1.) Options abound. There is a lower trail that goes right along the river, a middle trail affording various close up and higher views of the Deschutes, and a flat trail that follows the railroad grade slightly above the river. There's also the option to do a loop up into the hills for great views.
2.) Because of the number of easy, flat trails, this is a good winter trail for those of us mending from injury, or trying to get back in shape after one too many weekends on the couch during the weeks of waning daylight. Or both, as the case may be. Ahem. I'll say no more!
3.) There aren't many users on the trail, in the river, or at the campground to contend with for solitude.
4.) The air is dry and clear, the trails aren't muddy (usually), and you don't have to worry about tics quite yet.
Matt and I started on the lower trail that meanders to and from the river's edge. It is an easy, mostly flat trail. There is some up and down when you hit the area near Rattlesnake Rapids. It's also easy near this spot to lose the trail, and end up in a little rock scramble back to the real trail (ask how I know). On the way back, we hit both the flat road "trail" and the middle trail.
This is a beautiful area. The miles go by both slowly and quickly. They go by slowly because you find yourself stopping frequently to take in the scenery and the winter colors. They go by quickly because you find yourself wondering what is around the next bend. The next thing you know, you have gone around a few bends, traveled many miles further than you intended, and realized that the sun is setting on you.
Winter color.
The lower trail.
Winter color along the trail.
.
