Fir Trail Walk, Metolius Preserve

Get out and explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! Photo: Rane Johnson.
Get out and explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! Photo: Rane Johnson.

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Carol Wall for an early summer walk at one of our flagship Preserves--the Metolius Preserve. Explore the South Trailhead portion of the Preserve and the beautiful, quiet Fir Trails that take visitors into the middle section of the Preserve. Meander along Lake Creek and up into the mixed fir and pine forest while learning about the natural and human history of the Preserve. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event. This outing will only proceed if pandemic conditions allow.


COVID-19 Guidelines: We take the health and safety of our volunteers and staff seriously. After careful consideration, we have implemented COVID-19 Walk + Hike Guidelines to promote the health and wellbeing of volunteers and staff. Please read and be ready to adhere to these guidelines so everyone can have a safe experience.

  • Outing Details + Route

    Hike Rating: This is an easy ~2 mile hike on trails.

    Route: This hike will start at the South Trailhead of the Metolius Preserve and follow Preserve trails. Terrain will be uneven at times.

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

  • What to Bring

    Snacks/lunch, water, closed toe shoes, face coverings (homemade is fine), hand sanitizer. 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.

  • Accessibility

    The Land Trust is working to make our Walks + Hikes as accessible as possible. Please let us know (541-330-0017) at least one week in advance if there is something we can do or provide to support you in participating in this outing to the fullest and we will accommodate as possible.