Mountain Bike Ride, 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 Jen Zalewski for a 6-8 mile mellow, beginner/intermediate* mountain bike ride at the Metolius Preserve. Visit all three sections of the forested 1,240-acre Metolius Preserve, following singletrack trails and dirt roads. Along the way we'll stop in various locations and talk about the many hidden qualities of the Preserve, including its diverse plant and wildlife communities. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event. This outing will only proceed if pandemic conditions allow.

*Beginner/Intermediate-level riders are riders in good physical condition and comfortable riding in areas of loose dirt and sandy soil. Riders should be able to ride over obstacles in the trail such as rocks and vegetation. This ride does not take place on smooth, well-packed trails. It is a mix of logging roads and trails with some climbs and descents. We will make frequent stops to take in the scenery.


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

    Ride Rating: This is a beginner/intermediate, 6-8 mile mountain bike ride on dirt roads and trails. You should be comfortable riding singletrack, but be ready for fun stops to smell the roses. Be ready to ride over loose gravel and small obstacles in the trail on a mix of logging roads and trails with some climbs and descents.

    Route: This ride will start at the North Trailhead of the Metolius Preserve and explore Preserve trails. Terrain will be uneven at times.

    Elevation gain/loss: There is moderate elevation gain/loss on this ride.

  • What to Bring

    Your bike, helmet, a bike repair kit, plenty of water, snacks/dinner, 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.