With more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, the Metolius Preserve is a great place to spend the day outside. 

Start at the North Trailhead to catch views of golden larch and red vine maples. Check out the South Trailhead if you'd like to see brilliant yellow bracken fern and listen to the soothing sounds of Lake Creek. Find driving directions, trail maps, and more detailed Preserve information.

Here are some ideas and a trail map to get you started:

Becky Johnson Interpretive Area Wander

Located at the South Trailhead, the Becky Johnson Interpretive Area has a covered kiosk, wooden benches, interpretive signs, and viewing platforms along Lake Creek. A short, mostly flat, loose gravel trail wanders through the forest with shady stops at creekside viewing platforms where you can learn about sockeye salmon, songbirds, and other wildlife of the Preserve. Trail details: 0.2 mile (one-way), mostly flat, wide (>36"), loose gravel trail.

Larch Trail Loop

This route takes visitors through one of the most diverse sections of the Metolius Preserve. Discover a unique combination of wetter plants and trees from the west side of the Cascades, along with drier eastern Cascade vegetation. Enjoy spectacular larch trees, lush creekside plants, soaring ponderosa pines, and summer wildflowers. This flat trail is a gorgeous spot for fall hiking as vine maples turn brilliant shades of red and orange and larch trees brighten to a sunny yellow before covering the forest floor. Trail details: 2.5 mile loop on mostly flat, natural surface trails of variable width (some portions <36", others >36" along old roads).

Fir Trail Loop

A nicely shaded and cool option on a hot summer day, this loop offers a nice variety of rolling terrain. In the fall, pass through golden bracken ferns blanketing the forest floor. Trail details: 2.4 mile loop on predominately natural surface/gravel trails of variable width (some portions <36", others >36" along old roads). Some small elevation gain/loss.

Learn more about Metolius Preserve!