Deschutes River Backpacking

Typically, this trip is divided into two groups, with one group camping near the cars while the other backpacks about 5.5 miles along the river on a mostly flat trail, then hikes the 5.5 miles back the following morning. This year, however, all the Scouts decided they wanted to backpack.
As we left Portland and drove to the Deschutes River along Interstate 84, clouds started to form. In all the years we've visited this area at this time of year, it had never rained—but this year was the exception. The Scouts worked on some pioneering and orienteering skills in the nearby picnic area. As we were wrapping up and getting ready to hit the trail, the rain cleared, and we were treated to blue skies for our backpacking trip.
After backpacking to camp, we got our gear out, set up camp, and had dinner. After dinner, some Scouts decided to hike to the top of the cliff (about 900 feet of elevation gain) to watch the sunset, while others stayed in camp and made simple wooden ships to sink with rocks.

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T221 Adult Leadership