The moment you pull into Camp Sherman, you feel off the grid. You’ll find only one general store at the heart of this tiny community of cabins and riverfront homes, but it has remained one of central Oregon’s classic summer retreats for more than a century. Wheat farmers built shacks here in the 1890s, hoping to beat summer’s high desert heat on the banks of the dependably chilly Metolius River. Camp Sherman is an especially alluring place for fly fishers, who regard the Metolius as one of the finest fishing rivers in the state. But the woodsy sense of escape lures adventurers of all stripes, who come to hike through the Deschutes National Forest, pedal the remote highways, and spend a few lazy days along the rushing crystal-turquoise waters.

The spring-fed Metolius River stays cool even in the height of summer, the season when this little community reaches its population peak. June to August typically offer spotless skies and endless sun — ideal for afternoons spent at the nearby Suttle Lake or Black Butte Ranch. Early fall cools down and the crowds thin at trailheads for popular hiking spots. Winter sees Camp Sherman enter hibernation mode, though the image of snowy cabins in the forest brings out cross-country skiers and snowshoers, as well as families of tubers and downhill skiers, who hit the slopes of the nearby Hoodoo Ski Area.

Head of the Metolius Observation Site

There’s no better introduction to the magic of the Metolius River than to see how the river first comes to life at the base of Black Butte. A short paved trail, marked with interpretive signage, leads you to an observation site (and picnic grounds) overlooking a spot where rushing waters seem to emerge to the surface in full force.

Fly Fishing

The wild and scenic Metolius River has long challenged even the most advanced fly fishers, who wade into the cold waters with hopes of catching the prized native trout. They search for guidance at the historic Camp Sherman Store, which opened here more than a century ago. The proprietors of this full-service fly shop can offer reliable fishing reports and advice on where to try your hand.

Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery

Stop at the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery to see baby salmon, brook, and trout, which the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife release into the state’s rivers to support conservation efforts. More than 2 million fish are hatched here annually. After checking out the fish, lace up your boots for an iconic Oregon hike: The hatchery is one of several access points to the West Metolius River Trail, a 7.3-mile, out-and-back journey that traces the banks of the river.