District: Lower Deschutes and John Day Rivers
see Land Manager - See full route/place details.
Required Equipment
The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear which may include:
- Tent with tarp
- Stove and fuel
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Water filter
- Ursack or bear can for food storage
- Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils
- Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with waste
- Raincoat
- Clothing that will keep you warm and dry in 30 degree rain. No cotton clothes!
- Food for 1 dinners, 1 breakfasts, and 2 lunches/snacks
- Bugs, especially ticks are certainly possible; bring bug repellent.