Ostertag Rhonda - Best Short Hikes in Northwest Oregon

Northwest

OREGON

Northwest

OREGON

RHONDA & GEORGE OSTERTAG

Published by The Mountaineers Books 1001 SW Klickitat Way, Suite 201 Seattle, WA 98134

2003 by Rhonda and George Ostertag

All rights reserved

First edition, 2003

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Project Editor: Laura Slavik

Editor: Paula Thurman

Acquiring Editor: Cassandra Conyers

Cover and Book Design: The Mountaineers Books

Layout: Jennifer LaRock Shontz

Mapmaker: George Ostertag

Photographer: All photos by George Ostertag

Cover photograph: Olallie Lake Scenic Area, Mount Hood National Forest

Frontispiece: McKenzie Wild and Scenic River, Willamette National Forest

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Ostertag, Rhonda, 1957

Best short hikes in Northwest Oregon / Rhonda Ostertag and George

Ostertag. 1st ed.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ebook ISBN 0-89886-880-7 (pbk.)

1. HikingOregonGuidebooks. 2. TrailsOregonGuidebooks. 3. OregonGuidebooks. I. Ostertag, George, 1957- II. Title.

GV199.42.O7 O845 2003

796.52'09795dc21

2002152805

CONTENTS

MAP LEGEND

Interstate
U.S. Highway
State or County Road
Forest Service Road
Paved Road
Gravel Road
Unimproved Road
Trailhead/Parking
Described Trail
Alternate Trail
Creek/Waterfall
River
Body of Water
Spring
Town
Wetland
Campground
Picnic Area
Dam
Bridge
Building
Summit
Mine/Quarry
Viewpoint
Point of Interest
Boat Launch
Lookout Tower
Lighthouse

INTRODUCTION

This book of Best Short Hikes gathers the preeminent trail offerings in northwest Oregon from the Pacific Coast to the Cascade crest and encompasses the attractions of the Coast Range, Willamette Valley, and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. With a focus on the best, the book brings together old favorites and lesser-known trails. Oregons northwest quadrant bursts with diversitywilderness realms, wildlife areas, volcanic and glacial legacies, old-growth forests, idyllic valley niches, and untrammeled coast. Not bad for a bunch of short hikes!

Thats all great, you might think, but are these trails right for you? You bet they areeven if you dont consider yourself a hiker. Whether you are new to the outdoors or a one-time backpacker who has hung up the boots and compass, this book is for you. Families, RVers, sightseers, and followers of Audubon; little legs and old legs; and the stressed out, pooped out, and those who just want to get out will find suitable trails.

There is a growing group of outdoor enthusiasts who, like you, are interested in short outings that can be accomplished in anywhere from a fraction of an hour to a part of a days time and dont require a lot of planning. This book is packed with a variety of these outings, and whats really great is you probably already have what you need to hit the trail.

A number of hikes are located off commonly taken through-routes, off scenic driving routes, near campgrounds, or by popular attractions, so you can make the most of your time in an area. Others are off the beaten track, fulfilling the need for escape. Several of the trails package neatly together or link up with other trails, allowing for the plotting of longer outings. A few offer a bit more challenge for when you want that sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.