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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail switchbacks steeply up the side of the pinensula for about a mile. Dont look down unless you have a very sure footing, some parts of the trail are literally on the edge of a cliff. After you crest the mesa, look behind you and savor the view and then take the right fork of the trail cross country. Follow the trail to the lip of the crooked river canyon, and then follow the trail to the tip of the pinsula for some awestriking views of the Island. Then follow the trail along the Deschutes canyon back to the fork and head down the trail. BE CAREFUL! Stay on the trail, it takes the desert environment a long time to repair itself. If you really want to see the canyon, take a canoe or kayak (no motors please) and paddle down the crooked river to steelhead falls. Don't come here for solitude, this is Oregon's second most visited state park, but you can ascend above the clamour (relatively) by hiking this trail as most of the visitors are motorboaters. Trailhead: On hwy 97 north of Bend, take the Culver exit following signs to Cove palisades state park. Take a right at a T and another right in the middle of culver, going past a grain mill and a seaswirl plant. Follow the road into the park and keep on it past the park headquarters. Follow the signs to the Tam-a-lau trailhead and park in the day-use boat parking lot. An alternate is to camp at the Deschutes campground (which I highly recommend) and leave from the east end of the campground cutting a mile off the trail. (Lat:44.53178 Lon:-121.29028) Trail Guides for Tam-a-lau loop, Terrebonne OR: Exploring Oregons Wild Areas by William L. Sullivan (Mountaineers press) Oregons state parks by Jan Grumprecht Bannan (Mountaineers press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department. (503) 378-6305 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joshua Wilson, who has posted 18 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by L on 6/23/2006 Is this the same loop overlooking Lake Billy Chinook, near Madras, OR?
Reviewed by J.D. on 5/15/2006 Go to Cove Palisades State Park. Follow the road all the way to the back, just past the Deschutes Campground and then you'll see signs to the trailhead. You park with boat trailers (this makes it 7 miles, otherwise, it's only 6). Current day use fee is $3 cash (May '06). First mile zig zags up the side of the canyon. Once you get to the top it's flate as can be for the next 5 miles. I recommend running this portion or as much it as possible. It will loop you around the edge of the canyon again and then back down the same trail you came up on. I did the 7 miles in 1hr 45m with a 35lb ruck. It can be done much faster if you don't stop to take pics and stare at beautiful scenery, etc.
Reviewed by clyde on 5/2/2003 An awesome show of Gods handiwork. A beautiful spot for a picnic by the quiet river. Then on to the recommended hike. Easy at first, then quickly getting steep, the birds circling in the thermals. A much easier hike than the steep spots at Smith Rock. Went in early spring, some budding flora, strong smell of sage, arnica. The views of the canyon, rivers and the "island" are terrific. On the tableland, good views of the snow-capped Sisters, Jefferson, Washington, Cascades. Take some binoculars for the fun of it. Our children thought it was cool. Worth the trip. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Oregon Hiking, Oregon Trails, Oregon Hikes, Jefferson County Hiking, Jefferson County Trails, Jefferson County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
