Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
highest peak (10,495ft). This gorgeous, peaceful region offers fine recreational opportun-
ities that include great hiking and mountain biking, world-class trout fishing, riverside
campgrounds and comfortable lodges. Summer is fabulous and popular, but consider
coming in fall when the crowds disperse and temperatures remain mild. In winter there's
good cross-country skiing.
To find the head of the Metolius, turn north from US 20 onto Camp Sherman Rd
(USFS Rd 14), then turn right at the marked sign and continue 1.4 miles. A short path
leads through a forest of ponderosa pines to remarkable
Metolius Springs
, where the
river flows out of a hillside.
Activities
Hiking
Trails lead from the Metolius Valley up into the
Mt Jefferson Wilderness Area
. For a
serious but fabulous day hike, head up to Canyon Creek Meadows, where summer pro-
duces a vibrant wildflower display and great views onto the rugged 7841ft
Three
Fingered Jack
(4.5 miles round-trip; $5 day-use pass required). To reach the trailhead
from Sisters, drive 13 miles northwest on US 20. Just south of Suttle Lake, turn north on
Jack Lake Rd (USFS Rd 12). It's about 8 miles to the trailhead, at Jack Lake Camp-
ground.
From the same access road there is a shorter hike that leads to three mountain lakes.
One mile from the turnoff of US 20, take a west-turning fork (USFS Rd 1210) toward
Round Lake
. From here an easy 2-mile trail leads past tiny Long Lake to
Square Lake
,
the highest of the trio. Note that this area is still recovering from a large 2003 fire.
For less strenuous yet still excellent walking, follow the trails on either side of the
Metolius River, accessed from Camp Sherman or any campground.
Sleeping & Eating
The tiny community of Camp Sherman (around 15 miles north of Sisters) provides a few
resorts, two seasonal restaurants, a store and not much else.
Area campsites include
Camp Sherman
(Forest Rd 1419; tent & RV sites $16)
and
River-
side
(Forest Rd 14; walk-in tent sites $12)
, north and south of Camp Sherman respectively.
Both have water and vault toilets, and are by the river. For more information about area
campgrounds, visit the
Sisters Ranger Station
(
541-549-7700;
www.fs.fed.us/r6
; 2002
Forest Service Loop;
8am-4:30pm Mon-Fri)
.
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