Oasis Recreation Site, Deschutes River, Oregon

We left the Deschutes River State Recreation Area around ten o'clock this morning. No rush as we weren't gong far. We traveled west for a few miles along the gorge, then south on 197 through Butler Canyon to 216 east. For the next few miles the route follows the old Barlow Road. It's winding, narrow, steep in places, and there are several historic ranches along the way. If the road hadn't been so narrow I would have been out snapping photos of some of the older buildings but as it is there's no place to pull over. The Barlow Road was an original pioneer route, and you have to admire those who managed to get their teams and wagons over this terrain.

Warm Springs tribe fishermen using traditional fishing platforms

We crossed the Deschutes at Sherars Bridge, turning south on the Deschutes River access road. We were lucky in our timing to see a few Warm Springs tribal members fishing from their traditional platforms.

The road is even narrower at this point, and with our big rig we have to be careful when sharing the road. The Warm Springs reservation is actually south from here, but because of their fishing rights they have some sections along the river granted as part of their lands. There are signs indicate the boundaries, and also where non-tribal members can park (for a fee) as the tribal members do not have to pay to park on their own lands.

We wound our way around the curves, checking out all the small "recreation sites" along the river. That's the BLM term for these small, relative undeveloped camping areas. We finally decided on Oasis, which is just north of the town of Maupin. We only traveled 40 miles - so we're set up and having lunch beside the river before one o'clock! Our site is only a stone's throw from the river, and nicely graveled so there's no worry about mud. Molly and I hiked across the road and up the hill to get a nice shot of our campsite.

The poison oak is lovely this time of year

We are again surrounded by basalt cliffs, which make a striking background for the red sumac and other fall vegetation. The basalt flows are so common and consistent over a huge portion of the Columbia plateau that geologists call it "Yakima basalt", and for years couldn't figure out where it came from as it didn't seem to flow from any particular fissure or volcano. They have finally determined the Grande Ronde dike swarm as the source.*  As picturesque as these basalt formations are, the lack of variety makes for few good rock collecting opportunities - a fact that Steve has not been unhappy about. I would probably collect too much poundage given other opportunities.

This river is famous for it's Steelhead and Deschutes Red-side trout.  Neighboring campers told us of a 'little old lady' who caught a 20 pounder years ago. 'Can't hardly imagine a trout that big! We enjoyed listing to the whoops and hollers of a few rafting groups as they sailed by - the waters move quickly here! We also admired a number of fishermen casting their fly lines far out into the water (you should see us attempt that!)  and watched as others drifted downstream on their float tubes. It's a busy section of river, but that just adds to the fun.

We did have a few trains passing by but they are shorter than those down on the Columbia, and don't seem to feel the need to blow the horn for miles.

* Roadside Geology of Oregon is a good source for travelers.
For additional photos of the Deschutes River and the Warm Springs fishing area take a look at the album.