With towering pines and lush creekside corridors, the Metolius Preserve is a beautiful place to soak in the sights and sounds of spring in Central Oregon. If you are looking for your next spring hike, choose from the Preserve's two trailheads, short and long loops, and a variety of trails. Here are some ideas and a trail map to get you started:

Becky Johnson Interpretive Area Wander
Located at the South Trailhead, the Becky Johnson Interpretive Area has a covered kiosk, wooden benches, interpretive signs, and viewing platforms along Lake Creek. This short, mostly flat, loose gravel trail wanders through the forest with shady stops along the creek where you can learn about sockeye salmon, songbirds, and other wildlife of the Preserve. Great for short wanders for kids, spring picnics, or quiet contemplation. Trail details: 0.2 mile (one-way), mostly flat, wide (>36"), loose gravel trail.

Larch Trail Loop
This route starts at the North Trailhead and takes visitors through one of the most diverse sections of the Metolius Preserve where wetter plants and trees common to the west side of the Cascades thrive along with drier east Cascade vegetation. Enjoy the bright spring green of larch trees, creekside vine maples, soaring ponderosa pines, and spring wildflowers. Total details: 2.5 mile loop on mostly flat, natural surface trails of variable width (some portions <36", others >36" along old roads).

Metolius Preserve Grand Tour
Feeling ambitious? Take in the beauty of the entire Metolius Preserve by hiking the majority of our trails in a series of lollipops. A georeferenced map and strong navigational skills are highly recommended! Start at the North Trailhead, head south to follow the Larch Trails along the peaceful banks of the North Fork of Lake Creek. Cross the creek and continue east and south on the Larch Trail loop until a junction with the Fir Trails.Take the eastern side of this triangle loop and wander through the South Trailhead following the trail south up a small hill into the forest. At the junction stay left/east and follow these figure eight trails until you reach the Pine Trails. The Pine Trails will automatically loop at the very end, and then you can take the lollipop back up to the Fir Trails. This time, follow the opposite leg of the loops back to the North Trailhead. Trail details: 8.65 mile loop on natural surface trails of variable width (some portions <36", others >36" along old roads). Some small elevation gain/loss.

Fir Trail Loop
A nicely shaded and cool option on a warm day, this loop offers a nice variety of rolling terrain. In the spring, pass through bright green bracken ferns blanketing the forest floor. From the South Trailhead, follow trails to the left along the south bank of the creek. After crossing the entrance road, you’ll reach your first trail junction. Take a right and hike up the rolling terrain. After .4 miles, you’ll hit another trail junction. Keep straight/right, then take a left at the next trail junction, remaining on the Fir Trails. You’ll arrive at another junction after .4 miles. Take a right and follow the trail to the next junction. Here you’ll take a right and follow signs back to the trailhead. Total details: 2.4 mile loop on predominately natural surface/gravel trails of variable width (some portions <36", others >36" along old roads). Some small elevation gain/loss.

Learn more:

• Other Land Trust Community Preserve suggested routes
• Metolius Preserve information, including driving directions and maps