Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Carol Moorehead for a wildflower hike around Coffer Ranch, a conserved private ranch outside of Prineville. We'll hike along Mill Creek while learning more about the springs and wetlands the Land Trust protects. Then, we'll head up into the hills to find a variety of native wildflowers, including balsamroot, lilies, phacelia, and bitterroot. Enjoy scenic views of the surrounding valley and hills before heading back down through unique rock formations, looking for paintbrush, prairie star, and more. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.

• Outing Details + Route

  Hike Rating: This is a challenging ~6 mile hike across uneven terrain.

  Route: This hike will start along the banks of Mill Creek and follow ranch access roads up into the hills overlooking the creek and fields. Terrain will be uneven at times.

  Elevation gain/loss: This hike is challenging with ~1200' of elevation gain/loss.

• What to Bring

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

• About the Property

  Coffer Ranch is a large ranch in the Mill Creek valley east of Prineville, Oregon. The Land Trust worked with the owners of Coffer Ranch in 2010 to permanently protect 492 acres of this ranchland and its important wildlife habitat. The property provides nesting habitat for songbirds and foraging habitat for a variety of bat species. Old-growth western juniper woodlands, ponderosa pine woodlands with native bunchgrass understory, and cliffs provide habitat for a variety of bird, bat, and mammal species.

• 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.