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Deschutes River Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.1 (43)
  1. Areas
  2. OR
  3. …Central Oregon
  4. …Deschutes National Forest
  5. Tumalo/Swampy Lakes Trail System
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“A lovely, rolling trail overlooking the Deschutes River - a must-do ride! ”

Katy Ryan
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Map Key

13.4

Miles

21.6

KM

100%

Singletrack

4,193' 1,278 m

High

3,837' 1,169 m

Low

547' 167 m

Up

272' 83 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

15%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

NW Parking Pass Required at most trailheads that access the River Trail.

Overview

The Deschutes River Trail (DRT) can be accessed at a variety of locations, and can be ridden all the way to SunRiver, but don't forget you need to ride back, as it is an out-n-back.

Need to Know

The DRT is also a very popular hike. Officially there are three trails (bike,hike, horses), but it's hard to keep track of which is which. Just go with it, but heed the appropriate right of way.

Description

It is such a fun trail, that it is easy to keep going on it, and only realize how far you've gone when you are mid-way on your return. Lovely trail, overlooking the Deschutes River.Mostly smooth and sweet, but there are a few technical sections and a fair bit of exposure. The technical is not hard, but consequences could be grim if you fall in the wrong place - i.e. a fall down a steep bank into the very rocky and tree laiden river below.

This is a popular trail for hikers and bikers. Other bikers and hikers may be the bigger obstacle, especially around the blind corners.

This trail is not to be missed, it is has all the key elements of Central Oregon scenery... pines, river, rapids, lava rock, meadows, and more.

Contacts

Local Club: Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA)

Land Manager: USFS - Deschutes National Forest Office

Shared By:

Katy Ryan
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 43 votes

#2

in Tumalo/Swampy Lakes Trail System

#467

Overall
  4.1 from 43 votes
5 Star
42%
4 Star
30%
3 Star
21%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Tumalo/Swampy Lakes Tr…

#14

in Oregon

#467

Overall
41 Views Last Month
41,884 Since Sep 21, 2012
Intermediate Intermediate
8%
16%
74%
3%
0%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Beautiful morning.
Jul 25, 2016 near Deschut…, OR
Cant take my eyes off of the beautiful Deschutes River
Sep 28, 2017 near Deschut…, OR
Deschutes River Trail is such a dreamy place.
Sep 28, 2017 near Deschut…, OR
Let's race.
Jul 25, 2016 near Sunriver, OR
Upper Deschutes River Falls.
Jul 25, 2016 near Deschut…, OR
Limited headroom.
Jul 25, 2016 near Deschut…, OR

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 39 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 2, 2024
Brian Gaddy
Jul 1, 2024
Terry Dodson
Jun 11, 2022
adam Steltzner
Oct 13, 2021
Julie Lucarelli
Oct 12, 2020
Charlene Mercer
Oct 11, 2020
Charlene Mercer
Sep 4, 2020
Emily Haugbro
Stopped for a swim along the river 18mi — 2h 45m
Aug 12, 2020
Maggie Starr
Blissful. On a rented Pivot Trail 429. 24mi

Nearby Recommended Routes

Stewarded By

Stewarded by Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA)
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