Photo: Bruce Wright.

History Wander

DATE: Sep 16, 2023
TIME: 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM
PLACE: Camp Polk Meadow Preserve

Questions? Contact our team!

Do you have questions, kudos, or other feedback? Let us know: info@deschuteslandtrust.org

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Martha Lussenhop for a history wander at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. The meadow has a long history as a crossroads for Native Americans, explorers, soldiers, and settlers. Discover how people over the centuries have used natural resources from this special place for food and shelter. Today it is known as a local nature preserve that is home to a variety of plant and wildlife species and is one of Central Oregon’s birding hot spots. We'll walk around Hindman Springs to see historic sites, making stops along the way to learn how the meadow is being restored to create a healthier place for native plants, fish, wildlife, and our community. Our walk will finish with a visit to the Camp Polk cemetery. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.

  • Outing Details + Route

    Hike Rating: This is an easy, 1-2 mile walk on a gravel trail and dirt roads.

    Route: This hike will start at the Camp Polk Meadow Preserve kiosk, follow a gravel trail, and then go along a dirt road to the cemetery. Terrain will be uneven at times.

    Elevation gain/loss: There is very little elevation gain/loss on this hike.

  • What to Bring

    Snacks/lunch, water, closed toe shoes. Dress for the weather.

  • About the Property

    Camp Polk Meadow Preserve is a 152 acre Preserve on Whychus Creek near Sisters, Oregon. The Preserve was first established by the Deschutes Land Trust in 2000. The Preserve contains approximately 1.4 miles of Whychus Creek, wetlands, meadows, aspen groves and ponderosa pine stands. It is home to a variety of plant and wildlife species and is one of Central Oregon's birding hot spots. The Preserve also has a long and illustrious history as a crossroads for Native Americans, explorers, soldiers and settlers.

  • Accessibility

    The Land Trust is working to make our Walks + Hikes as accessible as possible. Please let us know at least one week in advance if there is something we can do or provide to support you in participating in this outing to the fullest and we will accommodate as possible.