Even if the notion of starting a bonfire, paddling, or baiting a hook makes you feel overwhelmed, there’s still plenty of room for optimism. Everyone isn’t a natural outdoorsman. You may learn these essential skills
Even if the notion of starting a bonfire, paddling, or baiting a hook makes you feel overwhelmed, there’s still plenty of room for optimism. Everyone isn’t a natural outdoorsman. You may learn these essential skills in a friendly, low-cost environment from qualified park rangers and other guides in Oregon’s beautiful natural areas through Oregon State Parks’ Let’s Go series of programs.
Tammy Baumann, a parks program manager, notes, “Our parks are fantastic learning labs.” A chance to enter the fray, to explore recreational activities with the safety and comfort of a guiding hand.” Each trip is supervised by an expert who supplies all the essential gear, a list of what to bring from home, and workshops to help you learn how to do it all independently. For those who aren’t newbies, these classes are excellent refreshers.
For the first time since 1998, Let’s Go Camping has expanded to include a dozen events each year. The excursions are geared toward families, but singles and couples are also more than welcome to join in. Even if it rains, each tour includes hands-on courses in various abilities, including night sky interpretation and tide-pooling, in addition to nature-based crafts and disc golf.
Stub Stewart State Park, LaPine State Park, North Santiam State Recreation Area, Milo McIver State Park, and Willamette Mission state park are locations where Let’s Go Camping trips will occur in 2019. They sell out quickly, so make your reservation early.
Based in Portland, The Nature Conservancy offers free guided walks and experiences throughout Oregon, emphasizing the state’s diverse wildlife and ecological systems. Visit the Cascade Head Preserve in Lincoln City, the Juniper Hills Preserve near Prineville, or the Willamette Confluence Preserve east of Eugene for a guided hike.
A region in Oregon
Mountain biking is a great activity to attempt at some of Oregon’s most popular ski resorts throughout the summer months. Mt. Bachelor’s chairlift-accessible mountain biking season begins in mid-June and runs through the end of September. The Mt. Bachelor Bike Park has 13 miles of downhill trails, and youngsters and teens (ages 8 to 15) can sign up for week-long Gravity Bike Camps at the park.
Oregon’s southernmost region
Rafting is a popular activity in Southern Oregon. You don’t have to be an experienced kayaker to enjoy a trip down the Rogue, Upper Klamath, or Umpqua rivers, which may be accessed through various outfitters.
Crater Lake National Park’s snowshoeing in the winter is a magnificent experience. Ranger-led off-trail explorations through forests and meadows are available to anybody with no prior experience for the low, one-time cost of $10 for park admission. From late November to the end of April, tours occur in all weather conditions (including snow). To ensure the safety of all guests, pets are not permitted. Monitor the park’s condition regularly.
The Willamette Valley is located in Oregon.
The valley is well-known for its outdoor enthusiasts. The Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park or a family-friendly trip up Marys Peak rewards hikers with a 360-degree vista of the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, are great places to join the herd.
Take a ride on an Oregon Scenic Bikeway to get your cycling license. Covered Bridge Scenic Bikeway is a level, car-free route that offers breathtaking views. You may conquer just one section of the 134-mile Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, including a worthwhile excursion on the Buena Vista ferry.