Ochoco Preserve Tour

Hikers enjoy an early winter day at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Photo: Jay Mather.
Hikers enjoy an early winter day at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Photo: Jay Mather.
This outing is full.
To add your name to the wait list, click the yellow "Join wait list" button above.

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Leslie Olson for a tour of our new Ochoco Preserve. We will meet at the Crooked River Wetlands Complex and meander out on gravel trails towards the Crooked River. View Ochoco Preserve from the opposite side of the river as you learn about its natural history and its importance to the larger Crooked River region. Ochoco Preserve is home to 1/2 mile of McKay Creek, 1/2 mile of Ochoco Creek, and a host of wildlife species including salmon and steelhead, frogs and toads, and many species of water birds and songbirds. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.

  • Outing Details + Route

    Hike Rating: This is a moderate ~2-3 mile hike on paved and gravel trails.

    Route: This hike will start at the Crooked River Wetlands Complex kiosk and follow paved and gravel trails. Terrain will be uneven at times.

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

  • What to Bring

    Binoculars (if you have them), snacks, water, closed toe shoes. Dress for the weather.

  • About the Property

    The Deschutes Land Trust acquired and protected the 185 acre Ochoco Preserve in 2017. The Preserve includes 1 mile of the Crooked River, 1/2 mile of McKay Creek, 1/2 mile of Ochoco Creek, and is located outside of Prineville, Oregon. Ochoco Preserve is home to a host of wildlife species including salmon and steelhead, a variety of amphibians, and many species of water birds and songbirds.