Sean C. Morgan
The U.S. Forest Service Sweet Home Ranger District’s annual series of very popular guided hikes and events is under way, offering visitors to the district a chance to learn about everything from local history to geology.
“The hikes provide families and people of all ages a chance to explore the natural forest with one of our specialists,” said Spokeswoman Jennifer Velez. “It provides an opportunity for learning and deeper discoveries about the forest. The district has so many amazing trails, so much history to offer.”
The Santiam Wagon Road hike on June 21 is an example, she said, but even the wildflower hike will include cultural history revolving around Native Americans and their use of local plants.
“The hike brings all those topics to life,” Velez said. Visitors can enjoy the hike, ask questions and then explore other recreational opportunities on their own later.
The hikes are popular, she said, and some are already full, Velez said, but people interested in the hikes should check back the week before the hike because they sometimes have openings when others cancel.
The following is a schedule of events:
n Outdoor Preparedness Class, May 19. Learn about the basic skills needed to survive an outdoor emergency from volunteers. The class includes shelter building, signaling and how to start a fire – even in the rain. The class, which begins at 9 a.m., still has openings.
n Wildflowers at Low Elevation Meadows and Forests – Camas Prairie, May 24, 2 miles, easy difficulty. Explore habitat characteristics and conditions that produce the amazing array of low elevation wildflowers that return each spring. Includes wildflower identification and traditional uses of plants. The hike begins at 9 a.m. Botanist Alice Smith will lead the hike. Hike is full.
n Free Fishing Day and Foster Lake Fishing Derby, June 9. This family event includes casting contests and educational activities that focus on the joy of fishing.
n Cascadia Cave Heritage Hike, June 15, 2 miles, easy. Follow the historic footsteps of the Kalapuya Indians along the lower floodplains of the South Santiam River. Includes traditional uses of plants. The trail may be muddy. Begins at 9 a.m. Archaeologist Tony Farque will lead the hike. Openings remain.
n Santiam Wagon Road Hike – Burnside Road to Mountain House, June 21, 7 miles, moderate. Explore what early travel was like in the forest on the historic toll road that once linked the Willamette Valley to eastern Oregon. Hike is mostly downhill. Begins at 8 a.m. Leader is Farque. Hike is full.
n Wildflower Auto Tour, June 30, no hiking necessary. Explore native wildflowers and the volcanic landscapes that formed the Cascades on a narrated auto tour through the district. Begins at 9 a.m. Leader is Smith.
n Iron Mountain and Cone Peak, July 3, 6 miles, difficult. Explore the history, wildflowers, panoramic views and geological formations that surround these two landmarks. Trail is rocky and uneven in places. Begins at 8 a.m. Leader is Farque.
n Three Pyramids Wildflower Hike, July 20, 4 miles, difficult. Learn about the native wildflower species adorn ridge tops of the Old Cascades. Begins at 8 a.m. Leader is Smith.
n Streamside Rock Hounding, July 27, 1 mile, moderate. Learn about the origin and identification of river rocks. Includes walking and climbing over uneven ground and boulders. A rock hammer, hand lens and rock identification book are recommended. Begins at 9 a.m. Leader is Lance Gatchell.
n Echo Basin Wildflower Hike, Aug. 3, 3 miles, moderate. Learn about the stunning diversity that grows in this volcanically formed basin. Begins at 9 a.m. Leader is Smith.
n Streamside Rock Hounding, Aug. 10. Begins at 9 a.m. Leader is Gatchell.
n Gordon Meadows Heritage Hike, Aug. 16, 5 miles, moderate. Learn about the cultural history of these high elevation meadows. Includes traditional uses of plants. Begins at 9 a.m. Leader is Farque.
n CCC Alumni Potluck Picnic at Longbow, Aug. 22. Join in celebrating the successes and stories of the Civilian Conservation Corps. This annual event is open to the public. Begins at 11 a.m.
n Lava Lake Hike, Aug. 30, 7 miles, moderate. Explore the unique volcanic geology and history of the High Cascades. Involves climbing over logs and walking on rock surfaces. Don’t forget binoculars. Begins at 9 a.m. Leader is Farque.
n Santiam Wagon Road – Eno Road to Clear Lake, Sept. 6, 5 miles, moderate. Begins at 8 a.m. Leader is Farque.
n Berry Picking Bonanza, Sept. 8, locations to be announced, series of half-mile hikes. Learn about the berries that have sustained people and wildlife in the Cascades for thousands of years. Includes traditional uses of berries and how to distinguish between edible and non-edible berries. This is a great hike for families. Begins at 9 a.m. Leader is Smith.
n Over the River, Through the Woods Scenic Byway Tour, Sept. 20, half-mile hikes in several locations. Explore the Over the River, Through the Woods Scenic Byway as it weaves its way through the Cascade Mountains. Includes the areas cultural history and native flora and fauna. Begins at 9 a.m. Leader is Farque.
n Cascadia Cave Heritage Hike, Sept. 21, 2 miles, easy. Begins at 9 a.m. Leader is Farque.
n Mushroom Hike, location to be announced, Oct. 12, 1 to 3 miles, moderate. The first half of this hike includes basic mushroom identification techniques with a focus on distinguishing between edible and non-edible species. Enjoy mushroom collection during the second half. A bucket or basket and a small cutting knife are recommended. Involves climbing over logs and hiking on rocky trails. Bring waterproof boots. Begins at 9 a.m. Leader is Tiffany Young.
n Fall Colors and Seasonal Changes Hike – Pyramid Trail, Oct. 19, 2 miles, moderate. Enjoy panoramic views of the Cascades and impressive fall colors. Includes adaptations displayed by native plant and animal species as winter approachs. Begins at 9 a.m. Leader is Ryan Murdoff.
n Edible Mushroom Hike, Oct. 26, location to be announced, 1 mile, moderate. Learn about the uses of wild mushrooms, how to distinguish between edible and non-edible species and which forest conditions produce these sought-after members of the fungus family. Bring waterproof boots. Begins at 9 a.m. Leader is Gatchell.
n Edible Mushroom Hike, Nov. 2, location to be announced, 1 mile, moderate. Begins at 9 a.m. Leader is Smith.
n Holiday Wreaths and Centerpieces, Dec. 1, no hiking necessary. Learn how to use boughs and greenery from the forest to make holiday decorations that will be enjoyed by all. Boughs and floral wire will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring decorations, such as ornaments and bows. Begins at 10 a.m. Leaders are Smith and Young.
n Winter on the Wagon Road Snowshoe Trek, March 8, 3-4 miles, moderate (no novices). Explore what early tavel was like in the forest on the historic toll road that once linked the Willamette Valley to eastern Oregon. The exact route will depend on snow conditions. Begins at 9 a.m. Leader is Young.
n Kids Kicking It in the Snow! Snowshoe Trek, March 29, location to be announced, 2-3 miles. Experience winter in the high elevations and learn about winter ecology and wildlife in an area shaped by a series of volcanic eruptions. Children 8 and old are welcome with an adult. Begins at 9 a.m. Leader is Young.
All hikes begin at the Sweet Home Ranger District office, 4431 Hwy. 20.
Transportation is provided to and from trailheads. Most are half-day hikes. Participants should plan on returning to the office by about 3 p.m. Other hikes return as late as 5 or 6 p.m.
The fee for day hikes is $10 per person and $5 for those with Golden Age and Access Passports and Interagency Senior and Access Passes. Registration is required due to limited space in vehicles. Cancellations for guided hikes must be made at least two weeks prior to the date of the hike to receive a refund.
Participants need to bring water and a lunch for every hike. Other recommended items include hiking boots, a day pack, walking stick, extra socks, hat, waterproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, small first-aid kit, required medications, bee or hornet sting kit if allergic, hand wipes, camera, binoculars and field guides.
Additional hikes may be added throughout the year.
Call (541) 367-5168 for further information.