Alder Springs- Lower Wychus Hike
The drive to Alder Springs trailhead is a little tricky, some more bumpy, and a lot worth it! This trailhead is hardly ever crowded which, in my opinion, make it a true desert oasis.The trail begins atop a flat, sparsely vegatated ridge. Enjoy sweeping views of Wychus Creek Canyon as you descend 450 feet to Alder Springs. Shortly after beginning the hike you will reach a junction, take the steep 1/4 mile trail to discover red stick figure pictographs on the base of a cliff along Wychus Creek.
Watch for swallow tail butterflies, garter (and rattle) snakes, as well as the monolith palisades located along the canyon rim. 
Out & Back to Alder Springs (including Petroglyphs): 3.6 milesOut & Back to Confluence: 6+ milesFrom Sisters, Oregon: Head east on Highway 126 for 5.4 miles, then take a left onto Holmes Rd. After 1.5 miles, take a right to stay on Holmes Rd. At milepost 7, take a left on NF 1393. Go past the kiosk and up the hill. After about 5 miles on the gravel road, turn right at the sign for Alder Springs Trailhead.
Out & Back to Alder Springs (including Petroglyphs): 3.6 milesOut & Back to Confluence: 6+ milesFrom Sisters, Oregon: Head east on Highway 126 for 5.4 miles, then take a left onto Holmes Rd. After 1.5 miles, take a right to stay on Holmes Rd. At milepost 7, take a left on NF 1393. Go past the kiosk and up the hill. After about 5 miles on the gravel road, turn right at the sign for Alder Springs Trailhead.