Restoration Tour, Willow Springs Preserve

Hiking along Whychus Canyon. Photo: Caitlin Eddolls
Hiking along Whychus Canyon. Photo: Caitlin Eddolls

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Mark Reed for a restoration tour of Willow Springs Preserve. Explore the variety of natural structures that have been added to Whychus Creek to improve creek conditions, including some inspired by nature’s ultimate engineer, the beaver. Learn more about creek restoration efforts and find out what’s next in this multi-year project to improve habitat for fish and wildlife and mitigate the impacts of climate change. 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 a moderate 1-2 mile hike on old roads and through grassy meadows.

    Route: This hike will start at the Willow Springs Preserve entrance and follow dirt access roads. We will also venture off-trail into the meadow. 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, closed toe shoes. Dress for the weather.

  • About the Property

    The Deschutes Land Trust acquired and protected the 130 acre Willow Springs Preserve in 2017. The Preserve includes one mile of Whychus Creek, creekside meadows, aspen and cottonwood stands, and rimrock cliffs. The Preserve is located outside of Sisters, Oregon and is home to a host of wildlife species including salmon and steelhead, mule deer, rocky mountain elk, raptors, and numerous 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.