Santiam Wagon Road Walk, Whychus Canyon Preserve

Now is a great time to explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! Photo: Jason McPheeters.
Now is a great time to explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! Photo: Jason McPheeters.

**This walk has been canceled.**

 

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. Observe the signs and symbols that are still visible along the trail today, helping to tell the story of travel and commerce in the high desert. Then, explore the site of an early homestead. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event. This outing will only proceed if pandemic conditions allow.


COVID-19 Guidelines: We take the health and safety of our volunteers and staff seriously. After careful consideration, we have implemented COVID-19 Walk + Hike Guidelines to promote the health and wellbeing of volunteers and staff. Please read and be ready to adhere to these guidelines so everyone can have a safe experience.

  • Outing Details + Route

    Hike Rating: This is a moderate ~3 mile hike on old roads and through juniper forest.

    Route: This hike will start at the Whychus Canyon Preserve kiosk and follow dirt roads. 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, face coverings (homemade is fine), hand sanitizer. 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 (541-330-0017) 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.