Metolius River

The Metolius River is a short, spring-fed river in the Cascade foothills west of Sisters. It emerges nearly full-sized from springs at the base of Black Butte's neighboring slopes near Camp Sherman and flows north through ponderosa pine forest toward Lake Billy Chinook. Its cold, steady flow and clear water make it one of Oregon's most celebrated fly-fishing rivers, home to rainbow trout, brown trout and bull trout.

Visitors can walk the Metolius River Trail, visit the Head of the Metolius viewpoint, where the river wells up from springs, and stop at Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery. The area around Camp Sherman has campgrounds, a small general store and trailheads for hiking and mountain biking.

The area is open year-round, though some roads and campgrounds close in winter. Fishing is regulated, so check Oregon fishing rules before casting a line.