Explore the Wonders of Whychus Creek

Join us for an immersive tour of Whychus Creek, the waterway that winds through the heart of Sisters, Oregon.

Our first stop is the Whychus Creek Overlook, where sweeping views of the Cascades set the stage for understanding where this creek's water comes from; we will explore what makes a runoff-fed creek fundamentally different from aground water-fed one, and why that distinction matters for the land, the wildlife, and the people who depend on it.

 Along the way, you will learn about the restoration accomplished over the past two decades through the work of the Deschutes Partnership and visit the state-of-the-art fish screen installed by the Three Sisters Irrigation District to keep fish out of irrigation canals and safely in the creek where they belong.

We will also discuss Whychus Creek's role in salmon and steelhead reintroduction efforts, and its deep significance to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.And we will look at what the return of year-round flows has meant for the town of Sisters. For much of the last hundred years, the creek ran dry two out of every three summers. Today, thanks to collaborative water management, the creek flows consistently, wildlife has returned, and local farmers have more reliable water supplies, even in drought years.

This tour includes a designated “easy” 20-minute round-trip walk on packed gravel with 53’ of elevation. 

Speakers include:

Lisa Seales, Senior Programs Manager, Deschutes River Conservancy

Mathias Perle, Restoration Program Manager, Upper Deschutes Watershed Council

Emilia Ellington, District Manager, Three Sisters IrrigationDistrict

Notes: Tour will begin promptly at 3 pm. Please make sure to arrive on time. Check weather and plan to wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
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Thank you to Season 4 Raise the Deschutes Event Sponsors: