Geology Hike, Rimrock Ranch

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 Derek Loeb for a geology hike at Rimrock Ranch. Explore basalt flows, tuff created by volcanic ash, and sedimentary rocks deposited by ancient streams, all while hiking from the rim of the canyon carved by Whychus Creek down to creekside meadows. 

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 a challenging 3 mile hike on dirt roads and through grassy meadows.

    Route: This hike will start at the canyon rim and then follow dirt roads into the Whychus Creek canyon at Rimrock Ranch. We will also venture off-trail into the meadow. Terrain will be uneven at times.

    Elevation gain/loss: This hike is challenging with ~200' of elevation gain/loss.

  • What to Bring

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

  • About the Property

    Rimrock Ranch is a privately-owned 1,120 acre ranch near Sisters. The Deschutes Land Trust worked with its owners to protect its outstanding fish and wildlife habitat, pine forests and productive ranchland. Rimrock Ranch contains roughly 1.5 miles of Whychus Creek, juniper forests, native grasslands and is home to a host of wildlife species.