Metolius River
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Metolius River
Metolius River near Wizard Falls
Origin	Metolius Springs
Mouth	Lake Billy Chinook
Length	29 mi (47 km)
Source elevation	3,000 ft (910 m)
Mouth elevation	1,945 ft (593 m)

The Metolius River is a tributary to Lake Billy Chinook in central Oregon, near the town of Sisters. The river flows north from springs near Black Butte, then turns sharply east, descending through a series of gorges before flowing into the western end of the lake. The unincorporated community of Camp Sherman lies astride the southern end of the river.

Headwaters

The Metolius River.

The headwaters of the river are at Metolius Springs, where the river emerges from two clusters of springs, about 200 feet apart. The springs are at the base of Black Butte. Water flows to these springs from the drainage basin around Black Butte Ranch, several miles to the south. The elevation of the drainage basin is 300 feet above that of the springs, forming a natural standpipe that tends stabilize the river's rate of flow.^[1]

As a consequence, the water level in the Metolius River is relatively constant. The rate of flow at the headwaters is approximately 190 m³/min (6,700 ft³/min or 50,000 gallons per minute), although it grows by an additional 2,300 m³/min (80,000 ft³/min or 600,000 gallons per minute) by the time the river reaches at Lake Billy Chinook. Similarly, the water temperature is also quite stable; at the river source, the water temperature is consistently 48ºF (8.9ºC).^[2]

Course

Diagram of the Metolius River and surrounding areas.

The Metolius River flows 28.6 miles from Metolius Spring through the Deschutes National Forest emptying into Lake Billy Chinook and ultimately the Deschutes River. The upper 11.5 miles of the river is a popular destination for catch-and-release fishing, whitewater rafting, picnicking, and camping. The lower 17 miles is on the boundary of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, and is a primitive area where motorized vehicles are not allowed. Because of its scenic beauty, the Metolius River was officially designated a Wild and Scenic River in 1988.^[3][4]

Recreation

Facilities along the upper river include a number of developed campgrounds, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Rafters enjoy Class III-IV rapids in the upper river. There are popular sport fisheries for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon (also known as sockeye salmon) on the river. However, only hatchery breed fish can be taken from the upper river. Additional fishing restrictions apply to specific areas along the river including the Metolius Springs area. A number of small resorts and other shops and services that cater to fishermen and other visitors, principally in the community of Camp Sherman.^[3][5]

The Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery is also located approximately 10 km (6 miles) north of the headwaters. This hatchery raises rainbow trout, kokanee, and Atlantic salmon. The hatchery is in a park-like setting, with display ponds, interpretive signs, and a viewing platform.^[5]

There are also a number of summer homes along the Metolius River. Many of these are on United States Forest Service. this is allowed under provisions of a 1915 act of Congress which opened Forest Service lands for summer cabin permits. In the Metolius area, the permits all stipulate that cabins must be built at least 50 feet back from the edge of the river to allow the public access to the river. Today, Forest Service trails run in front of the cabins along both banks of the river.^[5]

See also

• List of Oregon rivers
• List of National Wild and Scenic Rivers
• Camp Sherman, Oregon
• Lake Billy Chinook, Oregon

References

External links

• Deschutes National Forest