Deschutes River Canyon Trail

Crossing the Deschutes River in this area was difficult for emigrants. They frequently camped at the mouth of this large tributary of the Columbia River before crossing. In order to cross, some emigrant parties used the rocky islands near the river’s mouth as stepping stones, while wagons were floated across and stock animals swam. Others forded the river using rafts. The lure of the nearby rich and fertile Willamette valley drove them ahead. Today, this area is managed as a state recreation area. The original river crossing is now submerged beneath Lake Celilo, but wagon ruts are still visible on the hill on the opposite side of the Deschutes River. Exhibits at the Oregon Trail interpretive kiosk tell the emigrant story.