The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Trout Creek Trail is a popular destination for outdoor recreation in Oregon. As part of the Bureau of Land Management's 245 million acres of undeveloped public land, Trout Creek Trail is named after a scenic tributary of the Deschutes River. Visiting this site allows you to explore the geology of the Pacific Northwest. The landscape consists of the Cascade Mountain Range and forms a veritable playground for rock climbers and hikers. Specifically, the Trout Creek Trail takes a seven-mile path through the mountain range's signature basalt cliffs. This path includes a section called the Trout Creek Climbing Area, and its columnar slopes attract visitors from around the world. Although all serious climbers are welcome to visitor, the Trout Creek Climbing Area is subject seasonal wildlife closure to protect eagles during nesting season, so climbers should contact the BLM district office before finalizing their visit. In addition to climbing and hiking, trout fishing in the Deschutes River is the other most popular activity along the trail. After the Trout Creek Climbing Area, the Trout Creek Trail continues up a gradual incline through a century-old fire-generated forest. The trail traditionally ends at a natural landmark called. Rooster Rock. Accessible at several points from U.S. Highway 97, Trout Creek Trail officially begins about 16 miles north of Madras, Oregon. This starting point is called the Trout Creek Campground. The trail continues west along the Deschutes River upon an old gravel road that was once the site of the Deschutes Railroad, a major transport route. While motor vehicles are no longer permitted on this pathway, hikers and bikers are still allowed.
This trail starts near the Trout Creek Campground and climbs slowly for the first 0.9 miles. It then rises steeply to Rooster Rock, whose summit provides an impressive view of the entire South Santiam Canyon. Length: 4.2 miles Intensity: Difficult
If you need an easy hike, try the Walton Ranch Interpretive Trail. This trail traverses Trout Creek and ends at two viewing platforms. The first platform offers a panoramic view of the historic Walton Ranch site, and the second platform offers better view of the meadow for viewing wildlife like elk and deer. Both the trail and viewing platforms are wheelchair accessible. Length: 0.6 miles Intensity: Easy
Cone Peak Trail is a moderate 6.1-mile loop near Cascadia, Oregon. This trail begins with a gentle climb through a shaded forest that leads to open hillsides that bloom with flowers during the spring and summer. The top of the trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding Cascade Mountain Range. Cross Peak Trail eventually intersects with Iron Mountain Trail. Length: 6.1 miles Intensity: Moderate
The Iron Mountain Trail is a challenging but rewarding trek that cuts through the western portion of the Cascade Mountain Range. This trail is home to mountain meadows containing over 300 species of flowering plants that bloom in spring and summer. The trail also includes shady alpine groves that end just before you reach bare volcanic rock at the Iron Mountain summit. There you will find a viewing platform for observing the best of the Santiam Foothills. Length: 3.2 miles Intensity: Difficult
Trout Creek Trail runs parallel to the Deschutes River, one of the best-known fishing destinations in Oregon. The river is home to native whitefish, wild trout, and bull trout. The river is also famous for its high-quality rainbow trout that reach 3,500 fish per mile in summer. In addition to the popular summer runs, the river is open all year for fly fishing with artificial lures.
Climbing is one of the top recreational activities near Trout Creek Trail. The primary destination for this sport is the Trout Creek Climbing Area. This craggy area is famous for its basalt columns, plumb-vertical routes, and highly concentrated slopes. While the routes are challenging, basalt geology keeps the rocks here from fracturing. As a result, experienced climbers can explore the area with more confidence and less risk than many other locations. The nearby Trout Creek Campground also makes it easy to store or stock up on supplies.
Deer, elk, eagles, wild turkey, and osprey all make their homes at various points along the trail. The area is also home to woodland fowl like white-headed woodpeckers and small owls. Other woodland creatures include white-tailed jackrabbits, pygmy rabbits, and kit foxes.
Although picnic tables are unavailable along Trout Creek Trail, you can enjoy a picnic in the nearby Trout Creek Campground. As one of the most popular BLM campgrounds in Oregon, this location has a section called the Trout Creek Day Use Area. It contains picnic tables under fir and hemlock trees.
BLM RV camping is possible near Trout Creek Trail. If you're close by and search for "BLM camping near me," the most popular site you'll find is the Trout Creek Campground. It is available year-round and serves as the trailhead for most of the hiking routes in the area. The location offers 21 campsites and three group-use campsites near the Deschutes River. Other attractions include a seasonal ranger station and a boat launch for river sports. Several other RV camping sites are located near Trout Creek Trail. The Deschutes River State Recreation Area is open all year and features electrical sites with water for RV or tent camping. Amenities include flush toilets, hot showers, paved parking pads, and potable water. Deschutes RV Park in nearby Maupin, Oregon also features full electrical hookups. Likewise, Jefferson County RV Park in Madras, Oregon offers full-service RV campsites with dump stations.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available near Rooster Rock. Tent camping is allowed year-round, but seasonal rules mean that you will need to obtain a permit to stay overnight from June 15 through Oct. 15. You can obtain this free permit at the district trailhead. There are also various points for free tent camping along the Deschutes River. Campers typically access these points via U.S. Highway 97.
Trout Creek Trail is one of the most popular destinations in Oregon for hiking and rock climbing. For this reason, keep in mind that vacant RV campsites might be limited. It is best to park your RV in an organized RV park near urban areas. For example, the city of Madras is only 30 miles from Trout Creek Trail and contains stores for food and supplies. Also, consider packing changes of clothes and different footwear for hiking or climbing. Before embarking on your trip, review our checklist for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Bureau of Land Management Campgrounds require visitors to clean up after themselves to help preserve the region's natural habitat. Keep the area clean by disposing of our packing out trash and keeping human waste at least 200 feet from the water. While you can fish along the Deschutes River, hunting or disturbing any other wildlife is not allowed. By respecting the surroundings, you can help keep this area pristine for generations to come.
To reach Trout Creek Trail from Madras, Oregon, take U.S. Highway 97 north for 2.6 miles. Turn left on Cora Drive. Continue driving for 6.5 miles until Cora Drive becomes Clark Drive. This road takes a sharp bend to the right. Stay in the left lane on Buckley Lane for 1.7 miles. After crossing the railroad tracks, you will enter the community of Gateway. Turn right onto Clemens Drive, and continue 2.5 miles. Clemens Drive will become Coleman Road. The road turns to gravel at Trout Creek. Drive a final 4.4 miles to reach Trout Creek Campground on the Deschutes River. The trailhead starts at the southern end of this campground. Address: Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District Office, 3050 NE Third Street, Prineville, OR 97754 Ready to visit Trout Creek Trail? 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.
