Bulletin E-Edition:
more photosCentral Oregon provides a variety of places to go hiking, from easy walks to strenuous climbs.
Jim Witty / The Bulletin file
Hiking in Central Oregon
By Katie Brauns / The Bulletin
Published: May 20. 2008 4:00AM PSTIt’s a cool, early morning. The sun streams through the branches of tall pine trees and warms your cheeks and nose. The brook intersecting the trail flows softly and steadily — ripples in the water reflecting rays of sunlight. Songbirds call out sweet chirps as you stretch your arms into the air, then reach down to lace up your boots and prepare to set out on the trail for a day of solitude and tranquility in the woods.
Hiking is probably the easiest way to get out and enjoy nature. But there are a few basic hiking practices that beginners may overlook.
“It’s important that hikers not take on more than they can really handle,” says Chris Sabo, Deschutes National Forest trails supervisor. “Green (inexperienced) hikers shouldn’t be out overnight, and they should really go out with somebody that has hiking experience.”
Whether setting out on a trail close to town or heading into the backcountry, hikers need to recognize that preparation before departure is important for enjoying a safe and comfortable journey.
What to bring
The 10 essentials are food, water, extra clothing, map, compass, first-aid kit, emergency kit, fire starter, whistle and day pack.
First-aid kits are always a good idea. They contain items such as Band-Aids, gauze, antibacterial solution and ointment, butterfly stitches, anti-sting cream, pain relievers and an ace bandage, among others.
An emergency kit is different, and it may include a space blanket for warmth, gloves, rope, tools, scissors, waterproof ponchos, and other handy, helpful items. Whistles are used if a hiker is lost and needs to be heard from afar. Map and compass are keys to staying on route and knowing location.
“Hundreds of times per year, I have people stop me on the trail: They don’t know where they are,” says Pam Kirk, owner of Silver Striders Guide Service in Bend. “They don’t know how to get back to the car. They have no map, compass, GPS (Global Positioning System) — nothing.
“They have taken a turn here and a turn there, but don’t have a map. It doesn’t just happen once or twice a year, it happens every week.”
Kirk leads group hikes throughout Central Oregon during the summer. The trips are exclusive to hikers age 50 and older.
Research
Plan a route prior to departure and know what conditions to expect: temperature, a rough idea of elevation gain, weather changes that may occur (the difference in temperature and weather at 3,000 feet and 6,000 feet can be drastic). Be sure to check if the trail has been maintained and what the trail conditions are — snowy and icy, perhaps, or dry and dusty. Also be aware of controlled burns or forest fires in the area, as well as wildlife.
If you’re bringing a four-legged friend along, find out if there are leash regulations in the area. Bring a leash just in case, and do not allow dogs to chase wildlife.
Respect the natural places you visit, and leave no trace (for guidelines on proper trail practices visit www.lnt.org).
The local forest service Web site, www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon (covering areas in the Deschutes and Ochoco national forests and Crooked River National Grassland) provides up-to-date trail information. Also, call land agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management, for information.
“Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, you should be prepared for the unexpected,” notes Sabo. “Your safety is your responsibility.”
Sabo stresses the importance of notifying a reliable friend before departure. Tell them the location and expected duration of the hike, and be sure to call the friend back upon your return. Taking this precaution could save a life if the unexpected happens.
First-time hikers can educate themselves in an outdoor classroom. Group hiking classes are offered through parks and recreation programs and by Central Oregon Community College. Kirk and the Silver Striders also offer free hiking orientations at the Bend and Redmond public libraries (see the class listing on Page D1).
Where to go
Easy hikes that can be found at lower elevations in and around Bend and that are good for this time of year include the Deschutes River Trail, Phil’s Trail, and a network of trails in the Horse Butte area. Trails in the Sisters Ranger District and along the Metolius River near Sisters are good options for spring hiking.
Crooked River National Grassland — extending from Terrebonne to Madras to Prineville — stands at a relatively low elevation range of 1,950 to 4,400 feet and offers dry, scenic hikes during the spring. Smith Rock near Terrebonne is usually dry all year long. The Cove Palisades State Park also offers easy hikes near Lake Billy Chinook northwest of Culver.
Heading into summer, with maximum access, the hiking trails in Central Oregon are endless. Watch for featured hikes by staff writer Jim Witty every Wednesday in the Community Life section of The Bulletin. It’s also a good idea to read a book on hiking in Central Oregon. Peruse a book by William L. Sullivan called “Central Oregon Cascades” online at www.oregonhiking.com and familiarize yourself with what the grand mountains of Central Oregon have to offer.
“Despite the fact that Central Oregon has grown, it is still easy to go out and have solitude,” says Kirk. “We are so blessed to still have that. If you go out into the Seattle area you see 400 or 500 cars outside the trailheads there.”
Editor’s note: This is the sixth story in a weekly Community Sports how-to series on popular warm-weather sports in Central Oregon.
Next Tuesday: outdoor swimming.
Katie Brauns can be reached at 383-0393 or at kbrauns@bendbulletin.com.
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