By:
Submission
Spanning 32 miles along the east bank of the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River, this back country byway offers close-up views of rapids and steep canyon country.
Twelve paved miles originate from the hamlet of Maupin and connect to state highway 216 near Sherar’s Falls. The remainder of the byway is surfaced with high-standard gravel, suitable for passenger vehicles.
Twenty-two developed recreation sites offer year-round river access including 4 boat launches, 7 day-use areas, and 10 campgrounds with 140 individual campsites and 21 group campsites.
The byway terminates to the south at Locked Gate Day-Use Area and to the north at Macks Canyon Campground.
First come, first served
Empty campground, steep trail to access river. Plenty of flat spots with minimal rocks for sizable tents. Dumpster and vault toilet on site. Did not see the wasps mentioned in another review.
The sight and views were nice, but we couldn’t figure out why no one else was here. Not a single hiker/camper, just a few cars driving past (to leave) but saw no one else. When parked and began to unload the car, we realized there were wasps’ nests everywhere. Gladly we jumped back in the car and closed the windows and got out of there!
It’s not natures’ fault, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend camping or hiking or anything here. Very dangerous.
Mixed feelings, it's lovely here but neither quiet nor restful. There's two or more trains at night, and people drive with their trucks and trailers for their boats and campers at high speeds, kicking up dust and noise.
Beautiful spot for a picnic, clean toilets and campsites, but unless you're a sound sleeper, think twice.
Pretty nice spot to rest the head for a night .. small and clean campground, a little bit out there... Pit toilet was fine. Seemed like an old trail across the road going up the hill side for a ways. A bunch big wild flowers going off. Would have gotten 5 stars expect for the train that came through at about midnight, blasting the canyon full of noise, felt like the whole place was about to explode🌌🚞💥🤯🤬💣💥🧨🎆.
