Ready to go looking for a free Christmas ornament?
Willamette Valley Visitors Association, Cascade Volunteers and the USDA Forest Service are launching the eighth annual ornament hunt on non-wilderness trails of the Willamette National Forest.
As of Nov. 21, 200 locally crafted wooden ornaments will be hidden along non-wilderness trails in the Sweet Home, Detroit, McKenzie River and Middle Fork ranger districts —— for lucky hikers to find. Each ornament found includes instructions on how to register to win the grand prize: a two-day getaway in the Willamette Valley.
Each year, WVVA chooses a unique theme for the Ornament Hunt that celebrates a special aspect of the Willamette Valley.
“This year’s theme highlights the incredible biodiversity found in our forests,” said Melinda Martin, a member of the Cascade Volunteers’ Board of Directors. “We wanted to bring a bit of whimsy to the hunt by featuring a Pacific tree frog alongside seasonal mushrooms that can be found throughout the forest.”
The tradition was born in 2018 when the Willamette National Forest provided the Capitol Christmas Tree in Washington D.C. With all eyes on the Willamette Valley, the hike-and-seek hunt was created to connect locals and travelers to public lands and increase outdoor recreation activities during the winter season.
If you are unable to find an ornament out on the trails, WVVA is also offering additional ornaments that will be available for purchase at the Salem, Albany, and Corvallis Visitor Centers near the trails. There will also be a limited quantity available for sale online at 20 Leagues. No matter where they are purchased, all proceeds will benefit Cascade Volunteers — a nonprofit organization that supports trail keepers and trail maintenance — and their work within the Willamette National Forest. Funds raised will support the organization’s critical mission of public land stewardship and help Cascade Volunteers supply tools and helmets to assist with maintenance efforts over the coming seasons. Learn more at https://cascadevols.org/.
Volunteer efforts this year have allowed for the identification of trails and trailheads throughout the forests for those with varied abilities. You can find specific trail information and helpful guides to finding the best trail for your ability at: https://www.willamettevalley.org/ornament.
Participants venturing into the forest are asked to abide by Take Care Out There and leave no trace principles. Once the contest closes, all remaining ornaments will be picked up by trail volunteers.
WVVA and the Forest Service encourage hikers to plan ahead and take a look at weather guidelines and winter safety tips, which can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/safety-ethics/winter-safety.