Fall Colors Hike, Metolius Preserve

Get out and explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! Photo: Caitlin Eddolls.
Get out and explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! Photo: Caitlin Eddolls.

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Carol Wall for a fall colors hike at one of our flagship Preserves--the Metolius Preserve. Hike next to Lake Creek and around the northern portion of the Preserve to learn about ponderosa pines and the white-headed woodpeckers that depend on them. Enjoy the brilliant yellow of changing larch trees, then take a break by the creek and hear how native salmon are making their return. 

Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event. Per Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidelines, we strongly recommend that individuals who are unvaccinated or who are at higher risk for COVID-19 continue to wear a face covering in crowded areas and in large gatherings of individuals, and maintain physical distancing.

  • Outing Details + Route

    Hike Rating: This is an easy ~3 mile hike on trails.

    Route: This hike will start at the North Trailhead of the Metolius Preserve and follow Preserve trails. 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.