Hidden gems in the Central Oregon wilderness offer some of the best hiking in the state - if you know where to go. One such location is Whychus Canyon Preserve, a 930-acre stretch filled with rimrock canyons, lush old-growth forests, flower-filled meadows and miles of wandering riverbank. Just a few miles northeast of Sisters, Oregon, the preserve gets its name from Whychus Creek; a Wild and Scenic River that flows from high in the Cascade Mountains to meet Deschutes River, a diverse journey of 41 miles that winds through varied terrains and landscapes as it passes through the city of Sisters.
Four miles of Whychus Creek flow through the Canyon Preserve, and hikers can explore even more of its winding waters on various trails in Deschutes National Forest. These peaceful, low-elevation routes offer miles of scenic wilderness brimming with natural beauty. Whether you’re a skilled hiker in search of new trails or a nature lover looking for scenes and solitude, you’ll find new and beautiful paths along the storied banks of Whychus Creek.
What is Whychus Creek Known For?
The headwaters of Whychus Creek flow from ancient glaciers on the east slopes of the Cascade Range. Whychus, which means “the place we cross water”, pays tribute to the creek’s long history of use by Native Americans to access obsidian in the high Cascades.
The introduction of hydroelectric dams disrupted the creek’s natural ecosystems in the late 1900s, but recent conservation efforts have helped restore and protect large portions of the route. Today, Whychus Creek is known for its abundant fish population, scenic waterfalls, and long winding journey through rugged terrain and lush mountain landscapes.
Hiking Trails Near Whychus Creek
Whychus Creek flows far and wide through the Three Sisters Wilderness, giving hikers a range of trail routes (both official and unofficial) to reach and cross its path. Here are a few of the most popular hikes in and around the creek:
Whychus Creek Scenic Overlook Trailhead
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 85 feet
Difficulty: Easy
This short-and-sweet trail is perfect for families or new hikers who want an easy stroll with stunning views. The ADA-accessible trail winds through the forest to Whychus Creek Scenic Overlook, a walled platform that overlooks the creek and, on a clear day, offers panoramic views of the Three Sisters and Broken Top mountains.
Getting There: From downtown Sisters, follow Elm Street until it turns into Three Creek Road. Follow this road for 5 miles. The trailhead will be on your right.
Whychus Creek Trail #4070
Distance: 6.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
If you want a longer look at Whychus Creek and the surrounding area, this is the trail for you. From the trailhead, the path meanders roughly 3 miles upstream to connect with the Metolius-Windigo Trail in a stunning mix of dense conifer forest, ancient lava rocks, native wildflowers and wide mountain views.
Getting There: From downtown Sisters, drive south on Elm Street which turns into Three Creek Rd./NF-16. About 4.3 miles later, look for the trailhead sign on the right (if you go up the hill, you’ve gone too far.)
Chush Falls Trail
Distance: 5-6 miles
Elevation Gain: 435 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Whychus Creek has a number of breathtaking waterfalls, and determined hikers can reach 3 of them via Chush Falls Trail in Deschutes National Forest. The 2012 Pole Creek Fire ravaged this area, turning what used to be a 2-mile loop into more than 5 miles roundtrip. The new trailhead begins in a section of burned forest, where the sparse sun-bleached trees open to wide views of snowy mountain peaks.
The path follows a moderate climb that leads to a western rim overlooking Whychus Creek in the canyon below. After scaling a few steep inclines and crossing several pretty creeks, you’ll crest a ridge to the Chush Falls Viewpoint. Unfortunately, the views from here are less than ideal; ambitious hikers can scramble a steep descent to the base for a close (and usually wet) view of the 67-foot waterfall.
Back at the viewpoint, a sign signals the end of Chush Falls Trail. Here, you can return back down the trail to your starting point or choose to hike on through an unmaintained user trail to view 2 other waterfalls. The well-worn trail leads to The Cascades, a small 25-foot drop, and then to Upper Chush Falls, a 225-foot fall that spills down a rimrock cliff in three impressive drops. Note: Self-issued wilderness permits (available at the trailhead) are required to hike Chush Falls Trail.
Getting There: From Highway 242 in downtown Sisters, turn south on Forest Road 16 (Elm St.). After 7 miles, turn right onto FR 1514 and continue for 4.8 miles to FR 1514-600. Right before crossing Whychus Creek on a large concrete bridge, turn left onto FR 680 and look for the trailhead.
Book a Cozy Cabin near Whychus Creek
Canyon Perch is your perfect homebase for exploring Whychus Creek and the Three Sisters Wilderness. This newly-built 3 bedroom home is situated on over 1 acre at the edge of Whychus Creek Canyon, offering easy access to these and other great hiking trails right from your rental. A wall of south-facing windows fills the home with natural light as the sun rises over the canyon, lifting your spirits for the hiking ahead. And after a long day on the trails, you’re under 15 minutes from Sisters for excellent shopping, dining and entertainment options.
Browse our available rentals and book your stay today.
