Join the Deschutes Land Trust and David Weilmuenster for a fall hike on the Lake Creek Trail at the Metolius Preserve. We'll hike through the Preserve's ponderosa forests and follow Lake Creek on our way to Suttle Lake. Learn about the fascinating plant life of the Metolius region where the wetter plants of the western Cascades blend with our drier eastside forests. We'll explore this fascinating transition zone while enjoying the fall colors of golden bracken fern and scarlet vine maple. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.

• Outing Details + Route

  Hike Rating: This is a moderate to challenging, ~5.5 mile hike on dirt roads and trails.

  Route: This hike will start at the North Trailhead of the Metolius Preserve and will follow the Lake Creek Trail to Suttle Lake. Terrain will be uneven at times.

  Elevation gain/loss: This hike is moderate with 450' of cumulative elevation gain/loss.

• What to Bring

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

• About the Property

  The Metolius Preserve is a 1,240 acre forested Preserve near Camp Sherman, Oregon. The Deschutes Land Trust established the Preserve in 2003. The Preserve contains mature ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and western larch, as well as a rich diversity of other plant species. Three miles of Lake Creek, an important tributary to the Metolius River, flow through the property, contributing to the rich habitat found on the Preserve.

• 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.