Macks Canyon Campground via Lower Deschutes Access Road(edit)

Overview

This is a moderate one way trail to Macks Canyon Campground in Lower Deschutes River (BLM).

This trail goes by Buckhollow Recreation Site, Pine Tree Recreation Site, Twin Springs Campground, Oakbrook Recreation Site, Jones Canyon Campground, and Rattlesnake Canyon Campground.

Driving Directions:
From Portland, drive about 80 miles on I-84 to The Dalles. Go south on Highway 197 for 28 miles. Go east on Highway 216 for 8 miles. A bit after the highway crosses the Deschutes River (stop here and check out the view), go north on the BLM gravel road.

The BLM gravel road is accessible to passenger cars. There's a bit of washboarding, but if you stay under 20 MPH it's not too bad. There are 5 campgrounds, some right next to the road, some off a ways. You can build fires October 1 to May 30, but you have to bring your own wood. There is a water well at one campground, but it was closed for the winter. You're best off bringing your own water. The campsites cost $12 per night in the summer. There's hardly any usage in the winter, but they're probably full in the summer during the fishing and boating season. This would make a nice camping trip if you didn't want to do a major hike.

17 miles down the BLM road is Macks Canyon at the end of the road. There is a parking area, a campground and a boat ramp. The trail is not well marked. The only sign says motor vehicles prohibited. Go north from the campground on any of several faint trails. Head across the canyon to the slope where there used to be a trestle. Go up the faint trail that diagonals up this slope.