Established Camping
Lower Canyon Creek Campground
Lower Canyon Creek Campground, near Sisters, Oregon, is a peaceful spot tucked away in the Willamette National Forest, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. With its stunning surroundings of ponderosa pines and the crystal-clear waters of the Metolius River, it’s a great place to unwind and soak in nature.
This campground offers a few essential amenities, including picnic tables and a centrally located vault toilet. Visitors have noted the lack of running water, but that just means you can disconnect from your devices and truly enjoy the great outdoors. As one camper put it, “Put the devices and social media away and soak in the beauty.”
For outdoor lovers, there’s a trailhead right at the campground that leads you along the river, where you can spot natural springs gushing from the hillside. Fishing and hiking are popular activities here, with some reviewers raving about the nearby Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery, which is a hit with kids.
While the sites are relatively open, the peaceful atmosphere and the sound of the river create a relaxing environment. Just remember to bring your own water and firewood, as those aren’t provided. If you’re looking for a spot to recharge and enjoy some quality time in nature, Lower Canyon Creek Campground is definitely worth a visit.
Description
National Forest
Willamette National Forest
Overview
Located at the confluence of Canyon Creek and the upper Metolius River, Lower Canyon Creek Campground is one of a string of campgrounds that dot the Metolius River offering visitors some of the most stunning scenery in central Oregon and easy access to an abundance of recreational activities.
Recreation
Hiking and fishing top the list of recreational activities for visitors. For anglers, the spring-fed Metolius river offers a stunning setting for fly-fishing. The clear, cold water supports rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout and kokanee salmon. For day hikers and backpackers, the area offers a wide variety of scenic terrain, ranging from riverside trails to routes in subalpine forests.
Natural Features
The headwaters of the adjacent Metolius River are at Metolius Springs at the base of Black Butte, a 3,076-foot cinder cone. The clear, cold river flows north from the springs through diverse coniferous forest and a landscape of volcanic activity. The area provides habitat for mammals such as mule deer, coyote and cougar. Migratory birds and native fish also call the area home.
Nearby Attractions
The Camp Sherman Fish Viewing Platform allows visitors the chance to view a variety of types of fish while the Metolius Research Natural Area gives bird watchers ample opportunities. Visit the Metolius Fish Hatchery or Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery display ponds to observe and feed different types of salmon and other fish. The Metolius-Windigo Trail, open to hikers, bikers and horses, is more than 100 miles in length and begins near the Metolius River headwaters west of the town of Sisters, Oregon. The trail was created in the 1980s primarily to serve long-distance horse riders seeking an alternative to the Pacific Crest Trail. Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, and the unique geological landscape of Newberry National Volcanic Monument draw visitors to the region as well. It is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Visitors can also explore the Lava River Cave, located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. At 5,211 feet in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Location
Lower Canyon Creek Campground is located in Oregon
Directions
From Sisters, OR: Travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 2.7 miles north on Forest Road 14, then 2 miles north on Forest Road 1419, and then 3.4 miles north on Forest Road 1420. Then follow the signs to the campground.
Address
P.O. BOX 249
Sisters, OR 97759
Coordinates
44.5013417 N
121.6414472 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
