River + Fen Hike, Metolius River 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 David Miller for a tour of the Metolius River Preserve. We’ll hike a portion of the beautiful west side Metolius River Trail from Lower Bridge Campground south towards the Preserve. Enjoy fall colors while you explore the area’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.

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 3-4 mile hike on established trails.

    Route: This hike will start at Lower Bridge Campground and follow the Metolius River 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.

  • 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.