Whychus Canyon Preserve Hike, Whychus Canyon Preserve

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 Michele McKay for a fall hike at Whychus Canyon Preserve. We’ll follow a trail through juniper forests and native grasslands out to a rocky overlook of Whychus Creek and return via the mid-canyon Rim Trail. Along the way we’ll look for signs of wildlife and learn about the human and natural history of the Preserve. 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 ~4-5 mile hike on Whychus Canyon Preserve hiking trails with several short, rocky ascents and descents.

    Route: This hike will start at the Whychus Canyon Preserve kiosk and follow trails partway down into the Whychus Creek canyon. Terrain will be uneven at times.

    Elevation gain/loss: This hike is moderate with 150' of elevation gain/loss.

  • What to Bring

    Snacks/lunch, water, closed toe shoes, hiking poles (if you have them). 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.