You’ve got your snacks and water, put your shoes on, and are ready to explore your Deschutes Land Trust Community Preserves. But where to start? What Preserves offer trails? Are there good routes? Look no further, we’ve got you covered! Here are some details on our Preserve trails including suggested routes and more. Happy exploring!
This tiny little Preserve is packed full of nature and history! Camp Polk Meadow Preserve is known for its excellent birding with more than 160 species observed. Grab your binoculars or listen to the birdsong as you follow the ~½ mile mostly flat, wide (4-5’), packed gravel loop trail. Along the way, gaze at the remains of the historic Hindman barn and learn about the cultural history of the Preserve and Central Oregon with help of trailside interpretive signs. Then, take a moment to relax at a trailside bench looking for blooming wildflowers or resident turkeys amongst the ponderosa pines.
Season: Camp Polk Meadow Preserve can be visited during daylight hours, year-round. Enjoy spotting resident birds in the winter and migrating ones in the spring. History abounds year-round. Please note that snow may block entrance roads, parking areas, and trails at the Preserve in winter.
Amenities: Trailhead with informational kiosk; small packed gravel parking lot for 6 cars; trailside wooden benches; interpretive signs; ADA accessible portable restroom. No drinking water or trash removal services and limited shade. Cell phone reception can be limited.
Fido: Please note that dogs are not allowed at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve (except trained service dogs).
Driving Directions to Camp Polk Meadow Preserve
Enjoy the scenic views of mountains and meadow at Indian Ford Meadow Preserve. Follow the one mile Founder's Trail through the ponderosa pines and into the meadow. This trail features ¼ mile of wide (~36”) loose gravel trail; ¾ mile of narrow (<36”) natural surface trail with minimal elevation gain/loss. Enjoy outstanding views of the Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, Black Butte, Mt. Jefferson, and Indian Ford Creek. A scenic viewpoint with benches lets you sit and take in all of the natural beauty of the region.
Season: This trail can get muddy in the winter and spring, so check our website for trail conditions before heading out. Otherwise, Indian Ford Meadow Preserve is open during daylight hours year-round. Winter snow makes for a lovely, short cross country skiing or snowshoeing adventure, however roadside parking areas are not plowed. In the summer, bike parking at the entrance lets you make this a multi-sport journey.
Amenities: Trailhead with informational kiosk; vehicle parking on the side of Indian Ford Road; bike parking; scenic overlook with wooden benches and interpretive signs; trailside wooden benches. No restroom, drinking water, or trash removal services. Shade is variable. Cell phone reception can be limited.
Fido: Dogs must be kept on leash at Indian Ford Meadow Preserve. Please clean up after your pet and take plastic bags with you.
Driving Directions to Indian Ford Meadow Preserve
With towering pines and lush creekside corridors, the Metolius Preserve is a unique and beautiful Preserve nestled at the base of the Cascade mountains. The Preserve is home to several miles of Lake Creek, the rare Peck’s penstemon, beautiful western larch and vine maple trees, and 10+ miles of mostly flat, natural surface and loose gravel trails. With two trailheads to choose from, short and long loops, shady benches and viewing platforms, there are so many ways to experience the Metolius Preserve. Learn more about the Preserve's trails and routes.
Georeferenced Map: Download a georeferenced map of the Metolius Preserve to help with navigation.
Season: In the spring, trails can get muddy, so check our website for trail conditions before heading out. If trails are in good condition, spring provides fresh green larch needles and colorful wildflowers. In the summer, shady forests are a respite from the hot sun. Fall is a perfect time for the changing colors of larch, vine maples, and willows. Winter snow makes for wonderful cross country skiing or snowshoeing trips, but please note that roads into the Preserve and parking areas are not plowed.
Amenities: Two trailheads (North and South trailheads) with informational kiosks; trailside interpretive signs; parking areas; seasonal portable restrooms; trailside wooden benches. No drinking water or trash removal services and shade is variable. Cell phone reception is very limited.
Fido: Dogs must be kept on leash at the Metolius Preserve. Please clean up after your pet and take plastic bags with you.
Driving Directions for the South Trailhead and North Trailhead
There is much to be explored at Whychus Canyon Preserve! With scenic viewpoints, the rushing cold waters of Whychus Creek, and the historic Santiam Wagon Road, you will have to make several trips to see everything. The Preserve offers more than seven miles of trails including the historic Santiam Wagon Road and several routes that take you into the canyon along Whychus Creek. Learn more details about these trails and routes.
Georeferenced Map: Download a georeferenced map of Whychus Canyon Preserve to help with navigation.
Season: In the winter and spring, trails can get muddy, so check our website for trail conditions before heading out. Spring brings early season wildflowers like goldfields, sand lilies, and yellow bells. Summer can be hot with limited shade. Cooler fall temperatures and changing desert colors are welcoming. In the winter, Whychus Canyon Preserve is a great spot for hiking, as long as there hasn’t been recent snowfall. Please note that roads into the Preserve and parking areas are not plowed.
Amenities: Trailhead with informational kiosk and wooden benches; trailside interpretive signs; parking area; scenic overlooks with benches; portable restroom. No drinking water or trash removal services and shade is limited. Cell phone reception is limited.
Fido: Dogs must be kept on leash at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Please clean up after your pet and take plastic bags with you.
Driving Directions to Whychus Canyon Preserve
Explore more:
- Check out the Land Trust's Walks + Hikes schedule
- Ways to Get Outdoors That Aren't Hiking
- Caring for the Land During Muddy Trail Season
- Fall Colors and Where to Find Them