Metolious

Metolious River Trail

The Metolious River trail is a beautiful walk along a river as cold and clean as a river gets. The hike skirts the river going up one side and back down the other bank for most of the hike. There is a detour around some private property but mostly you are streamside. 

We did this walk with dogs and they loved it. at just around 6 miles, it taxed our new Austrailian Shepherd puppy.

We began our hike at the Lower Bridge Campground. A nice little shaded parking area is on the West side of the bridge. We hiked south along the river. on a gentle slope. The river moves fast and we hiked half a mile before we found a nice calm place for the dogs to cool down.

The river banks were teaming with Monarch butterflies one of which posed beautifully on a Tiger Lily.

The river is very popular with the fly fishermen as a catch and release must do destination. Consequently the ever grace-full casting fly fisherman can be found at almost every eddy and bend in the river. 

We hiked on to Wizard Falls Hatchery with its pools of fish large to small, the facility is a gift from the Civilian Conservation Corps. There is water to refill the canteen and restrooms here as well. The bridge here is where we crossed and headed back on the East side. There is a trail that continues to the headwaters here an in and back that adds about 6 miles to

the hike. 

Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis Salvatica) a waterside plant.

Our return trip was equally enjoyable on the East bank, graced with plenty of sunshine, wildflowers and geese.