Geology Hike, Rimrock Ranch

Hikers enjoy a winter day at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Photo: Jay Mather.
Hikers enjoy a winter day at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Photo: Jay Mather.

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Derek Loeb for a geology hike around privately-owned, Land Trust protected, Rimrock Ranch. Explore basalt flows, tuff created by volcanic ash, landslide deposits, and Ice Age glacial and pluvial lake deposits, all while hiking from the rim of the canyon carved by Whychus Creek down to creekside meadows. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.

  • Outing Details + Route

    Hike Rating: This is a challenging, 3-mile hike on dirt roads and through grassy meadows.

    Route: This hike will start at the canyon rim and then follow dirt roads into the Whychus Creek canyon. We will also venture off-trail into the meadow. Terrain will be uneven at times.

    Elevation gain/loss: This hike is challenging with ~200' of elevation gain/loss.

  • What to Bring

    Snacks/Lunch, water, sturdy hiking shoes. Dress for the weather.

  • About the Property

    Rimrock Ranch is a privately-owned 1,120 acre ranch near Sisters. The Deschutes Land Trust worked with its owners to protect its outstanding fish and wildlife habitat, pine forests and productive ranchland. Rimrock Ranch contains roughly 1.5 miles of Whychus Creek, juniper forests, native grasslands and is home to a host of wildlife species.