Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal agency that manages millions of acres of public lands for the purposes of recreation, livestock grazing, energy development, timber harvesting, and conservation. The BLM allows camping on most of the public lands it oversees, and this includes the Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River. Located in central Oregon, the Middle Deschutes River is a section of the Deschutes River, approximately 35 miles in length, between Lake Billy Chinook and Odin Falls. The Middle Deschutes is one of the 81 free-flowing streams designated as wild and scenic rivers that the BLM oversees. There's both dispersed camping here and camping at a designated facility, but you should know that between June 1 and October 15, campfires are not allowed within a half-mile of the river's edge. Leashed pets are permitted.

Situated about 15 minutes from the city of Redmond, the Middle Deschutes River is a two-hour drive from Crater Lake National Park. The river runs through a deep, rugged canyon and features waterfalls and rapids, and many people come to hike and to enjoy the natural beauty. Others are drawn to the area so they can have fun in the water, swimming, kayaking, or fishing. The walls of most deep canyons tell a geologic story that's millions of years old, and the Middle Deschutes is no different — photographers come to capture both the power of past volcanic eruptions and water's capability to slowly but surely carve and erode.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Steelhead Falls Trail

The reward for hiking this popular trail is the view of the magnificent 20-foot Steelhead Falls. You'll see the remains of an old mill as you travel along the river's edge and may also spot beavers and other wildlife. There are 25-foot cliffs near the waterfall, so the hardier souls in your travel group can go cliff jumping. The trail is multi-use and is appropriate for horseback riding in addition to hiking.

Length: 2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Scout Camp Trail

This dog-friendly loop trail is for hiking only and descends steeply into the river canyon. It's popular with those who like fishing and also those who enjoy rock climbing as there are boulders you need to scramble over at the river in order to make your way back up to the top. It's well worth it, though, because you'll get to see where the Deschutes River meets up with Whychus Creek, a spectacular sight.

Length: 2.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate to difficult

Fishing and Boating

Lure fishing and fly-fishing are allowed on the Middle Deschutes, and the best time for the latter is in late April and early May. You can fish for rainbow trout, brown trout, bull trout, and mountain whitefish. Crayfish are not uncommon. Due to the frequency of waterfalls along the river and the water's depth being too low in many places, there's no boating here.

Climbing

About 12 miles from the Middle Deschutes River is Smith Rock State Park, one of the top climbing destinations in the country. Hundreds of bolted routes, ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert, give climbing enthusiasts their choice for scaling the park's cliff walls.

Wildlife Viewing

Found throughout the river corridor are mule deer, grey foxes, antelopes, and beavers. It's also a great area for bird-watching, with golden and bald eagles making their nests in the cliffs along the river. You're also likely to spot ospreys, canyon wrens, and meadowlarks.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Depending on your vehicle, BLM RV camping for a small fee is available at Steelhead Falls Campground, which accommodates tents but also small Class B campers and travel trailers no longer than 17 feet. There are only eight gravel sites, and there is no potable water, but there is a vault toilet, and pets on a leash are welcome. The campground is first-come, first-served. This is a great spot if you're inclined towards swimming, hiking, and fishing, but be aware that campers are permitted to stay for a maximum of 14 days at a time.

For a nearby RV park that has all the amenities, book a stay at Expo Center RV Park in Redmond. Located at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, the park has electric, water, and sewer hookups, as well as pull-through sites, showers, a laundry, picnic tables, and a large pet area. There's a golf course across the street, and depending on when you visit, there may be entertainment events scheduled at the Expo Center.

Free Camping

Dispersed camping is allowed just about anywhere on BLM lands. In the Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River, most dispersed camping is tent camping. There is private property located near these BLM lands, so make sure to pay attention to signage to avoid trespassing. As with stays at established BLM campgrounds, you are not allowed to spend more than 14 days at a dispersed camping site.

RV Rentals Near Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River BLM trip

Central Oregon is considered to have a high desert climate, with around 265 days of sunshine. The region experiences hot summers, with an average high of 85 degrees, and cold and sometimes snowy winters. Plan your wardrobe accordingly, and bring plenty of sunscreen.
If you're thinking of boondocking in your RV on BLM land, contact the BLM office prior to your trip for tips and advice about suitable spots for parking and, more importantly, where you can't take your RV due to private land restrictions or terrain considerations.
Rattlesnakes are common in the area and can be found hiding under brush and rocks, so tread carefully.

BLM camping in this region affords you the chance to camp in a true wilderness setting, likely for free, but before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

It's important when visiting public lands to leave them as you found them in consideration of nature and of fellow campers to come. The BLM emphasizes the principles of Leave No Trace, such as planning ahead and bringing trash bags, a backpack stove, avoiding off-trail travel that can scar the landscape, and not taking plants or archaeological artifacts with you. Use fire rings if you must build a campfire, and select downed branches for firewood rather than breaking off existing branches. It goes without saying that you should always take your trash and waste with you.

Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River Location

From the city of Redmond, take US Highway 97 north past Terrebonne, turn left onto Lower Bridge Road/Lower Bridge Market Road, and proceed to NW 43rd Street, where you'll turn right. Proceed on NW 43rd Street, which becomes Flume Ranch Road, to NW Chinook Drive, where you'll turn left. Proceed to SW Badger Road and turn left. Travel on SW Badger Road to SW Quail Road and turn right. Continue until you reach SW River Road and turn left. Drive for another mile to the Steelhead Falls Trailhead parking lot.

Ready to visit Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.