Mammals of the Metolius, Metolius Preserve

Now is a great time to explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! Photo: Jason McPheeters.
Now is a great time to explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! Photo: Jason McPheeters.

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Gary 'Gus' Gustafson to learn more about the mammals of the Metolius Preserve. The Preserve is home to a wide array of wildlife from deer and elk to bears, cougars, and others. Learn more about these mammals and their habits and habitats. Discover how to read the landscape to find the clues wildlife leave behind during their daily activities.


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 moderate ~3 mile hike on Metolius Preserve hiking trails.

    Route: This hike will start at the North Trailhead of the Metolius Preserve and follow Preserve trails. 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

    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.