willametteLive.com || Your guide to winter hiking

Your guide to winter hiking
By Aaron Hill
from Salem Monthly, Section News
Posted on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 10:37:09 PM PDT

Staying active in the Pacific Northwest during the wet, cold months of winter can be a challenge. Elizabeth Seibert, membership secretary for the local outdoor group the Chemeketans, offered a few suggestions for those who want to get out and about.

Seibert recommended checking out one of author William L. Sullivan's books. Sullivan has written three: "100 Hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades," "200 Hikes/Travel Guide: Oregon Coast and Coast Range," and "200 Hikes in Northwest Oregon."

"He indicates the best season for each hike. There are lots of winter hikes listed," she said.
Within Marion County, there are a few good options for walks and hikes.

Silver Falls State Park is always an option for hiking year-round and is a particular treasure after a significant snowfall or consistent below-freezing weather when ice forms to create a magical winter wonderland. Of course, with the temperate environment of western Oregon, this does not happen every year. Note that recent storm damage has closed some portions of the park and trails.

The Trail of Ten Falls is a must-see for any visitors wanting some sightseeing or exercise. The stands of Douglas fir, hemlock and cedar will provide some protection, but be prepared for damp conditions. For information visit Oregon State Parks.

Safety First

Winter hiking can be fun, adventurous and wonderfully scenic, but it can also be very dangerous. Here are a few tips for staying safe during winter weather hiking:

Invest in a pair of quality, waterproof hiking boots
Bring plenty of head-to-toe waterproof rain gear
Wear warmer clothes than you think you'll need
Pack a thermos of hot tea or coffee
Avoid cotton clothing
Take emergency gear even if you think you won't need it
Utilize ODOT Tripcheck and NOAA weather forecasts
Check with the nearest Ranger Station for snow levels and trail conditions

Champoeg State Heritage Park, where Oregon's first government was formed in 1843, features a unique combination of history, nature, and recreation. On the south bank of the Willamette River, Champoeg has acres of forest, fields, and wetlands with dense areas of oak and ash trees. During winter, the visitor center is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. An 1860s-style garden is adjacent to the visitor center. Disc golf, fishing and canoeing are favorites of frequent visitors. For information visit www.champoeg.org.
The 2,492 acre Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge provides opportunities for nature lovers. Built for dusky Canada geese, the rolling oak-covered hills, grass fields, and shallow wetlands are home to an abundance of wildlife including a small number of bald eagles. There are trails and boardwalks through the marshes, although some lowland trails are closed during the winter.

Minto-Brown Island and its often overlooked neighbor Eola Bend Park offer a large natural area for urban city dwellers. A year-round, all-weather footpath, made from recycled asphalt grindings, loops through the park with interpretive signs on the history of the area and aspects of the Willamette River Watershed. Many groups such as the Audubon Society use the area extensively. For information visit City of Salem Parks

A trip to the Mount Angel Abbey can begin at the bottom of the hill. A trail, roughly a mile, leads gently up the hill through a forest of mostly Douglas fir. Before the arrival of the Order of St. Benedict, native tribes considered the hill a sacred place for centuries. The oldest building on the hill is the tiny chapel on the cemetery grounds.

The abbey complex is a place for meditation, solace and reflection. It is an eclectic mix of medieval and modern. From the hilltop there are great views of the surrounding mountains and farmland. For those looking to get out of the rain, a museum is tucked away full of local lore and natural history.

Relatively new trails in south Clackamas County have encouraged people to explore their options. Wilsonville has an expansive and constantly growing trail system. Existing trails include the Memorial Park to Boones Ferry Park Trail, a centrally located system within the city limits. The meandering path at Boeckman Creek Crossing is paved and well-maintained leading down into a forested canyon. One highlight is the 60-foot free-span bridge across the creek.

There are also several areas in Benton County such as the Oregon State University McDonald Research Forest, only minutes from Corvallis, and Marys Peak, the highest point in the coast range. Benton County has a Web site with extensive trail and park information. Visit Benton County Trails.

On a clear day, from the top of Marys Peak at 4,097 feet, one can see both the Pacific Ocean to the west and many of the Cascade peaks to the east across the Willamette Valley. There are several points of interest of historical, botanical and geological value. Local Native Americans once used it as part of their vision quest rituals. Today, thousands of visitors use the multi-faceted park for sightseeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, bird watching, and even scientific research.

The twisting nine-mile road that leads to the summit is generally snowplowed for skiers. Be sure to check weather conditions before you go. Along the way are entrances to three of the four trails that crisscross the park.

Hikers should be well-prepared for slick conditions. Footwear with good traction and caution are a must. Safety and preparation during winter weather is critical, Seibert said.

"Lastly, tell someone where you're going," she recommended.

Meanwhile, don't forget your camera.