Whychus Creek as it meanders through Rimrock Ranch. Photo: JW Visuals.

Rimrock Ranch is a private 1,120 acre ranch near Sisters. The Land Trust worked with its owners, Bob and Gayle Baker, to protect its outstanding fish and wildlife habitat, pine forests and productive ranchland. Rimrock Ranch contains roughly 1.5 miles of Whychus Creek, and will play an important role in the reintroduction of salmon and steelhead to the Upper Deschutes Basin.  Protecting this property from development also secures wildlife migration corridors between the two large blocks of federal land that border the Ranch.

Why it is a conservation priority

Rimrock Ranch was particularly susceptible to high density development because a subdivision was platted on the property prior to its zoning as farm land.  This development potential, along with the property’s tremendous scenery and proximity to the fast-growing resort town of Sisters, Oregon, meant that a change in ownership would most likely result in actual subdivision and development of the property. 

What to see

Birding at Rimrock Ranch. Photo: JW Visuals.

Rimrock Ranch is a beautiful place to visit on a guided tour. Perched above Whychus Creek canyon, the Ranch contains many species of plants and animals in addition to unique rock formations, native grasslands and spectacular scenic views. Species of note include: golden and bald eagles, mule deer and elk, Peck’s penstemon, redband trout and—one day soon—steelhead. More than 100 bird species have been documented on the property.

Visiting Rimrock Ranch

Rimrock Ranch is private property and is open only for guided tours.  Please check our event page for upcoming activities.

Restoration and Education activities

Exploring Rimrock Ranch on a beautiful fall day. Photo: Staff.

Rimrock Ranch educational tours are scheduled several times a year. The Ranch is also used by University of Oregon for ecological restoration field courses. Restoration plans include re-vegetating sections of Whychus Creek and enhancing in-stream fish habitat. The Land Trust will also work with the ranch owners to remove invasive plants, restore springs and wetlands, and maintain its ponderosa pine woodlands.