A hiker (red dot in the middle) going down the Scout Camp Trail (romann)

The Deschutes River from mid-way down the canyon (romann)

These pines are where Alder Springs Trail ends on the other side. However, the river is too fast and deep to cross here. (romann)

Map of the route

• Start point: Scout Camp Trailhead
• End point: Whychus Creek-Deschutes River Confluence
• Hike type: Lollipop loop
• Distance: 2.3 miles
• Elevation gain: 700 feet
• High point: 2,725 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Seasons: Year round, may get very hot in summer
• Family Friendly: Yes, for kids over 8
• Backpackable: No
• Crowded: No

Hike Description

This little gem is probably too short alone for most Portlanders considering a long drive to get there, but if you visit the nearby Otter Bench Loop Hike, Steelhead Falls, or even Smith Rock State Park a little farther away, then this place is a must-see. This part of Central Oregon has a lot of hikes to offer, and the Scout Camp Trail rivals many in scenery. Keep in mind that this steep trail is not for icy weather (which is rare at this elevation), and that on a sunny summer afternoon the canyon gets very hot. In spring, it's probably one of the first places to look for blooming balsamroot and other desert flowers. Add untamed rapids on the Deschutes River, the views of deep canyons on three sides (the trail passes the confluence of the Deschutes River and Whychus Creek), even a little arch, and you've got a perfect mix.

The trail heads west on a flat plateau among juniper trees. About 0.3 miles later, the path drops steeply downhill over a series of small switchbacks. Soon, you come to a fork - turn left as directed by the sign. This direction makes sense since, if you head right, there's very steep descent on loose gravel. From now on, there are great views of the canyon, the river far below, and cool rock formations around you. The trail gradually leads most of the way down to the river, but just short of canyon bottom, it changes direction and switchbacks to the right. Here, the trail becomes rougher as it goes over and around big boulders. You'll come to what looks like an old campsite right beside the trail (look up to see a narrow arch near the top of the cliffs above you) and some inscriptions on rock wall, dating back several decades. There are a few short scrambles to the left through the brush to get down to the river. Soon, the trail comes to a six-foot tall rock ledge and seems to dead-end here, but it is easy to scramble up the ledge to see the trail continuing on the other side.

The trail gets within 10 yards of Deschutes River, and suddenly turns uphill. For the next half mile or so, the climb is steep, but the views of nearby rapids, a small ponderosa pine grove on the other side, and surrounding rock formations only get better. Don't be surprised if you see hikers (and even campers) on the other side of the river - they got there via the Alder Springs Trail. The river is too fast and deep to cross here.

Once you climb back to the three-way junction, turn right and continue a short way up to the rim of the canyon. You'll appreciate the flat stretch at the end of the hike, and the ancient juniper trees will give some shade.

Maps

• Maps: Hike Finder
• Scout Camp Loop and Otter Bench Trails Systems (BLM)
• Pacific Northwest Recreation Map Series: Central Oregon Cascades

Regulations or restrictions, etc

• No pass required (managed by BLM)
• Horses and mountain bikes are not allowed due to steepness; open to hikers only.

Trip Reports

• Search Trip Reports for Scout Camp

Related Discussions / Q&A

• Search Trail Q&A for Scout Camp

Guidebooks that cover this hike

• Extraordinary Oregon! by Matt Reeder
• Day Hiking: Bend and Central Oregon by Brittany Manwill
• Bend, Overall by Scott Cook
• 100 Hikes: Central Oregon Cascades by William L. Sullivan
• Oregon Favorites: Trails & Tales by William L. Sullivan

Links

• https://onda.org/hike/scout-camp-trail/ (Oregon Natural Desert Association)
• Steelhead Falls and Scout Camp Trail (wanderingyuncks)
• Scout Camp (Roaming Log)
• Scout Camp Loop Trail (Ethical Birder)
• The Other End Of The Deschutes (Weekly Source)
• "Scout Camp Trail offers a beautiful view of the Deschutes River from Crooked River Ranch" (Oregon Live)
• "Hiking the Scout Camp Loop near Crooked River Ranch" (Bend Bulletin)
• "Scout Camp Trail leads from CRR to the mouth of Whychus Creek" (The Nugget Newspaper)
• Scout Camp Trail Wildflowers (Wildflower Search)

Contributors

• romann