NATURE
WHYCHUS CANYON PRESERVE RIM TRAIL
South of Sisters
Named after a native Sahaptin word meaning “the place we cross the water,” Whychus Creek is a spectacular tributary of the Deschutes River. In 2010, the Deschutes Land Trust protected 930 acres of riparian (streamside) and high desert habitat and created the Whychus Canyon Preserve. Over seven miles of trails provide access to this scenic area and the Rim Trail offers excellent views of the Cascades and showy wildflowers in spring. Colorful blooms of arrowleaf balsamroot, Western columbine, sulfur buckwheat, two-lobe larkspur, desert paintbrush, Oregon sunshine, prickly phlox and Western blue flax paint the desert landscape with vibrant colors. Foothill death camas, named for its toxic bulbs, bears dense clusters of cream-colored flowers. Volunteers for the Deschutes Land Trust lead informative and fun spring wildflower walks along the Rim Trail. See deschuteslandtrust.org for trail status updates and current hike schedule.
Deschutes Land Trust's Whychus Canyon Preserve 34
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PHOTO LEFT COURTESY DESCHUTES LAND TRUST/JOAN AMERO
Rim Trail: roughly 2.1 miles long and fairly level.