Big Falls Ridge Hike

Hike Rating: Moderate (4 miles, off-trail)

Guide: Jeff Scheetz

This area of gently rolling hills accesses the high point of Big Falls Ridge, located northwest of the falls. The ridge offers a view of the SW portion of Crooked River Ranch after a meandering climb of about 300 ft. There will be some fences to negotiate, as this public land was once grazed.

We will meet on Lower Bridge Way, 1.25 miles north of the Holmes junction at 8:00 a.m. Bring a lunch with lots of water and sun protection. Hiking poles are suggested and sturdy footwear is required. This is a good area to practice backcountry navigation, so you may wish to bring a map, compass, and GPS receiver.

Group size is limited to 8 people (including guides) and pets are not allowed on this hike. If you sign up and later need to cancel, please do so as soon as possible so that people on the wait list can be invited to join this hike. Thank you!

*Temporary Restrictions to Mitigate COVID-19 Risks:

• Hikers need to maintain 6 ft distance between each other.
• Each hiker must bring their own face mask in case social distancing cannot be maintained when encountering other hikers.
• Bring hand sanitizer to use in parking lot after hiker sign-in process.
• Carpooling is limited to partners/family members.
• Outside of partners/family members, no sharing supplies or equipment.
• In the event of crowded trail indications, hike leader may opt for a near alternative location for the hike.
• Hikers should stay home if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or if anyone in their household is currently in quarantine or awaiting results of a Covid-19 test. If you do not feel well before the hike, contact the leader as soon as possible to cancel, as we maintain a waitlist.

This event is sponsored by Friends and Neighbors of the Deschutes Canyon Area (FANs), a group founded in 2011 by landowners surrounding the Deschutes Canyon-Steelhead Falls Wilderness Study Area in Central Oregon who came together over their shared love of nearby public lands.  The focus area of FANs includes many special places such as Steelhead Falls, Alder Springs, the Peninsula, Otter Bench and Scout Camp.  Become a member by visiting our website at www.fansofdeschutes.org.  Memberships are just $10 per person per year.