Whether it is the seemingly infinite span where the Pacific Ocean meets the western skyline, the multiple peaks that rise proud and jagged above the tree line, the whispering waterfalls, the rivers, woods, or the trails that seem to wind endlessly into them, Oregon is a treasure trove of geographic beauty.

It is a common interest and deep affection for these wonders that unites the Chemeketans.

The Chemeketans is a nonprofit organization founded in 1928 that travels throughout the state and beyond to experience the outdoors.

Ken Ash is a 17-year member of the group. Besides being the club’s winter sports chairman, he's served as the club’s president for the past two years.

“We are a group of like-minded people who get together and enjoy the outdoors,” he said. “We have all sorts of outings. We are a bunch of average folks doing what we like.”

Although the group engages in a long list of other adventures, day hiking is its primary activity.

Day hikers meet in Salem, car-pool to their destination, and return in the afternoon or early evening.

The hikes vary in skill level to accommodate all participants and the leaders of the outings help members assess if a particular hike is right for them.

Activities expand from day hikes into a long list of other outdoor adventures, from backpacking to rock climbing to canoeing and kayaking.

For these activities, pre-registration is a must to assess ability, skill level, or even the possibility of an open seat, paddle, or life jacket.

The rock climbing program provides a variety of activities, training, and climbs that range from those suitable for first-year climbers to more technical climbs, and include trips to Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Shasta, among other destinations.

Ash said that the group’s combined and intimate knowledge of the region and the activities were a valuable resource in their own right.

“Everyone has their own favorite areas,” he said. “One of the beautiful things about a group like this is that we probably know hikes that it would take someone three or four lifetimes to find on their own.

“I personally like Cascade Head just north of Lincoln City. It has some fantastic views and areas you would expect to find a hobbit in, it has open meadows and hillsides, and great views down the coast."

With their love for the outdoors, the Chemeketans also keep a concern for nature and conservation of national forest lands.

In past years the Chemeketans have made it their stated focus to protect Opal Creek and its environment. They also played an active role in responding to proposed developments at Silver Falls State Park and provided input into the master planning process for that park.

Ash said that the concern for the natural environment was simply an extension of the group’s affection for the outdoors.

“The two things are inseparable,” he said. “We want to get people interested in outdoor activities, but we're also interested in maintaining the outdoors."

The group hosts an annual outing in which members travel to California, Washington, Idaho, and as far as Colorado, as well as a cabin that they maintain.

“The cabin we maintain and rent for a nominal fee is a large rustic house ten miles east of Detroit in a thick woods along a creek.”

According to Ash, all of this is just part of the spirit among the Chemeketans.

“There was this snowshoe trip I was on last January.  The trail was soggy, the sky was a featureless grey, and there was intermittent wet snow and drizzle. 

“Conditions were marginal at best.  Everyone was laughing and had a great time.  They didn't even know they were supposed to be miserable. Imagine what they are like when conditions are good." 

For more information on the group, or to join, visit the group’s Web site at www.chemeketans.org.