Metolius River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Metolius River |
|
|---|---|
Wizard Falls on the Metolius River, where the river drops over a ledge
|
|
Map of the river course
|
|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Metolius Springs 3,000 ft (910 m) 44°25′39″N 121°38′07″W / 44.427617°N 121.635330°W |
| River mouth | Lake Billy Chinook 1,945 ft (593 m) 44°35′51″N 121°17′13″W / 44.597619°N 121.286991°W |
| Length | 29 mi (47 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 315 sq mi (820 km2) |
| Type: | Scenic, Recreational |
| Designated: | October 28, 1988 |
The Metolius River (say muh TOLL ee us) is a beautiful river in Central Oregon, United States. It flows into the Deschutes River through Lake Billy Chinook. The river is close to the city of Sisters.
The Metolius River starts from springs near Black Butte. It flows north, then sharply east, going through deep valleys. It finally ends in the western part of Lake Billy Chinook. The small town of Camp Sherman is located along the southern part of the river.
The name "Metolius" comes from a word in the Sahaptin language, spoken by the Warm Springs people. The word mitula means white salmon. This refers to a light-colored type of Chinook salmon.
The area of land that drains water into the Metolius River is called its drainage basin. This basin covers about 315 square miles (820 km2). It includes about 110 miles (180 km) of streams that flow all year. There are also 324 miles (521 km) of streams that flow only sometimes, plus 42 lakes and 121 ponds.
Contents
Where the Metolius River Begins
The Metolius River starts at Metolius Springs. This is where the river water comes out of the ground from two groups of springs. These springs are at the bottom of Black Butte. The water for these springs comes from the land around Black Butte Ranch, which is several miles south.
The land around Black Butte Ranch is about 300 feet (91 m) higher than the springs. This height difference helps to keep the river's flow steady. Because of this, the water level in the Metolius River stays pretty much the same all the time.
At its start, the river flows at about 190 cubic metres per minute (6,700 cu ft/min) (or 50,000 gallons per minute). By the time it reaches Lake Billy Chinook, the flow increases a lot. It gains an extra 2,300 cubic metres per minute (81,000 cu ft/min) (or 600,000 gallons per minute). The water temperature is also very stable. At the source, the water is always around 48 °F (8.9 °C).
Exploring the Metolius River
The Metolius River flows for about 28.6 miles (46.0 km) through the Deschutes National Forest. It then empties into Lake Billy Chinook, which eventually flows into the Deschutes River. The first 11.5 miles (18.5 km) of the river are very popular for fun activities.
People enjoy catch-and-release fishing here. This means you catch the fish and then let them go. Whitewater rafting, picnicking, and camping are also popular. The lower 17 miles (27 km) of the river are next to the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. This area is very natural, and cars are not allowed there.
In 1988, the Metolius River was officially named a National Wild and Scenic River. This special title helps protect its natural beauty and importance.
Many summer homes along the Metolius River are built on land owned by the United States Forest Service. A law from 1915 allows this. These homes usually have to be at least 50 feet (15 m) away from the river. This rule makes sure that everyone can still get to and enjoy the river.
Amazing Wildlife of the Metolius River
The Metolius River is home to many different animals that live in the Central Oregon area. The river itself has several kinds of fish. You can find rainbow trout, bull trout, kokanee salmon, and mountain whitefish here.
Larger animals like river otters and beaver live in and around the river. Even bigger land animals roam the nearby forests. These include mule deer, elk, black bear, and cougar.
Many birds visit the river too. Migratory waterbirds like the mallard and the Canada goose are common in spring and summer. You might also see birds of prey, such as the osprey and the red-tailed hawk. The white-headed woodpecker, which is usually rare, is often seen in several spots along the river.
Fun Activities and Recreation
The Metolius River is a great place for outdoor fun! If you like fishing, the upper part of the river is for fly-fishing only. You must also use barbless hooks and practice catch-and-release. This helps protect the fish population.
There are small resorts and shops in Camp Sherman that help fishermen and other visitors. Hiking and horseback riding are also very popular. There are trails along the river and into the surrounding forests. You can also find several developed campgrounds right on the riverbanks.
Fishing, rafting, hunting, and cross-country skiing are all popular activities depending on the season.
About 10.6 miles (17.1 km) north of where the river starts, you can visit the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery. This hatchery raises rainbow trout, kokanee, and salmon. It's open to visitors, and you can see different kinds of trout and other fish in ponds there.
