Trout Creek campground is a special spot, in fact, I hesitate to even write about it because I don’t want to ruin one of Oregon’s hidden gems. In the end, however, it is simply too good not to share.

Part of the joy of Trout Creek is the scenery en-route to the campground. Anyone driving from Portland first experiences the majesty of Mt. Hood before crossing into the sagebrush strewn high desert that is Central Oregon. The intoxicating aroma of juniper fills the air as your eyes spin 360degrees to take in the mountains all around you. Mt. Jefferson, the Three Sisters, Three Fingered Jack and others.

The road leading to Trout Creek passes through the humble town of Gateway, a settlement on the railroad line that could have become a thriving community, but instead lies mostly in ruins. The train station sits forlorn and abandoned, covered with brush.

The final 3-miles to the campground traverses a steep grade, crosses two bridges,

and enters a narrow tunnel.

You don’t just “come upon” Trout Creek! Several cattle guards later and you’ve made it. The campground sits at 2900 foot elevation and is small, consisting of only 23 sites, 2 vault toilets, a boat put-in and a biking/hiking trail meandering along the Deschutes River, famous for it’s white water rafting and fly fishing. For me, Trout Creek is about solitude and feeling completely removed from day to day life.

We spend our time hiking for miles, fishing and reading. Evenings around the campfire with the crystal clear sky above and the sounds of the river all around us are magical and unforgettable.

On our recent trip we had cold, clear nights and sunny, crisp days. Jim fished:

Maddy played and swam:

and I caught up on my reading. But, best of all, we had the place to ourselves!! Once again, the joy of off season camping. We can’t wait to go back.