Metolius River

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The Metolius River is a tributary of the Deschutes River in central Oregon, near the town of Sisters. The river flows north from a spring near Black Butte, then turns east to join the Deschutes. The unincorporated community of Camp Sherman lies astride the southern end of the river.

A possible explanation for the source of the river's water can be found in the region's volcanic origins. Evidence suggests that the river at one point emerged from the eastern flank of the Cascades mountains before the eruption of Black Butte buried the river channel. Now the water backs up into a marsh on one side of Black Butte before running through the volcanic tubes under the mountain and emerging on the other side as Metolius Spring.

Because of the relatively constant flow from Metolius Spring, the water level in the Metolius River fluctuates much less than comparable streams its size. Since 1910, the extremes of flow range from 1080 to 3240 cfs.^[1] The water temperature remains stable as well. This has helped produce good habitat for fish. There are popular sport fisheries for rainbow trout and kokanee.