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SAGELAND FALL 2013 28
AFTER HIKING
down into the Deschutes River canyon on
the Scout Camp Trail, I have only one word
to describe the experience — Wow!
Once reaching the canyon rim, after meandering
through an ancient juniper forest, I could hear the roar
of rapids echoing down in the canyon. To the west I
could see the snow-clad and glaciated Cascades.
Standing there on the brink of the deep canyon, I con-
sidered the area worthy of national monument status.
Apparently others have had similar thoughts. The trail is
located within the Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic
River corridor and the Steelhead Falls Wilderness Study
Area.
Along with four other trails in the Crooked River
Canyon just to the east, the Scout Camp Trail is one of
the newest trails in Central Oregon. All of the trailheads
are located on or adjacent to Crooked River Ranch and
all five trails have been completed in the last few years.
From the Scout Camp Trailhead, it’s about a quarter-
mile to the rim. From there a two-mile loop takes off
down into the canyon and along the Deschutes River.
Scout Camp Trail is rated more difficult since it is
steep and has uneven terrain. Its name originates from
an old Boy Scout camp along the river. Several user-cre-
ated trails led from the rim to the river but continued
erosion from the steep trails prompted the BLM and
Forest Service to construct environmentally friendly
trails to help protect the wild and scenic river as well as
the canyon.
About halfway down into the canyon I took a break on
a ledge overlooking the river and wondered how many
salmon and steelhead swam up the river in the past. I
thought it sad that none have made the journey since the
construction of the dams downriver. Perhaps the new
reintroduction plans will help but I’m afraid no substan-
tial run of salmon or steelhead will reach here again via
Columner jointing of lava along the Crooked River:
some of the powerful scenery along the Scout Camp
Trail.
THE IKIN H R H G ANC
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