Join Oregon Wild + Outdoor Project for 3 Summer Wilderness Hikes

Oregon Wild and Outdoor Project are teaming up for three summer hikes to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act. You're invited to join in the fun as we explore these amazing parts of Oregon's outdoors. In the process you'll learn why these places are protected and what it took to make it that way. And you will also get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to contribute an adventure to Outdoor Project.

Oregon Wild has generously offered Outdoor Project members an opportunity to sign up for these hikes before they are opened to the general public, so sign up today before it's too late. We hope to see you on the hikes.

HIKE #1: Badger Creek Wilderness Hike (Lookout Mountain)

DATE: Thursday, July 3     TIME: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The summit from Lookout Mountain overlooks every Cascade peak from the Three Sisters to Mount Rainier. As you look out over the Badger Creek Wilderness, you'll have one of the most up-close-and-personal views of Mount Hood you've ever had. We'll take a short, relatively easy hike up to the 6,500-foot summit of Lookout Mountain as well as some side trips. For more on this hike from Outdoor Project, see the featured adventure below.

HIKE #2: Menagerie Wilderness Hike (Rooster Rock)

DATE: Sunday, August 3     TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Menagerie Wilderness, conveniently located east of Sweet Home along Highway 20, may not be well known, but it is certainly worth exploring! Ranging from the interesting to bizarre, the amazing rock formations along the Trout Creek Trail leading to Rooster Rock were formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Climb among them through beautiful and diverse forests for views of the old Cascade mountains and the South Santiam canyon on this challenging but unique hike.

HIKE #3: Vista Ridge Hike

DATE: Saturday, August 9     TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

You'll enjoy amazing views of the dramatic north side of Mount Hood and it's glaciers. The main attraction however is the wildflower show in August. Vista Ridge is one of the last places in Oregon for the wildflowers to bloom, but when they do, it's a show you don't want to miss. Typically the snow melts out by early August in these high elevation areas on the north side of Mount Hood and the flowers follow quickly after. During the hike we'll discuss Oregon Wild's efforts to protect this trail from destructive logging proposals. This hike will also highlight the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness act (part of the trail is protected, part is not). This trail is well graded but considered strenuous given the elevation gain, distance, and starting elevation being high.