Macks Canyon Recreation Site

Spent two nights at Mack’s Canyon on the Deschutes River. Had the place all to ourselves. It’s at the end of a 17 mile drive, mostly unpaved, sometimes washboard, with occasional debris from rock falls. Do you get the impression I’m trying to discourage visitors? If so, good, as I would love to keep this gem to myself. There are two boat ramps, an ADA site, clean (a few spiders) well stocked vault toilets. No water, so bring your own, no cell service. Saw many spawned out salmon and watched bighorn sheep browse the hillsides.

Important note: on the opposite side of the river are the BNSF tracks so expect 4-6 freight trains each day, including 2-3 at night. No horns, but the canyons amplify the sound so it’s loud.