Ochoco Preserve Tour, Ochoco Preserve

Join the Land Trust on an outing to explore the nature of Central Oregon! Photo: Rick Dingus.
Join the Land Trust on an outing to explore the nature of Central Oregon! Photo: Rick Dingus.

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Leslie Olson for a tour of Ochoco Preserve. The Land Trust will be embarking on a major project this year to shape the future of Ochoco Preserve! Learn more about the Preserve and the Land Trust’s vision for healthy streams, flourishing native plants and wildlife, and new connections for the community. 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. If construction activities permit, we will tour the Preserve itself. If we cannot be on site, we will view the Preserve and project from the Crooked River Wetlands Complex across the river. 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 ~1 mile hike on dirt roads and through grassy meadows.

    Route: This hike will start at the Ochoco Preserve parking area, follow dirt roads, and also venture off-trail into meadows. Terrain will be uneven at times.

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

  • What to Bring

    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.

  • 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.