There will eventually be 19 miles of trail along the Deschutes River connecting Tumalo Park and Meadow Camp. Our favorite section to hike is the South Canyon Reach, beginning at Farewell Bend Park and looping back over the new footbridge upstream.

Occasionally the trail takes you high up the canyon wall for scenic overlooks, but for the most part it follows the river.

There's a place on the east bank where you can choose the high or low path. The lower path takes you past cave-like walls ...

... and is prolific with lupine in the spring.

Even after a snowfall, the trail is accessible. Although we saw snowshoe tracks, we walked it all winter long in our hiking boots being careful of the occasional treacherous icy spots.

I always thought geese flew south for the winter (silly me), but with the onset of snow and ice the Deschutes River attracts increased amounts of wildlife - including blue heron, osprey, eagles and otters.

September nights over the river at Farewell Bend Park.

Elevation: Approx. 3650 feet

Trail distance: The loop is 3+ miles, depending if you loop from the footbridge in Farewell Bend Park, or loop from the footbridge in the Old Mill Shops district.

Rated: Easy

Latitude: 44.03194

Longitude: 121.56611

Directions: You can pick up the trail in the Old Mill Shops district, or from Farewell Bend Park off Reed Market Road.

Fees: None