Alder Springs Trail is a 6 or so mile in-and-out moderate hike located in the Crooked River…read moreNational Grassland. It is spectacular. The trailhead is found at the end of five miles of fair to somewhat rough road off Holmes Road north of Hwy 126. The trail runs along Whychus Creek which, like the nearby Crooked and Deschutes Rivers, has cut a deep canyon in the overlying lava. If you hike the entire length, you will end up at the confluence of the Whychus and the Deschutes, right across the river from the Scout Camp Trail (another awesome hike). Trail condition is mostly good with a few steep parts but relatively flat overall. You do have to descend from the lava plateau to the creek but it's more gradual than with some other nearby hikes, such as Scout Camp and Otter Bench. One thing, though: at about the halfway point, you'll have to ford Whychus Creek. There is no bridge, makeshift or otherwise. The creek is not too wide at the crossing point and unless you're there during peak snow-melt time, it's easily crossed. But unless you like hiking with wet boots, it's best to take along a pair of water shoes. The creek-bed is composed of slippery river rock and I don't recommend flip-flops. Along the trail, you'll experience varied terrain: high desert, sparse juniper forest, some big ponderosas and where the trail cuts close to the creek, lots of reeds and other wetland plants. Beware that the trail is known as a rattlesnake den. We even ran across one on the trail (coming and going!) when the weather was a bit cool. I don't think I've seen an account of someone hiking this trail where they didn't see a rattler. But they're cool and will scurry out of the way as soon as they sense your presence, which is well before you see them. The road to Alder Springs Trail at the Holmes Rd gate is closed to motor vehicles from Dec 1 to March 31. So unless you want to add the extra ten miles round-trip, take note.

It's a hike for those with good footing. Pets, children, and most people can do this hike. It goes…read moreup and down over lava beds in some portions. Probably not so good if it's been raining as there can be slippery parts. The reward is the Upper and Lower (two different paths, not well marked) Proxy Falls, which are breathtakingly beautiful. The Lower Falls has at the bottom, a lot of logs to cross and isn't recommended for some as it's difficult although it arrives at the base of the falls for that must-get photo opp. There are actually better view points before you get to the bottom. The Upper Falls, by contrast, is beautiful and the water frigid, temps chilly even in the middle of summer. Youngsters and oldsters alike can enjoy this hike but it's actually a moderate hike for some; know your limits as you're far away from help if you get stuck. There are a few picnic spots, and many wild huckleberries on the trail. Bring a water bottle if it's hot. Temps vary over 30F on the trail any time of the Spring or Summer. Yes, it's worth it! Note that this leg of road isn't good for long trailers or RVs, there are very sharp switchbacks that make them dangerous or even impossible to navigate the curves. Quite a bit of parking is available. There is a park fee, payable later or the Golden Age Pass makes it free as it's a National Forest resource.

Looove this trail! It's a short loop that takes you by 2 gorgeous waterfalls. The setting is…read morediverse and fun, starting off winding through a lava rock field and leading into the beautiful forest, off-shooting to both Lower and Upper Proxy Falls. If you read the info at the trailhead you'll see that the loop is meant to be a one way trek, however it seems that most missed that part as we encountered plenty of hikers coming at us. Not a biggie, as except for the lava section the trail is decently wide. You'll get a great view of Lower just past the directional sign, but I highly recommend if you're able to continue on down and right up the base of the falls. It's a bit steep heading down, and you've got to shimmy over and squeeze under a few downed trees, as well as using a massive downed tree-bridge to get across to the base. It's a bit of work, and probably not ok for everyone but definitely worth it. Lower Proxy is simply stunning and jaw dropping from right at the base. Upper is just a quick trip from the main trail, clearly marked by signage as well. While not quite the spectacle of Lower, it's definitely pretty and easily accessed. There are some picnic tables and a decent amount of shoulder parking at the head. The 1 1/2 mile trail is so much fun...it's like an adult playground...climbing around the rocks and trees, good times. From the gorgeous and varied scenery you encounter along the route to the stunning falls, Proxy Falls Trail is a don't miss.

I came here to see the source of the Metolius and was blown away by how well done they've made this…read morespot. Big parking lot, a beautiful paved path through the forest with a really nice rustic wood fence along the entire stretch. Takes you right to the source, which you can kind of see bubbling up out of the earth through the trees. There's also a nice view of the river with a snowy mountain (Jefferson?) in the background. I don't know that I need to come back, but I'm really glad I stopped by.

I'm a big fan of the Metolius River, it's just a stunning place for a hike. We didn't pull off to…read moresee the head last time so we decided to when passing through this weekend. While the air of mystery associated with the head is very cool...the river seems to appear from nowhere...the actual visual reward once there in person was definitely underwhelming. It's a very nice trailhead with lots of parking, picnic tables, and toilets (which were very clean). A short, paved, flat walkway takes you directly to the head. I'm not sure what I expected to see, but there's honestly nothing to take in. Maybe it would've been better to leave the head of the Metolius as a mystery! :) It's an easy find and a peaceful leisurely stroll to the head, but one and done. Save your time with this and just hike the beautiful river instead!

Canyon Creek Meadows is a spectacular trail on the eastern slopes of Three Fingered Jack in the Mt…read moreJefferson Wilderness area. While hiking, you'll get great views of Three Fingered Jack, Mt Jefferson, Black Butte and even the Three Sisters. And that's just the volcanoes. The trailhead is accessed via a somewhat winding road coming off Hwy 14, which comes off Hwy 20, the main route through Sisters. Check your map for precise directions. Most any vehicle can get to the trailhead, although those with street suspensions will have to take it easy in places. There is a large parking area, which is good because this trail is popular. When we left on a summer weekday, there were several cars parked along the road, having not found spots in the parking area. Canyon Creek Meadows trail proper is a loop trail that has a couple of offshoots - one to the north which eventually takes you to the Pacific Crest Trail, and one that takes you further up towards Three Fingered Jack (the glacier trail, which might be a mile and half). Doing the loop trail only is about 5.6 miles. If you don't have it, I recommend loading the AllTrails app on your phone. The trail is fairly easy in terms of exertion and trail condition. You'll pass through quite a bit of fire-deforested areas (meaning: lots of sun) as well as thickly forested areas. Much of the trail follows Canyon Creek and you'll pass through the meadows, which is quite nice. Overall, there is a lot of scenery and terrain variation on the trail. Near the trailhead is Jack Lake, a small body of water that has no boat ramp or anything like that (this is wilderness, after all). I wouldn't mind putting a kayak in the lake, though. Summer can render the trail hot and dusty. If you have a dog, think about booties. Bring plenty of water. Speaking of dogs, there is a prominently posted regulation that requires leashes on all dogs to avoid disturbing the mountain sheep. From what we saw, almost no one leashes their dog, which is a shame. Highly recommended. We are lucky to have so many great trails in the Bend/Sisters area.

This is a beautiful area with a sweet 9 mile long hiking trail that goes out & loops back around…read more There is an address 2 mile long leg that leads to the base of Three Finger Jack Mtn. Incredible views all along the hike and appx half runs parallel to Canyon Creek. Jack Lake is directly off of the trailhead and has several campsites along the front. The trail provides varying views of forests, meadows,, lake & a creek. There are great views of Mt Jefferson & Three Finger Jack. I suggest driving a truck or similar vehicle to the trailhead because the gravel road is extremely rough for appx 6 miles. I'll definitely be going back to backpack & camp out near Three Finger Jack.

We took the loop trail that crosses in and out of the preserve and Deschutes National Forest…read more Apparently this rim trail is the only portion of the preserve that you can venture onto without permission. We parked in the turn-around at the end of Deer Ridge Road; not really marked as a trailhead when you arrive, but you can discern the trail. From here you enter a Deschutes section for a while, and when you enter in and out of the preserve you'll know as the signage is good and info provided. It was a really fun loop with...on this clear day...crazy mountain views, and on any day, nice views from the rim of the preserve valley and Whychus Creek below. We didn't meet anyone on the loop last Saturday morning. Just incredibly peaceful and beautiful start to finish.

Chush Falls trail is located in the Deschutes National Forest south of Sisters. Much of the trail…read more(including Chush Falls and Upper Chush Falls) lies within the Sisters Wilderness area, so applicable wilderness regulations apply. This is Whychus Creek Wild and Scenic River territory. The trailhead is accessed by forest road NF-600, which is about a mile long and is passable by regular vehicles (assuming the winter snow has melted). NF-600 is accessed from forest road NF-1514, a good road that comes off the Three Creeks Lake Road (NF-16) running south from Sisters. The turnoff from NF-1514 to NF-600 is right at the Whychus Creek bridge. You can also get to the NF-600 turnoff coming the other way from NF-15 just west of Sisters. The trail itself is moderate with a mostly gentle slope up grade. It's a little over two miles to Chush Falls where the trail officially ends. At the end point, you can see Chush Falls quite well from the elevation of the top of the falls. But if you're inclined, do scramble down the steep trail beyond the trail end to get to the base level. That's your best view of the these falls. But you're not done. After returning up to trail end, continue on the trail upriver (upcreek?). For about a mile (which involves increasing elevation change particularly at the very end), you'll follow Whychus Creek past a few smaller waterfalls and rapids, finally arriving at the gem of the trail: Upper Chush Falls. This cascade is where Whychus Creek tumbles down off a very steep and pretty high cliff face. It's beautiful. Note that the trail might seem to end where there are rocks to sit on and enjoy the view near the base of the waterfall, but take the time to find the short steep trail to your left that goes up to a better view point. Be careful - underfoot will be rocks that are not well embedded and a slip may well end in disaster for you. All along the trail, the Three Sisters, and less so Broken Top, lord over the landscape as you travel through first a section of burn area that has left a rather surreal scene, beautiful in its own right, and then unburnt higher elevation pine forest. Even without the waterfalls, this is a great hike.

What a gift it is to be surrounded by so much natural beauty. Today I was able to hike Sahalie…read moreFalls, Koosah Falls, and Tomalitch Blue Pool, all in one out and back 10.5 mile trek. The drive to the trailhead took 2.5 hours from my home in Portland, so we left by 6. If you arrive after 9 or 10 you have to deal with the crowds. Sahalie Falls was first and can be accessed very easily from the parking lot - no hike required. Keep this one in mind if you have mobility limitations. If you're up for it, hit the trail here. A short distance along the Mckenzie Creek will take you to Koosah Falls. Gorgeous, with falling turquoise water. Want a scare? Look up the fools who cliff jump from here. Incredible. After that you pass by the reservoir, then have a nice hike along a soft pine needle path down to Tomalitch Blue Pool. Again with the cliff jumping. Don't do it! So dangerous. But do carefully follow the pink ribbons over the rock ledge and down to the shore. You can swim if you dare in the 38 degree water. At least dunk your feet. The hike back to where you parked at Sahalie is 5 miles. Pack a lunch, a lot of water (I finished my 3 liters), and enjoy the day.

A beautiful hike. We did the waterfall loop, which is about a 3 mile hike that takes you by Koosah…read moreand Sahalie Falls. We brought the dogs and the kids, and we had a blast. The scenery was stunning and the trail condition was perfect. We'd definitely come back here again.

I found the preserve on articles when researching where I could check out larches as they turn…read moreyellow. We'd been hiking around Camp Sherman before, but didn't even know the Metolius Preserve existed. There are 2 trailheads, North and South, each with parking. We chose to park at the North Trailhead, as we'd chosen to take the Larch Trail this day. There's a good amount of parking, and nice gravel roads throughout. Trails and trail intersections are signed well. The 10 miles of trails here are for hikers and bikes, although we only met a couple of each while there. The Preserve grounds are very pretty and serene. Gorgeous trees and fall colors (including turning larches) abound, as well as birds and the occasional critter in the brush. Everything we encountered while there was well-maintained and clean. Can't wait to check out the other trails.