Canyon Loop Trail

Riley Ranch Nature Preserve is a 184 acre natural area that offers several different hiking trails. The most rugged of these trails is the Canyon Loop. To access this 1.7 mile loop you’ll need to first hike in via the Sage Flat Loop Trail, or alternatively via Tumalo State Park and the Deschutes River Trail (a much longer but more scenic hike).

If hiking in via Riley Ranch follow the Sage Flat Trail until you reach the junction with Robin’s Run Trail. Follow this trail steeply downhill until you reach the Canyon Loop. Continuing along in a counter-clockwise fashion the trail travels through some nice, open ponderosa pine forest.

One point of interest along the way is some old cabin ruins, likely constructed prior to 1900.

You’ll then reach the Deschutes River. The path to the right will take you all the way to Tumalo State Park. Instead, turn left and follow the Canyon Loop as it stays near the river offering scenic views.

There is a short side trail to the left that climbs up to a small knob offering views of the canyon.

The Canyon Trail then loops around where you’ll again hike the Robin’s Run connector trail back up and out of the canyon to end the loop.