Moquistang; one little mustang who does it all.

Submitted by: Jamethiel Morse, please check out her blog; We Are On the Loose

The Deschutes River State Recreation Area offers a 22-mile out and back ride along an old railbed trail for equestrians ending at Harris Ranch. Located east of Dalles, Oregon in the Columbia River Gorge- this is a great spring conditioning ride for endurance riders or anyone who wants an easy flat trail to explore. This park requires a reservation, so read the permit section carefully.

Trail Stats:

• 22 miles out and back.
• Elevation Gain: 568 feet
• Elevation Loss: 568 feet
• Max Elevation: 450 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
  ↗ What does this mean?
• Footing: Primarily an old railroad bed trail, so it’s mostly big gravel, though it peters to older gravel in spots.
• Hoof Protection: Shoes/boots recommended.

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Facilities: No horse camping nearby. Water and bathrooms in people camp loop.

Water Sources: In the people camp loop.

Trail Info: Easiest trail to follow! It’s an old railbed trail so it’s straight and follows the river. You can dip down to the kayak camps along the river occasionally and then return to the main trail. Go the full 22 miles or turn around when you’re tired.

Trail Challenges: Water crossings, cliff edges, bicycles, active train track on other side of the canyon. High desert environment – bring sunscreen, water and expect rattlesnakes.

Permits: This is the trickiest part of this trail. This trail requires reservations for horses and is only open for horses March through June. Only 10 horses are allowed per day, and really only two trailers can fit at the trailer parking, so trailer pool if possible!

A $10 reservation fee applies per horse. Reservations must be made online by NOON the day prior. When making an online reservation, you will be emailed a 2-part trail reservation slip. Please print & place the top half of the reservation slip in your vehicle dash. Keep the bottom half of the slip & receipt with you on the trail. If you have 4 horses, you will need 4 printed slips.

Reservation Link

Park Rules: No Llamas, goats, or mules. No commercial riding. No carts or wagons. Reservation only. No overnight horse camping is allowed. Stay on the trail at all times. Do not water your horses at the river’s edge. Horse manure must be cleaned up. March 1–June 30 only. Leash all dogs.

Backcountry Sites: Not suitable for overnight use.

Cell Service: All carriers spotty due to canyon.

Fuel: Chevron – 3213 Bret Clodfelter Way, The Dalles, OR 97058

GPX File: OHT: Deschutes River Trail

Maintained By: Oregon State Parks

Directions: From I-84, take the exit for Celilo Park/Deschutes State Park. Follow signs for 206 East, Deschutes Park/Fulton Canyon. Drive 3.9 miles east and take a right into the park. The horse trailer parking is immediately upon entering the park.

Map:

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