River + Fen Hike, Metolius River 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.

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and David Miller for a tour of our new Metolius River Preserve! We'll hike a portion of the beautiful west side Metolius River trail from Lower Bridge Campground south into the Preserve. Enjoy late fall colors while you explore the Preserve's mixed pine, cedar, and spruce forest. Then, dig deeper into the Preserve's super cool fen and learn more about this special kind of wetland. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.

  • Outing Details + Route

    Hike Rating: This is a moderate 3-4 mile hike on established trails.

    Route: This hike will start at Lower Bridge Campground on the Metolius River and follow a dirt trail along the river and through the forest. 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 Metolius River Preserve is a 30-acre Preserve near Camp Sherman, Oregon. The Preserve includes .75 miles of the Metolius River, mixed pine, cedar and spruce forest, a riverside meadow, and a rare fen or wetland. It is home to a host of wildlife species including returning salmon and sockeye, songbirds, deer, and a variety of unique plants and trees.