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Scott Bowler

The Call of the Trail


Whychus Canyon Preserve. Photo Courtesy of Wasim Muklashy.

Whychus Canyon Preserve

The Wychus Canyon Preserve has it all: great views, plenty of wildlife, pioneer history, fascinating geology, weird rocks, loads of flowers in spring, interesting old junipers, and a beautiful creekside riparian zone. It’s usually doable year-round, although there can be some quite icy spots in winter.


Why go:

This moderately challenging criss-crossing trail system starts right on the edge of lower Whychus Canyon, and has a lot of variety and options. 


When to go:

It’s a great hike just about anytime really, and usually possible whatever the weather, as long as your vehicle can get to the trailhead and you choose the right footwear. 


What to expect:

Both the beginning and end of the hike is high on the canyon rim, so you will be going down and back up while traversing the slopes. You can choose how much to do and where to go, using the good map available from the kiosk. You will have climbed/descended about 1,000 feet and hiked up to 5-7 miles if you do it all. 


Getting there:

Take Highway 126 east towards Redmond, and in about five miles turn left on Goodrich Road. Continue all the way out (east) to the canyon rim, about three more miles. Note that the pavement turns right and becomes Edmundson Rd., so be sure to keep on straight as it turns to gravel.


What you’ll need:

Footing can be treacherous if icy, so take poles, cleats, and maybe snowshoes in the car, just in case. Note that it can get really muddy in thaws and the trails are best avoided then! Don’t forget the Ten Essentials, including layers of clothing, plenty of snacks and water, and/or a filter to drink from the creek. Dogs MUST be leashed in the Preserve! 


Metolius Preserve

Along Lake Creek, in between Suttle Lake and Metolious River lies a little known protected area known as the Metolious Preserve, owned by Deschutes Land Trust. It’s an unusual property, with a very diverse species mix along beautiful creeks—making it a great place to go.


Why go:

It’s an easy, essentially flat hike with beautiful creeks and diverse plants, with plenty of wildlife. 


When to go:

Spring brings abundant diversity in flowers and birds because of the variety of habitats.


What to expect:

The Preserve is full of wildlife, and not a lot of people. A plus is that the flat aspect and short distances make it great for kids and families exploring. Dogs are allowed but MUST be under your direct control on a six-foot leash the whole time in order to protect the wildlife who call the place home—and be sure to bag and carry out their poop!


Getting there:

Take Highway 20 west towards Santiam Pass, and in about 10 miles watch carefully for USFS Road 2064 taking off on the right, which leads to the south trailhead—a warning, though, that this road is little used and is likely difficult to navigate in deep snow or thawing mud! You can access the north entrance from Suttle-Sherman Road, a more well-used and more likely passable option in spring “sloppy” season. Get to Suttle-Sherman Road either from Highway 20 via a right turn on USFS Road 12, heading west and turning right, or take Camp Sherman Road off Highway 20 to the east and turning left. The short spur road to the trailhead parking area is about halfway between the two main crossroads.


What you’ll need:

The Ten Essentials, including layers, plenty of snacks and water, and/or a filter to drink from the creek.


Guided hikes:

From April through October, Deschutes Land Trust volunteer naturalists lead nearly 100 free walks, hikes, and family outings at various Land Trust protected lands throughout Central Oregon. Participants can explore birds, wildflowers, or geology while enjoying the great outdoors. 


This year, there is a new offering — Nature Kids — guided family nature walks just for families with kids ages 5-10. 


All walks and hikes are free. Group size is small to give attendees the best experience possible. Registration for each outing opens one month prior to the outing and can be done online. Once registered, detailed directions for the outing will be provided. Find the full schedule online: deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes.


Top 5 Sisters Hikes

Black Butte Lookout: West on Highway 20 to FS Road 11 (Green Ridge Road). Turn right and pass Indian Ford Campground. Turn left at graveled Road 1110 and follow it to the trailhead. Strenuous two-mile climb yields 360° views.


Tam McArthur Rim: This hike is so popular that it requires a wilderness permit. From the trailhead near Three Creek Lake, the trail leads up toward the foot of Broken Top, yielding spectacular mountain views. It's a roundtrip 5.3-mile strenuous hike. 


Metolius River: Take Highway 20 west to the Camp Sherman turnoff. Follow FS Road 14 to a fork in the road and bear right. Continue on approximately 7.5 miles and turn left at the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery signs and cross the bridge to the fish hatchery parking area.


Whychus Creek: Take Elm Street south out of Sisters 4.2 miles. There’s a turnout on the west (right) side of the road. Park and walk past the green gate down to the trail and start hiking upstream. Out-and-back hike can vary distance to suit. Easy-moderate.


Black Crater: Drive 11.5 miles west from Sisters, past Windy Point, on Highway 242 (McKenzie Highway). The trailhead with parking is on the south (left) side of highway. This is a strenuous 7.5-mile roundtrip climb to the summit and return.

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