Forest Bathing, Whychus Canyon 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 Michelle Abbey for a stroll that will have you experiencing the Whychus Canyon Preserve with all of your senses. Forest bathing--the action of reconnecting with yourself in a natural setting--benefits our mental and emotional health and well-being. You will be led through a series of invitations which allow you to connect to nature and yourself. Share in and witness the collective experience of connecting to nature. 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 1 mile walk on Whychus Canyon Preserve hiking trails.

    Route: This hike will start at the Whychus Canyon Preserve kiosk and follow trails into a sage meadow. Terrain will be uneven at times.

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

  • What to Bring

    Something to sit on that is easy to carry (yoga mat, towel, sand chair), water, snacks, face coverings (homemade is fine), hand sanitizer. Dress for the weather.

  • About the Property

    Whychus Canyon Preserve is a 930 acre Preserve on Whychus Creek near Sisters, Oregon. It was first established by the Deschutes Land Trust in 2010 and an additional 480 acres was added in 2014. The Preserve contains four miles of Whychus Creek, high quality grasslands, old growth juniper, cottonwood and aspen stands. With such a diverse range of habitats, Whychus Canyon Preserve is home to a variety of fish and wildlife.

  • 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.