How to use this site
I wanted to provide my readers with a map of Oregon, since navigating all of the passes and watersheds in Oregon can be confusing. It took me about a year of constant driving around to all of the different hikes to really get familiarized with the western half of Oregon. In each section that I post hikes in, I do mention the area that it encompasses. (Example: The Santiam Foothills encompasses the north and south Santiam River, Detroit Lake and the Sweet Home area.)
Difficulty ratings: I have four difficulty ratings for my hikes, easy, moderate, difficult and very difficult. I will rate a hike easy if it is 1-5 miles, generally pretty flat, 900 ft. or less of elevation gain, and the trail is well maintained with little to no rocks, large roots and no cliff exposure etc.
A moderate hike would be 6-9 miles long, if the trail is a little bit rocky, and/or if there is 1,000 to 2,000 ft. elevation gain. I would consider a hike difficult if the hike is 9+ miles, and if there is 2,000+ ft. of elevation gain, also if the trail is very rocky, if you have to use navigation skills, and if there is cliff exposure. A very difficult hike would be everything that is mentioned in a difficult rated hike, as well as if there are sections where you have to scramble, rock climb, or if there is serious risk of getting injured or lost.
At the end of each trail review I do generally say why I have given the hike that particular difficulty rating, and I also mention how long approximately the hike will take you.
On the Homepage of the site, there is an interactive clickable Google map with colored hike icons on it. These depict all the hikes that are on the website, and they are color coordinated in terms of what type of hike.
Yellow- sandy coast hikes
Green- forest hikes
Dark blue- waterfall/river hikes
Purple- mountain/viewpoint hikes
Light blue- lake hikes
Members Only - you may see this next to some hikes on the website. These hikes can only be viewed by paying members. Hike Oregon offers a seasonal membership for all 4 seasons which includes being able to view all Members Only hikes on the website, a brand new hike write up pertaining to that season, and an educational newsletter.
*Please Note- not all of the hikes on the website are open all the time. If you have a question about current conditions, whether it be fire closures, snow, or other potential hazards, please feel free to email me or message me on the Hike Oregon Facebook page.
Difficulty ratings: I have four difficulty ratings for my hikes, easy, moderate, difficult and very difficult. I will rate a hike easy if it is 1-5 miles, generally pretty flat, 900 ft. or less of elevation gain, and the trail is well maintained with little to no rocks, large roots and no cliff exposure etc.
A moderate hike would be 6-9 miles long, if the trail is a little bit rocky, and/or if there is 1,000 to 2,000 ft. elevation gain. I would consider a hike difficult if the hike is 9+ miles, and if there is 2,000+ ft. of elevation gain, also if the trail is very rocky, if you have to use navigation skills, and if there is cliff exposure. A very difficult hike would be everything that is mentioned in a difficult rated hike, as well as if there are sections where you have to scramble, rock climb, or if there is serious risk of getting injured or lost.
At the end of each trail review I do generally say why I have given the hike that particular difficulty rating, and I also mention how long approximately the hike will take you.
On the Homepage of the site, there is an interactive clickable Google map with colored hike icons on it. These depict all the hikes that are on the website, and they are color coordinated in terms of what type of hike.
Yellow- sandy coast hikes
Green- forest hikes
Dark blue- waterfall/river hikes
Purple- mountain/viewpoint hikes
Light blue- lake hikes
Members Only - you may see this next to some hikes on the website. These hikes can only be viewed by paying members. Hike Oregon offers a seasonal membership for all 4 seasons which includes being able to view all Members Only hikes on the website, a brand new hike write up pertaining to that season, and an educational newsletter.
*Please Note- not all of the hikes on the website are open all the time. If you have a question about current conditions, whether it be fire closures, snow, or other potential hazards, please feel free to email me or message me on the Hike Oregon Facebook page.
|
Get a virtual tour of the website here -->> |
|
*Disclaimer: the trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense.
Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes.
Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes.