Central Oregon trail conditions: Hike, paddle, ride near Dillon, Benham falls; Ochoco trails in good shape
Published 3:00 pm Thursday, June 27, 2024
- The shoreline near Prineville Reservoir State Park.
Jeez, it’s going to be July next week. Feels like summer is flying by already. Time to make the most of it.
With mild summer temperatures, this should be a great weekend to spend some long days out on the trails. Temperatures are expected to reach the high 70s in Bend Friday through Sunday. Forecasts say clear skies each day except Saturday. If heading out for a hike or mountain bike ride, start low and explore high. Maybe some of those mid- to late-summer trail favorites are clear of snow. Recent reports are showing signs of high elevation trails melting out.
Check out bendtrails.org and the BendTrails Facebook group for more specific trail updates, and be sure to provide updates if you happen upon some changing conditions.
Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend.
Hike, paddle, ride near Dillon, Benham falls
Whether you’re looking for a nice, casual hike, a trail run, paddle in the Deschutes or picnic along its shores, the Dillon Falls Day Use Area in the Deschutes National Forest serves as an easy-to-get-to spot. With access to the Deschutes River and the Deschutes River Trail, and only a 20-minute drive from downtown Bend, the area offers outlets to a wide-range of outdoor activities. Bring a kayak or paddleboard to paddle the river between Benham and Dillon falls or a mountain bike to ride along the river trail and other trails nearby. The stretch of trail between the lot and Benham Falls West Day Use/Trailhead is great for a relatively flat and smooth trail run as well. The parking lot also has horse trailer parking for the riders to access the horse trail along the river.
The former Ryan Ranch meadow, which was formed in the 1920s by a berm constructed to prevent flooding and later restored to a wetland in 2015, is along the river trail, just south of the falls. The forest clearing allows for nice views of the Deschutes National Forest and the Cascades on a clear day. I’ve also seen it used for a variety of photo shoots; whether those were for senior photos or Instagram, I have no idea. The sandy banks along the Deschutes River in this area can also serve as spots for a cold river plunge.
Ochoco trails in good shape
Last month, I said trails in the Ochoco National Forest were nearly all rideable, but that riders should keep an eye out for snow when venturing close to the summits. According to recent reports on bendtrails.org, all trails including Lookout Mountain are clear and ready to ride. What’s even better: Local groups cleared trails of trees and debris in May. So these eastern trails should be in prime condition.
Lookout Mountain is one of the best downhill trails in Central Oregon. From the summit, the trail drops about 3,500 feet in seven miles and varying terrain — rough, rocky and technical for the first few miles, then fast and flowy. There are just a few short uphill punches as you descend. The mountain also has an alternative climbing route to the summit along Independent Mine Trail.
Popular trails Cougar Creek and Scotty Creek along with newer-trail Bandit Springs offer another option on the other side of Highway 26. Mountain bikers looking to ride the Cougar area trails can park at either Cougar East or Cougar West trailheads. The Cougar area offers a wider range of trails to choose from, with both beginner and intermediate loops. These trails make for great hiking and trail running as well.
Nymphing ticket on newly opened Metolius reach
Recent reports on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website say nymphing — using artificial flies that imitate aquatic insects in their larval state — has worked the best for anglers on the Metolius River. The Metolius upstream of Allingham Bridge, a popular stream reach for fishing, opened last month. Fishing is open year-round downstream from the bridge.
About an hour drive north of Redmond, the river makes for a good day-trip out. Nymphing with stonefly, mayfly or caddisfly has been effective for trout on the Metolius, while streamers are a good bet for bull trout. Artificial flies and lures are permitted below the lower bridge, Bridge 99. Fly-fishing only upstream.
Check out the department of fish and wildlife’s website for more fishing reports.
Take a dip in Prineville Reservoir
While out riding the trails in the Ochocos, stop by Prineville Reservoir on the drive home for a quick dip or paddle. Prineville Reservoir State Park has excellent swimming and fishing as well as other recreational options, like year-round camping, hiking and stargazing. The park is 15 miles south of Prineville and about a 1-hour-and-15-minute drive from Bend.
According to reports on the fish and wildlife website, anglers have had decent luck over the past month fishing for trout, crappie and bass. The reservoir is 99% full and has a boat ramp, accessible fishing pier and fish cleaning station.
For a full list of conditions updated regularly, visit bendbulletin.com/explore/conditions.