Day Hike: Tam-a-lau Trail, 6.5 mi., 807 e.g., Dog Friendly

The Tam-a-láu trail is a beautiful loop that takes you by a point on a plateau near where the Crooked and Deschutes Rivers meet in Lake Billy Chinook. Tam-a-láu is a Native American term meaning “place of big rocks and ground” and the name certainly fits. The views from the steep cliffs looking out over the two arms of the reservoir at the same time are truly spectacular.

The trailhead is located at the Upper Deschutes Day Use Area, on the right side of the road as you drive through the park and past the boat ramp. Let's hope for a sunny day. It's a dry hike by the way, it hardly ever snows there.

What to expect: The trail climbs over 500 feet in the next mile until you reach the top of the plateau. As you near the top, you will punch through a break in the cliffs and make one last 100-foot push as you scramble up to the top of the plateau. From here, the Tam-a-láu trail begins its 3.5-mile loop on the plateau.

Please review the Liability Waiver.

What to bring? Sun protection, water, snacks, your lunch. Hiking poles are recommended for the ascent up to the plateau. When we get up there, DO know that its mostly exposed to the sun. DO bring sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. *Well, fingers crossed its a nice sunny day!

After the hike, we may elect to debrief with a beer and grub at the food cart lot.

A $ 5.00 day-use permit is required for each vehicle. Pay at the kiosk upon entry to the Upper Day Use area (it'll be on the right).

I need a couple of drivers to volunteer their vehicles. We all pitch in for gas--just a couple of bucks is good. It takes about an hour to get to the trailhead.

The end time is approximate.