Upper Whychus Creek Trail

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.