Hindman History Wander, Camp Polk Meadow Preserve

Explore the nature of Central Oregon with Deschutes Land Trust. Photo: Rick Dingus.
Explore the nature of Central Oregon with Deschutes Land Trust. Photo: Rick Dingus.

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Carol Wall for a history wander around Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. Explore the starring role that Camp Polk played in the Euro-American history of Central Oregon as one of the original stopping places on the Santiam Wagon Road. Admire the craftsmanship of the Hindman barn (one of Deschutes County's oldest structures) and imagine what living in the Hindman house would have been like for the Hindman family. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.

Face masks: Per Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidelines, face masks are no longer required indoors or outside. Individuals who wish to wear a face mask may do so.

  • Outing Details + Route

    Hike Rating: This is an easy, less than 1 mile walk on a gravel trail. Portions will be off-trail through a grassy meadow.

    Route: This hike will start at the Camp Polk Meadow Preserve kiosk, follow a gravel trail, and then venture off-trail into the meadow. 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

    Camp Polk Meadow Preserve is a 152 acre Preserve on Whychus Creek near Sisters, Oregon. The Preserve was first established by the Deschutes Land Trust in 2000. The Preserve contains approximately 1.4 miles of Whychus Creek, wetlands, meadows, aspen groves and ponderosa pine stands. It is home to a variety of plant and wildlife species and is one of Central Oregon's birding hot spots. The Preserve also has a long and illustrious history as a crossroads for Native Americans, explorers, soldiers and settlers.

  • Accessibility

    The Land Trust is working to make our Walks + Hikes as accessible as possible. Please let us know 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.