The Deschutes Land Trust conserves and cares for 18,742 acres of land in our region for today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. Our conserved lands protect plants and animals, provide a refuge that can help mitigate the impacts of climate change, and help connect our community to the outdoors.

Land Trust Community Preserves are lands that are protected for plants and animals, cultural significance, community health, and other community values. They are there for you to enjoy and explore either on your own or on a guided tour. Each Preserve is unique in terms of terrain, trails, and available uses. Learn more about group or educational visits.

Major Land Trust Community Preserves include:

• Camp Polk Meadow Preserve: The Hindman Springs portion of this 151-acre meadow preserve can be explored for excellent birding, walking, or viewing the remnants of the historic Hindman Barn—the oldest structure in Deschutes County. There is a short gravel trail for walking and reading interpretive signs. Dogs are not allowed at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. Find driving directions, trail maps, or more detailed Preserve information.
• Indian Ford Meadow Preserve: A 63-acre meadow preserve with outstanding scenic views of the Cascades. Walk the 1 mile Founder’s Trail to visit the scenic overlook with panoramic views of the Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, Black Butte, and Mt. Jefferson. Leashed dogs are allowed. Find driving directions, trail maps, or more detailed Preserve information.
• Metolius Preserve: This 1,240-acre forested preserve has more than 10 miles of trails for exploring on foot or mountain bike. Visitors can also walk gravel trails at the South Trailhead to visit interpretive signs along the banks of Lake Creek. Leashed dogs are allowed. Horses are allowed at the Metolius Preserve on the Lake Creek Trail. Find driving directions, trail maps, or more detailed Preserve information.
• Whychus Canyon Preserve: A 930-acre desert and canyon preserve with 7 miles of trails. Explore Whychus Creek, canyon scenery, and enjoy outstanding scenic views. Visitors can also walk the 1.1 mile Santiam Wagon Road interpretive trail. Leashed dogs are allowed. Find driving directions, trail maps, or more detailed Preserve information.

See a list of suggested hiking routes at Land Trust Preserves or read our FAQ about Preserve use. Or learn about our other Community Preserves in Central Oregon: Aspen Hollow Preserve, Ochoco Preserve, Paulina Creek Preserve, Priday Ranch, Rimrock Ranch, Thomas Preserve, and Willow Springs Preserve.

Learn about other conserved lands: Outside of our Community Preserves, the Land Trust also protects land by working with private landowners to conserve their land. These properties are conserved for a variety of reasons including protecting plant and animal habitat, helping bolster our climate resilience, and helping protect local working farms, forests, and ranches. These properties remain privately owned by an individual or a public entity. At certain times, with the consent of the landowner, the Land Trust arranges tours of these properties. These conserved lands include Alder Springs, Aspen Valley Ranch, Coffer Ranch, Spring Creek, and the Trout Creek Conservation Area. Check our event page for upcoming tours.