Star Party, Whychus Canyon Preserve

Discover Central Oregon's natural world on a hike or walk! Photo: Mike Running.
Discover Central Oregon's natural world on a hike or walk! Photo: Mike Running.

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Jim Hammond for an exploration of the early fall night sky at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Enjoy a brief sunset walk into the meadow at the Preserve where Jim and friends will set up telescopes and help folks identify constellations, planets, and far-away galaxies. Explore astronomy and get a rare chance to enjoy the dark skies of this Land Trust Preserve. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.

  • Outing Details + Route

    Hike Rating: This is an easy 1-mile walk on the Whychus Canyon Preserve hiking trails.

    Route: This hike will start at the Whychus Canyon Preserve kiosk and follow trails into a sage meadow. Terrain will be uneven at times.

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

  • What to Bring

    Flashlight/Headlamp, warm clothes, blankets or camp chairs, small telescopes (if you have them), snacks, 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.