Fall River Trail is an Easy Option to Bend's River Trail

We have hiked Bend's River Trail from Healy Bridge up the Deschutes River many times. However, this hike has often been very crowded and less than relaxing.  Yesterday we drove past Sunriver and took South Century Drive west 15 miles to the Fall River day use area and hiked the Fall River Trail.

First we hiked a short distance west past the bridge to the headwaters of Fall River and then returned and took the hike down the river to the end; the full hike was an up and back and was just short of 6 miles.  

There were very few people along the trail with the handful we met usually accompanied by one or more dogs. The walk was easy with little elevation change and although we had a couple of wet and icy spots to transverse, the majority of the hike was dry. There were a few fly fishermen on the river and we enjoyed watching them cast their fishing lines. We can imagine that in summer, families with young children may enjoy playing in the slow moving river or picnicking along its banks. 

For those looking for another easy walk along a river that may be less crowded than Bend's River Trail, give the Fall River trail a try!