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Whychus Canyon
Posted: February 21st, 2021, 9:24 am
by 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?
Re: Whychus Canyon
Posted: February 21st, 2021, 9:36 am
by adamschneider
If you mean the Alder Springs Trailhead northeast of Sisters, then yes, you can hike down to the Deschutes.
Re: Whychus Canyon
Posted: February 21st, 2021, 9:45 am
by 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.
Re: Whychus Canyon
Posted: February 21st, 2021, 10:21 am
by 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.
Re: Whychus Canyon
Posted: February 21st, 2021, 10:38 am
by 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.
Re: Whychus Canyon
Posted: February 21st, 2021, 11:27 am
by 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!
Re: Whychus Canyon
Posted: February 21st, 2021, 7:31 pm
by 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.
Re: Whychus Canyon
Posted: February 22nd, 2021, 6:21 pm
by 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...
Re: Whychus Canyon
Posted: February 23rd, 2021, 1:26 pm
by Webfoot
Re: Whychus Canyon
Posted: February 25th, 2021, 1:20 pm
by Charley
acoulombe wrote: ↑February 22nd, 2021, 6:21 pm
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.