Deschutes River Trail (via River Canyon Park)

This section of the Deschutes River Trail takes hikers alongside a rugged segment of the Deschutes River. The trail starts at the small River Canyon Park, off Snowbrush Drive.

After finding a place to street park, walk the paved pathway as it twists though the tiny park high above the river. The trail then follows a gravel road as it descends toward the Deschutes.

Once you’ve descended nearly to river level, you’ll continue following the road as it parallels the Deschutes River. You’re unlikely to encounter any traffic, as only official vehicles are allowed.

The trail follows the Central Oregon Canal. This massive pipeline supplies the areas of Alfalfa, Bend, and Powell Butte with water.

Continuing along, you’ll enjoy great views of the raging Deschutes River. This section of the river is much more rugged than areas downstream, with high canyon walls and frequent small rapids and rocks. At one point you’ll reach a small wooden dock platform that extends over the river.

You can continue along the Deschutes River Trail for as far as you like. A bit before the 1.5 mark the trail splits. Turning sharply left will take you down to the river where you can cross on a footbridge. This is a good turnaround point.

Return the way you came back to River Canyon Park.