Located in the Crooked River Ranch area, Scout Camp Trail is a spectacular hike that’s only a 45 minute drive from Bend, Oregon.
And let me tell you, it’s well worth the drive! If you are a fan of hikes with stunning geological features and low foot traffic, then this is the hike for you.
Proceed with caution
Scout Camp Trail is a moderate to difficult 3-mile loop that descends into the Deschutes River Canyon.
The primitive trail is narrow, steep, and has loose gravel.
If you are not surefooted, hiking poles are recommended. I have completed this loop in both directions and recommend going clockwise!
There aren’t many great spots that offer access to the river so bring extra water for your dogs!
Hike here when the weather is cooler
I would avoid completing this trail during warmer weather as the trail is mostly exposed with little to no shaded areas. In the summer, this trail would be hazardous in the middle of the day.
Because it’s so exposed, there are rattlesnakes in this area. so make sure your dogs are on leash or have a good recall if they are off leash.
Consider taking your dogs to one of the rattlesnake avoidance training courses offered yearly in Bend!
Expect cheatgrass and bouldering
Because we are in Central Oregon, expect cheatgrass along most of the trail, make sure to thoroughly check your dogs after the hike to remove any cheatgrass that might have been picked up.
There is also a large boulder (approximately 8ft tall) that needs to be climbed to continue on the trail. This is important if your dog is hard to carry or lift.
Make sure you are able to comfortably lift your dog if you want to continue on the loop as they will most likely need assistance.
If you are hiking Scout Camp trail clockwise, your dog will need help being lifted up the boulder. If you are doing the trail counterclockwise, then your dog will need help being lifted down the boulder.
There are areas with steep drop offs along the trail. Keep your dogs safe by keeping them on leash or by having a good recall!
Author: Karla Garcia
Karla received her BS in Fisheries and Wildlife Science from Oregon State University in 2014 and has since worked at various sanctuaries around the world where she has worked with big cats, elephants, bears, raptors, farm animals, chimps, and everything in between. Currently, she is a chimpanzee caregiver at Freedom for Great Apes, a small chimpanzee sanctuary located right outside of Bend. Her love of the great outdoors and chimpanzees made Bend, Oregon the perfect place to call home. On her free time, she goes on weekly adventures around Central Oregon with Luna and photographs their journey together.