The Deschutes Canyon and Steelhead Falls Wilderness Study Areas encompass two of Central Oregon’s most scenic and pristine waterways: Lower Whychus Creek and the Wild and Scenic Deschutes River. This area provides crucial habitat for fish, such as threatened bull trout, as well as winter range for mule deer in an area where development has steadily pushed deer out of their historical range.  In addition to wildlife habitat, the Whychus-Deschutes area provides ample opportunity for human pursuits as well, with world class fishing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, hunting and bird watching opportunities, to name a few.
 

Photo: Brian Ouimette

In spite of the enormous value that this area provides to local residents and visitors alike, Lower Whychus Creek and the Middle Deschutes Canyon are not permanently protected from development, motorized recreation and other changes to management that could permanently alter this special area.  A group of local stakeholders and landowners is currently working to put together a proposal that would permanently preserve this area while allowing current uses to continue.  

While the Whychus and Deschutes Canyons provide habitat for a number of sensitive species, permanent protection for the area would be especially beneficial to fish habitat and riparian restoration efforts.  The sections of river contained in the proposal provide crucial habitat for bull trout (a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act) kokanee, rainbow and brown trout. 

Whychus Creek, which joins the Deschutes River in the center of the proposed wilderness, was historically a key spawning ground for spring Chinook salmon.   A coalition of stakeholders—including the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Confederated Tribes of Warms Springs—foresees Whychus Creek again supporting spawning runs of steelhead and Chinook salmon as the reintroduction of these species into the upper Deschutes River Basin progresses.  

Visit the Whychus-Deschutes:

Scout Camp Hike- Hike down into the Deschutes Canyon through thousands of years of Central Oregon Geology.  More...

Maps:

Current status of the Whychus-Deschutes Area