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Deschutes River State Recreation Area is located east of The Dalles, Oregon (where spring arrives earlier than it does in areas west of the Columbia River Gorge). Bordering the Deschutes River beside its meeting with the Columbia River, the park's grassy and shaded campground is a relaxing place to stay. This 63-site campground (with 34 sites with electrical hookups, 25 more primitive sites,... Read more.

Right before spilling into the Columbia River, the Deschutes River flows down a canyon between grass and sagebrush-covered ridges with basalt outcroppings. Alongside the river, a pair of parallel trails allow hikers to enjoy a 3.1-mile loop with a variety of fine views. The level River Trail (also known as Blackberry Trail) hugs the riverbank, while the rolling Upper Trail (also known... Read more.

Archie Briggs Natural Area presents views over a dramatic stretch of the Deschutes River north of Bend. The river makes a sweeping curve beneath tall cliffs of volcanic rock and is backed by grand mountains like Black Butte and Mount Jefferson. Gaze down the canyon from atop cliffs on the south side of the curve in the river by an intersection of Deschutes River Trail and Archie Briggs... Read more.