Trout Creek Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fishing · Geological Significance · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

The hike starts at the Trout Creek Campground and continues west along the Deschutes River on an old gravel road. This section of the Deschutes River flows between high cliffs, some of columnar basalt. There plenty of places to relax beside the river, enjoy the view and keep an eye out for waterfowl, eagles, osprey, deer, coyotes and possibly more. In winter it provides a secluded place to hike, in summer fishing is quite popular.

The trailhead is at the Trout Creek BLM campground, approximately 16 miles north of Madras, OR. The road is paved the first 13 1/2 miles and a good all-weather gravel road continues the rest of the way. The trailhead is at the far western end of the campground. You'll see a "Day Use Area" sign and a parking lot behind it (day use is free).

The hike starts at the Trout Creek Campground and continues west along the Deschutes River on an old gravel road (no motor vehicles allowed). Bicycles are allowed on the roadbed. There are a couple of pit toilets along the way and you can continue along the roadbed all the way to Mecca Flat Campground.

There are at least three side trails which branch off from the roadbed and climb up the steep canyon walls. To protect nesting bald eagles, these trails are closed off from January through August, but check the BLM website for exact dates. There are no official signposts indicating these trails but they are relatively well traveled. You'll know if you are on a correct side trail if you go 100-200 ft and then encounter a sign which will announce whether the area is open or closed.

Eagles, osprey, many different hawks and waterfowl, coyotes, deer. Flowers in spring.