Santiam Wagon Road Walk, Whychus Canyon Preserve

Hikers enjoy an early winter day at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Photo: Jay Mather.
Hikers enjoy an early winter day at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Photo: Jay Mather.

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Kelly Madden 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 site of an early homestead and the signs and symbols still visible along the trail today, helping to tell the story of travel and commerce in the high desert. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.

  • 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, water, sturdy hiking 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.