Plant Walk, Metolius Preserve

Discover Central Oregon's natural world on a hike or walk! Photo: Mike Running.
Discover Central Oregon's natural world on a hike or walk! Photo: Mike Running.
This outing is full.
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Join the Deschutes Land Trust and David Miller for a walk to learn about the plants of the Metolius Preserve. Explore the transition zone where wet westside and dry eastside plants of the Cascades converge in the mixed conifer forest of the Metolius Preserve. Learn about how subtle changes in precipitation create the right conditions for plants like vine maple, twinflower, and Pacific blackberry to thrive even on the dry side of the Cascade crest. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.

  • Outing Details + Route

    Hike Rating: This is an easy 3-4 mile walk on Preserve trails.

    Route: This hike will start at the South Trailhead of the Metolius Preserve and follow along 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, sturdy hiking 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.