Salmon Walk, Spring Creek

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 Megan Hill for a salmon walk along Spring Creek near the Metolius River. This beautiful, privately-owned property includes wetland habitat, quaking aspens, mixed conifer forests, and outstanding habitat for wildlife including kokanee and Chinook salmon. We'll take a walk along Spring Creek and the Metolius River to observe kokanee salmon spawning during their annual rite. Learn about efforts to restore Chinook and sockeye salmon to the Metolius River and its tributaries. 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 ~2 mile hike. Portions will be on established trails and through grassy meadows.

    Route: This hike will start at the Camp Sherman store and follow the Metolius River trail. Once on the Spring Creek property, trails are through grassy meadows. Terrain will be uneven at times.

    Elevation gain/loss: There is very little elevation gain/loss on this hike.

  • What to Bring

    Snacks, water, closed toe shoes. Dress for the weather.

  • About the Property

    Spring Creek is a 25 acre private property near Camp Sherman, Oregon. The Deschutes Land Trust worked with the owners of the property to create a land preservation agreement to conserve the headwaters of Spring Creek and its nearby wetlands. The property is home to a host of wildlife species including: white-headed woodpecker, northern goshawk, olive-sided flycatcher, and the Cascade frog. The Metolius River and tributaries like Spring Creek provide important habitat for bull trout, spring Chinook salmon, redband trout, and kokanee/sockeye salmon.

  • 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.