Fall Colors Hike, Metolius Preserve

The Metolius Preserve. Photo: Tyler Roemer.
The Metolius Preserve. Photo: Tyler Roemer.

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and David Miller for a fall colors hike at the Metolius Preserve. From ponderosa pine forest to lush creek-side corridors, the Metolius basin boasts a unique combination of wetter plants from the west side of the Cascades along with the drier eastern Cascade vegetation. We'll explore this fascinating transition zone while enjoying golden bracken fern and larch and searching for scarlet vine maple. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.

  • Outing Details + Route

    Hike Rating: This is a moderate ~4 mile hike on dirt roads and trails.

    Route: This hike will start at the North Trailhead of the Metolius Preserve and explore trails in the area. Terrain will be uneven at times.

    Elevation gain/loss: There is very little elevation gain/loss on this hike.

  • What to Bring

    Snacks/lunch, water, closed toe shoes. Dress for the weather.

  • About the Property

    The Metolius Preserve is a 1,240 acre forested Preserve near Camp Sherman, Oregon. The Deschutes Land Trust established the Preserve in 2003. The Preserve contains mature ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and western larch, as well as a rich diversity of other plant species. Three miles of Lake Creek, an important tributary to the Metolius River, flow through the property, contributing to the rich habitat found on the Preserve.