There's no need to stay indoors during the chillier months! Although volunteer-led Land Trust Walks + Hikes are on hiatus, you can bundle up, get outside, and explore your Land Trust protected lands on your own. Here are four ideas to get you out of your home this winter and into the natural beauty of Land Trust Preserves:

Enjoy scenic views at Indian Ford Meadow Preserve. If it's not muddy, you can follow a one mile trail through the meadow for fantastic views of the Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, Black Butte, Mt. Jefferson, and Indian Ford Creek. Winter snow makes for a lovely, short skiing or snowshoeing adventure. Find driving directions and more detailed Preserve information.

 

 

 

 

 

Watch for wildlife at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. Take a quiet moment and watch wildlife this winter. Camp Polk Meadow Preserve is home to deer, cougar, otters, elk, and many species of birds (~180 species observed). See the Preserve's bird list for help identifying winter resident birds. Find driving directions and more detailed Preserve information.

 

 

 

 

 

Get some exercise at the Metolius Preserve. With more than 10 miles of trails, the Metolius Preserve is a great place to spend the day outside. The trails are open year-round, if you are adventurous enough to ski or snowshoe in! One thing is for sure: you'll be guaranteed fresh tracks! Find driving directions, trail maps, and more detailed Preserve information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explore the high desert in winter at Whychus Canyon Preserve. With more than seven miles of hiking trails, Whychus Canyon Preserve is a great place to explore our high desert in the winter. When the trails are snowy or dry (but not muddy!), enjoy scenic viewpoints, the rushing cold waters of Whychus Creek, and a walk along the historic Santiam Wagon Road. Find driving directions, trail maps, and more detailed Preserve information.