Deschutes River Loop

The Deschutes River Loop is a 3+ mile trail through La Pine State Park. This loop takes hikers alongside a large section of the Deschutes River, including McGregor Viewpoint, and through some nice Ponderosa Pine Forest.

There are several starting points for this trail. Perhaps best is the trailhead just before the campground. Starting from here and hiking in a clockwise direction, you’ll share a path with the McGregor Trail for a while.

Continue through some nice young pine forest, and walk past two junctions - each with the Falls River Trail. You’ll soon come to the McGregor Viewpoint, a great view of a sweeping bend in the Deschutes River.

Right after this the Deschutes River Loop splits from the McGregor Trail. You’ll cross the paved State Park Road then resume walking alongside the river.

The trail parallels the river for quite a while. You’ll walk past the campground area then the terrain starts to open up as the forest thins.

The trail curves right and leaves the river as the forest again starts to thicken.

The remainder of the trail is smooth and gentle through the woods until you once again reach the point where you began.