Whychus Canyon

[acoulombe]

Does anyone know if it is possible to hike from the Whychus Creek trailhead all the way to the Deschutes? Is there a use trail or is it impassable?

[adamschneider]

If you mean the Alder Springs Trailhead northeast of Sisters, then yes, you can hike down to the Deschutes.

[acoulombe]

No, I was meaning from the Whychus Creek / Rim TH, through the Whychus Canyon, past Alder Springs and then on to the Deschutes. Not sure if it is impassable (between the Whychus Creek TH and Alder Springs) or if there is private or preservation land you cannot pass through.

[adamschneider]

Beyond the north end of the Rim Trail, the Whychus Canyon Preserve extends about 1.5 miles further along the canyon. But then there's another 1.5 miles of private land before you get to the Jefferson County line, which is where Crooked River National Grassland starts.

[acoulombe]

Thank you, that's what I was looking for. So it sounds like it might be possible, yet it is on private land, so not allowed.

[Charley]

It looks like the privately owned Rimrock Ranch is downstream of the Whychus Canyon Preserve, between the Whychus Rim Trailhead and the Deschutes. That Ranch is apparently under a conservation easement, but one that does not allow public entrance for hiking. So, you'd be up a creek.

https://www.deschuteslandtrust.org/prot ... rock-ranch

I can see why you'd be interested though- this would make a great early season backpacking trip!

[goingrouge]

Here is a story on why it is not possible in a kayak, especially underprepared. https://ridgemontoutfitters.com/blogs/l ... ry-idiots
That canyon gets really tight in many, many places, so walking it all seems ambitious.

[acoulombe]

Sounds like an adventure. I guess that's why I ask questions before I just head out into the wilderness.

Thanks for the link...

[Webfoot]

Here is a story on why it is not possible in a kayak, especially underprepared. https://ridgemontoutfitters.com/blogs/l ... ry-idiots
That canyon gets really tight in many, many places, so walking it all seems ambitious.

Entertaining.

[Charley]

Sounds like an adventure. I guess that's why I ask questions before I just head out into the wilderness.

There's a fine line in adventure- it's great not to know everything, but trip enjoyment and success often benefit from research and planning. Looks like you've figured out your sweet spot.