Deschutes River Trail (Tumalo State Park to Riley Ranch Nature Preserve)

Tumalo State Park is the northern terminus for the Deschutes River Trail. The park also arguably contains one of the most scenic sections of the entire path. The stretch from Tumalo south to Riley Ranch Nature Preserve is just over 3 miles in length (round trip), but can be extended to include the Canyon Trail or other trails at Riley Ranch.

Begin by parking in the large day use lot at Tumalo State Park. Note that a State Park fee or pass is required. The trail then picks up the Deschutes River and follows it upstream.

The canyon walls will soon rise above you as you continue onward through this rugged and beautiful section of the Deschutes.

One of the highlights of the trail is a unique metal bridge that takes hikers through a section of large boulders and provides great views of the river below.

They aren’t any signs announcing your arrival to Riley Ranch Nature Preserve, rather just a fence. You can continue on into the preserve (note that dogs are not allowed), or return the way you came back to Tumalo State Park.