Santiam Wagon Road Walk, Whychus Canyon Preserve

Explore the nature of Central Oregon with Deschutes Land Trust. Photo: Rick Dingus.
Explore the nature of Central Oregon with Deschutes Land Trust. Photo: Rick Dingus.

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Carol Wall to explore the 150-year old Santiam Wagon Road at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Hike back in time and imagine traveling west in a wagon train to transport wool from Eastern Oregon to the Willamette Valley, or east to graze livestock on the grasses of the desert. Explore the trail today to understand the story of travel and commerce in the high desert. 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 mile hike on dirt roads and trails through juniper forest.

    Route: This hike will start at the Whychus Canyon Preserve kiosk and follow dirt roads and 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, closed toe shoes. Dress for the weather.

  • About the Property

    Whychus Canyon Preserve is a 930 acre Preserve on Whychus Creek near Sisters, Oregon. It was first established by the Deschutes Land Trust in 2010 and an additional 480 acres was added in 2014. The Preserve contains four miles of Whychus Creek, high quality grasslands, old growth juniper, cottonwood and aspen stands. With such a diverse range of habitats, Whychus Canyon Preserve is home to a variety of fish and wildlife.

  • 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.