Sisters Cow Camp Horse Camp, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon

Ready for some camping this spring? Sisters Cow Camp is a good option. Just like Graham Corral, which is close by, it is not gated, and is accessible all year for riding or camping.

This is a free camp that has six spots with picnic tables and fire pits, a manure bin, and for many years the one bathroom was old and rickety, but it has since been replaced by a nice new one. There is one large communal corral divided into six sections. Update: As of 2022, the six sections have been divided into 12 smaller pens. There is also plenty of room to set up your own corral and/or highline. There is a non potable water spigot, and stock water in a large water trough that is in between two of the corrals. 

The Metolius Windigo Trail runs straight through camp.

Located just a few miles from the town of Sisters, OR, take Hwy 242 west, for just over a mile, take a left on NF Rd 15, continue for 2 miles, the road will turn to gravel, and look for the sign for the camp.

Driving in to Sisters Cow Camp.

The communal corrals.

To ride to Whychus Creek, you can leave camp on the well used trail that heads uphill behind the bathroom. This is the slightly shorter version, or you can just follow the Met Win to the south, either way, they will merge eventually.

The various markers for the trails, sometimes all in one spot!

Riding on the Met Win south towards Whychus Creek.

Mountain views on the Met Win.

Mt. Jefferson.

There is a water crossing over Pole Creek.

Pole Creek water crossing.

After 5 miles you will come across a red dirt road and then another sign. The Met Win stays to the right, it goes down to cross the creek, and continues on. The trail that goes to the left actually leads all the way to the Peterson Ridge Trails, and the Sisters Rodeo Grounds. I sometimes ride from the grounds up to this spot, and turn around, making it a 16 mile ride, with one easy, (if it's not too early in the spring), crossing over Whychus Creek.

Red dirt road right before getting to Whychus Creek.

The sign at the junction right before going down to the creek. Update: this sign burned in a fire, but the trail still goes right past it to the creek.

Follow the trail down to the creek, hang out for awhile, and then retrace your steps back, making this a 10 mile ride.

Whychus Creek, the Met win crosses here.

Hanging out at Whychus Creek.

The Met Win continues across the creek.

There are plenty of other rides to do from Cow Camp. The Jimerson Loop, named after a local OET member, is 8.5 miles and veers off from the Met Win to the east. It is easy to follow, marked with white diamonds and occasional signage.

Many spring flowers on the Jimerson Loop.

 You can also follow various dirt roads and ride west to nearby Whispering Pine Horse Camp .Or north on the Met Win to Graham Corral Horse Camp and back, which is a 12.5 mile trip.

The view on the way to Whispering Pine Horse Camp.

Whispering Pine Horse Camp.

An interesting rock formation,  and camp spot, on the Met Win heading north.

On the Met Win heading north towards Graham Corral.

Spring greenery on the Met Win.

Lots of options for spring riding and camping.

 Happy Trails!


GPS COORDINATES TO SISTERS COW CAMP