Plant Hike, Whychus Canyon 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 Chelsea Ernst for a plant hike at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Explore ancient juniper groves while searching for a myriad of early summer wildflowers like balsamroot, lupine, and Oregon sunshine. Enjoy hiking beneath the towering ponderosa pines while you make your way down to Whychus Creek. Along the way, take a break at a rocky outcrop with panoramic views of mountain peaks. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event. This outing will only proceed if pandemic conditions allow.


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

    Hike Rating: This is a challenging 6 mile hike on Whychus Canyon Preserve hiking trails.

    Route: This hike will start at the Whychus Canyon Preserve kiosk and follow trails down into the Whychus Creek canyon. Terrain will be uneven and steep at times.

    Elevation gain/loss: This hike is challenging with 300' of elevation gain.

  • What to Bring

    Snacks/lunch, water, closed toe shoes, face coverings (homemade is fine), hand sanitizer. Dress for the weather.

  • About the Property

    Whychus Canyon Preserve is a 930 acre Preserve on Whychus Creek near Sisters, Oregon. It was first established by the Deschutes Land Trust in 2010 and an additional 480 acres was added in 2014. The Preserve contains four miles of Whychus Creek, high quality grasslands, old growth juniper, cottonwood and aspen stands. With such a diverse range of habitats, Whychus Canyon Preserve is home to a variety of fish and wildlife.

  • 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.