Wild in the Willamette: Exploring the Mid-Valley's Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas

by Lorraine Anderson (Editor), Abby Phillips Metzger (Editor)

Located between the population centers of Portland and Eugene, Oregon’s Willamette Valley boasts rich opportunities for outdoor recreation that are too often overlooked. Wild in the Willamette is a guidebook to the natural treasures of the mid-Willamette Valley, extending far beyond the familiar I-5 corridor. Sprinkled with natural history sidebars and infused with essays by notable local authors, it aims to connect residents and visitors with the best hiking, biking, and paddling opportunities the mid-Valley offers.

With a special focus on seven watersheds—the Marys, Calapooia, South Santiam, North Santiam, Luckiamute, Yamhill, and Pudding—as well as the middle portion of the main stem Willamette River, the book describes a range of outings at different levels of challenge. Families with young children, day hikers, long-distance backpackers, kayakers, canoeists, bird watchers, and cyclists alike will find ideas for spending a satisfying afternoon or venturing outside for a multiday trip.

Whether choosing a wheelchair-accessible trail, a rugged hike in a wilderness area, a dip in a rocky swimming hole, a paddle on the broad Willamette, or a bike ride through farmland—whether lifetime residents or week-long visitors—outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from detailed notes on the history and ecology of this special place. Armchair travelers will also find reward in the book’s literary and natural history offerings.

Generously illustrated with maps and keys to the area’s many attractions, Wild in the Willamette is an essential guide to the natural wonders of Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley.

384 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2015

About the author

Lorraine Anderson is a freelance writer, editor, and teacher whose work focuses on encouraging a way of life in tune with nature.

She is the editor of Sisters of the Earth: Women’s Prose and Poetry About Nature and other works on nature.

She lives in Corvallis, OR.

(from http://www.whitecloudpress.com/author...)

Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A welcome addition to my collection of books about places to get outside in Oregon. What makes this book different is that is much more than a list of places and how to get there. It's a collection of essays about living in and with the watersheds of the mid-Willamette Valley. Not interested in reading essays? No problem. If you want to hike,bike, or paddle those activities are all laid out with directions, best time to go and what to expect. While there are many sources about outdoor activities in the mountains or at the coast, this book is an excellent source if you'd like to find somewhere closer to the home. Want to know a little more about the history of these areas or their flora and fauna? There are many side bars that provide this extra information.
I'm sure this book will get a lot of use when we look for some place new to visit.

[Rhonda Hankins]

I'm proud to add this to my collection of books about exploring Oregon. Great practical chapters with details on trails or paddling options in addition to excellent essays on the watersheds in the Willamette Valley.