Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
134.00 ft (40.84 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.20 mi (5.15 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Tumalo State Park is the northern terminus for the Deschutes River Trail. The park also arguably contains one of the most scenic sections of the entire path. The stretch from Tumalo south to Riley Ranch Nature Preserve is just over 3 miles in length (round trip), but can be extended to include the Canyon Trail or other trails at Riley Ranch.

Begin by parking in the large day use lot at Tumalo State Park. Note that a State Park fee or pass is required. The trail then picks up the Deschutes River and follows it upstream.

The canyon walls will soon rise above you as you continue onward through this rugged and beautiful section of the Deschutes.

One of the highlights of the trail is a unique metal bridge that takes hikers through a section of large boulders and provides great views of the river below.

They aren’t any signs announcing your arrival to Riley Ranch Nature Preserve, rather just a fence. You can continue on into the preserve (note that dogs are not allowed), or return the way you came back to Tumalo State Park.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

$5.00

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Scenic section of the Deschutes River. Cool metal bridge at one point along trail.

Cons

State park fee required.

Trailhead Elevation

3,224.00 ft (982.68 m)

Highest point

3,279.00 ft (999.44 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Fishing
Wildlife
Family friendly
Flushing toilets
Big vistas
Bird watching

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

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