The Land Trust closed Whychus Canyon Preserve in August 2025 as the Flat Fire burned at the Preserve and along Whychus Creek. As winter turns to spring and we all start to think of outdoor places to explore, we wanted to share an update on where things stand.

First and foremost, Whychus Canyon Preserve remains closed to address fire recovery needs. The Land Trust is working in collaboration with our partners at the Bureau of Land Management to clear hazard trees this spring. This includes trees that are dangerous and could fall on trails or other public use areas. Once this initial tree removal is complete, we will be able to work to clear trails and make any necessary trail repairs. We do know there are some portions of trails that have erosion concerns, and staff will be taking the necessary steps to make these areas safe for users. We are also working to replace trail signage that burned in the fire. All of these efforts will take time which is why the Preserve will remain closed through June.

When we do reopen the Preserve, be ready for a different experience. The entire 930-acre Preserve was within the fire footprint, but, luckily, burn severity was mixed. There are areas of high tree and shrub mortality and also pockets that escaped burning all together. Over the winter, we restored a bulldozer line that was built on the western rim of the Preserve. Going forward, we will continue to manage the post-fire weeds that emerge. We are also working to plan the next phase of the Whychus Creek restoration, including looking at how restored areas fared during the fire.

Finally, staff are working on plans for where we’ll replant ponderosa pine seedlings, where to remove some of the burned material and where to leave it standing, where to seed, and where to just leave it alone and let nature take its time and its course. We also are thinking into the future and determining where changing climatic conditions may ultimately lead to a shift in plant communities. Juniper thinning and collaboration with Preserve neighbors to help reduce wildfire danger will continue to be a priority going forward. Stay tuned for more details!

Please remember: Whychus Canyon Preserve remains closed to the public. Please respect this closure as it is very dangerous at the Preserve, and wildlife need the space for refuge. If you are looking for other places to explore with spring time wildflowers, consider Grey Butte or Alder Springs.

Learn more: 

• Flat Fire Recovery Resources
• Flat Fire Burns Land Trust Preserves
• Cram Fire Impacts Priday Ranch
• Managing Weeds at Land Trust Preserves