Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
320.00 ft (97.54 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.20 mi (5.15 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

A part of the extensive network of trails south of Sisters, Oregon, the Whychus Creek Trail #4070 (not to be confused with the Lower Whychus Creek Trail) meanders along the upper stretches of the scenic Whychus Creek. This trail system includes the well-loved mountain biking destination, Peterson Ridge. Renamed in 2006 from Squaw Creek to Why-chus, the creek flows from the northern slopes of Broken Top through the town of Sisters until it finally converges with the Deschutes River in a deep canyon out in Central Oregon's high desert.

The trail winds through intermittent canopies of ponderosa pine, Engelmann spruce, white fir, and Douglas fir, and hikers will enjoy constant views of the mellow river, deep eddies perfect for swimming or letting the dog cool off, numerous wildflowers, and massive house-sized boulders. In total the trail runs roughly 2.75 miles upstream from the parking area to its intersection with the Metolius-Windigo Trail, but a bluff 1.6 miles upstream with views of Broken Top and the Three Sisters makes for an excellent spot to turn around.

Note: Mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping are prohibited along the trail.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Shaded trail along scenic river.

Cons

Camping not permitted.

Trailhead Elevation

3,510.00 ft (1,069.85 m)

Features

Rock climbing
Wildflowers
Fishing

Location

Comments

07/11/2016
Did this trail, the 3.6 version, on way back from Bend visiting Sean by myself. Quality trail, flat for most but a few steep parts with rock stairs.
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