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Backpack Mack's Caynon to Old Railroad Car along Dechutes River

Posted by alpinejok (2008-03-03)

WoW! I'm torn. Half of me wants to keep this trip to myself, and the other half of me wants to share it with the world. I assume a lot of people know about this little gem judging by the amount of established campsites, however I wonder if they all only know about it from a boaters point of view. And then, only during the hot summer months.

My Buddy Chris and I backpacked along the easten trail running along the Dechutes river with our 2 dogs this weekend and didn't see a soul except for the occasional train that rummbled through. In addition to sunny days, both Saturday and Sunday, we were treated to 55-60 degree daytime high's as well. Evening lows were in the low to mid 30's. No rain. No snow. No hail or thunderstomes.

The trail is faint in some places, and mazes through overgrown sage bushes, but I appreciated the varies vegetation. As long as you keep the river to your L as you travel S, and R as you travel N you stand little chance of getting lost. There are some exposed areas for the more adventurous and thoes without a frea of hights. If hights bother you stay close to the cliff face and off the knife edge ridges (a few) and you will be fine. Take your time traversing the old RR trelleses.

Birdwatching, dear, coyotes, rabbitts, lizards, mt lion (tracks), trains.
Lots of ticks. Be sure you and your canine compainion have adequate tick repellent.

All in all a great late February-early March trip to grease up the gears at the begining of any backpackers season of travels. This would also make a great trip for those new to backpacking or overnight travel.

Re: Backpack Mack's Caynon to Old Railroad Car along Dechutes River

Posted by retired jerry (2008-03-03)

I agree, it's a nice trip. I've done it a couple times and saw hardly anyone else. Since the trail is so choked with brush, maybe it's not the best for someone new to backpacking?

Did you see this in the field guide http://portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Deschutes_River_from_Macks_Canyon_Hike?

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