No comments about AAA Northern California: Feather River, Klamath Mountains & River, Modoc Plateau, Mount Shasta, North Coast, Redwood Empire & Parks, Reno, Pyramid Lake, Southern Cascades, Trinity Alps, Upper Sacramento Valley, Humboldt, Lake Oroville, (Lassen Volcanic Park, Lava Beds, Whiskeytown, Shasta, Trinity, Black Rock Desert, Goose Lake, Lake Almanor, Oregon Caves, Siskiyou Mountains, Smith River, Lost Coast, Warner Range: Communities, Mileage Charts, Cities, Towns, Roads, Highways, Parks, Recreation Areas, Forests, Ski Areas, Campgrounds, Points of Interest: Sectional Series 2007).

5 comments about 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon (Second Edition).

1. This book is a superb guide to a wide variety of hikes in Northwest Oregon. The first edition was my bible for hikes in this area---it's tattered and torn from all the use! This edition is better than ever--with accurate updates. Every hiker in Oregon should own it!



2. I bought this book prior to a trip to Oregon in hopes of finding some beautiful hikes. This book was a valuable tool in my search. Every hike was accurately described from details on finding the trailhead to distances traveled including the level of difficulty and points of interest along the way.



3. I bought this book two years ago to add to the many guide books in my library. After two years of hiking many weekends in northwestern OR and southwestern WA, it's become clear that this is the book that get's used the most. Most of the trails are suitable for the whole family. We've hiked into the crater of Mount St. Helens, eaten wild huckle berries in Indian Heaven Wilderness, hiked every slope of Mt. Hood, visited water falls in the Columbia river Gorge that we didn't know existed and more.

   Many of the trails are suitable for the occasional dry weekend in the winter months as well. Sullivan provides many low elevation trails which extend the hiking season year round.

   If you live in southwestern Washington or northwestern Oregon, you should own this book.




4. Over the last several years, I've hiked most of the trails described in "100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon." Sullivan's diving directions, trail descriptions and maps have always been perfect and immensely helpful.

   The trail descriptions are both concise and crystal clear. Sullivan does not meticulously describe each detail, which leaves much to discover on your own and allows for a more personal hiking experience. He writes eloquently, and often includes great tidbits of scientific and historical information that add context to your hike. For example, he might briefly describe how a specific area was geologically formed, and point out some evidence that you'll find along trail.

   Sullivan's practical advice is invaluable. If he tells you that a trail passes poison oak, you better wear long pants! If he tells you that a trail is open from July to October, don't show up without snowshoes in March! Clearly, he knows these trails well. Readers should not overlook the preface, where he provides an equipment checklist, low impact camping guidelines, contacts for trail conditions, and other useful information.

   The one downside of this guide is that so many people use it. If a hike is within an hour of Portland, and is featured in this book, you can count on a crowded trailhead on a nice weekend. Plenty of the featured hikes are off the beaten path, and still consistently provide solitude. Just plan on driving for awhile.

   Anybody who hikes in Oregon should consult "100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon," or one of Sullivan's other books. I also frequently use his Oregon Coast and Central Oregon guides, and they too are first rate.

   Just a quick additional note: When you do hike, always leave no trace! If you see trash, pick it up! Always be respectful of our Earth, and all of its creatures.




5. I moved to Oregon 6 years ago without any backpacking experience. Sullivan's were a perfect resource for me as a backpacker in need. This series has all the info you need and nothing you don't. I have particularly enjoyed photos(included with every single hike), 3d maps, well written directions and even background geologic/plant/wildlife info. Very useful and one of the best purchases I've made.
   
   A word of advice: heed EVERYTHING he says. If it says its bug filled in May, or a small car shouldn't drive a certain road, BELIEVE IT! As someone who's taken 30+ backpacking trips based on Sullivan's books, I can tell you that you will not be disappointed by these recommendations. It's like a good friend who gave you his personal recommendations.

No comments about Going Wild in Washington and Oregon: Seasonal Excu.

2 comments about Oregon'S Journey - Pbk (Trade).

1. Spectcular text language, heartfelt, and friendship at its finest! The illustrations are beautiful. Duke and Oregon will steal your heart if the illustrations don't do it first! A teacher from Michigan.



2. Duke, a clown, realizes that his friend Oregon the bear needs to be free and so they set off on a roadtrip across America to the forested mountain regions of Oregon. Books as beautiful and evocative as this one are rare. The story is told simply, with an economy of style and capturing a wide range of nuance with very few words. It is a story of captivity and freedom, of prejudice and longing, a story of America and its diversity, both geographical and cultural. All of these messages come across in a story told to be delightful to children and poignant for their parents.
   
   The pictures complement the story perfectly. One of my favorite pictures (it is hard to pick) depicts Duke sitting on a motel bed while Oregon is surrounded with cheeseburgers -- many of them merely sketched to suggest the passage of time (and the consumption of burgers).

No comments about Ghosts, Critters & Sacred Places of Washington and Oregon.

3 comments about California Coast Trails: A Horseback Ride From Mexico To Oregon (1913).

1. Anyone who appreciates the unspoiled west and california history should find California coast trails by J.Smeaton Chase a pleasant read. Shortly after publishing his diary journals of extensive journeys throughout the Sierra Nevada mountains in Yosemite Trails, Chase embarked on his next adventure on horseback. This trip would take him from Mexico to Oregon along the coastal route of the spacely settled california. Most of the books appeal to me is Chases daily recording of intimate details such as a rare flower or a unique sunset. His daily travels often ended with a campfire on the sand with the ocean waves for a lullabuy. Chases winning personality and knowledge of California history further enhance the book along with frequent references to former events and places of historical significance. California Coast Trails is a trail guide, history book and personal travel diary all in one. You wont regret the read.



2. Be careful reading this book: it may change your life. It changed mine. The book inspired me to retrace Mr. Chase's footsteps, or should I say hoof prints. His book is such a delightful "paseo" (leisurely walk) up the stunningly beautiful California Coast that I found myself unable to resist the temptation to do it myself. Thus, there is another description of Mr. Chase's route, produced more than 82 years later, also available on Amazon. Read Mr. Chase's book. Sit back and enjoy the images and personalities of 1911 that Mr. Chase brings to life. Maybe you, too, will be inspired to take your own paseo.



3. In 1910 J. Smeaton Chase and a painter, Carl Eytel, decided to go by horseback down the coast from Los Angeles. They carried their supplies, rifles for hunting, and a boundless curiosity about the landscape that even then was beginning to change. Far from wilderness, the land had a rural agrarian character. But cars were already starting to appear on the roadways and Chase foresaw the coming of an urban landscape that would replace the small Mexican and Native American pueblos and he wanted to see the land as it once was and would never be again.
   
   The 1910 journey only lasted a few months. Highlights of it included visits to what remained of California's Missions, a day among the Torrey Pines, and exploring the table/mesa ecosystem of San Diego County. One of the leading naturalists of his day, Chase writes thoughtfully on all these topics and published scientific papers on several. But this trip only whetted his passion for a longer journey; one that would stretch from Los Angeles northward all the way to the Oregon border. And in 1911, Chase began that trip, replacing his rifle with a fly rod and small pistol.
   
   Chase's journey through the California coastal region includes lyrical prose about both the landscape and the people who inhabited it. A passionate lover of trees, Chase went out of his way to visit Monterrey Cyprus, Santa Lucia Firs, and of course the Redwoods. Of the latter, he wrote, "They seemed to lack the individual majesty of bearing [found in Sierran Sequoias] and gain their distinction rather from the cummulative effect of their statuesque beauty..." Muir Woods, then only a few years old, was described as "the most beautiful of any preserved enclosure that I have ever seen, and the soft gray day gave them their finest aspect." A repeat visitor to Muir Woods, I find Chase's comments still hold today.
   
   Chase was something of a Jack London socialist, a romantic heavily influenced by Rosseau. He enjoyed the company of all classes of people but like his literary mentors Henry Dana and John Muir, found his true calling in nature. But unlike today's environmentalists, Chase was not anti people and for the most part enjoyed their presence in nature. Old habitations held a special fascination for him. But he was clearly an agrarian at heart and the urban landscape that was gradually spreading along California's coastline concerned him. Writing about Morro Bay, he wistfully predicted, "This pretty place is destined, I think, to be more of note than it is now." Chase was correct, but I think he would have preferred to be wrong. If you want a glimpse of his California, by all means read California Coast Trails. It is one of the best examples of that truly American literary genre, trail literature, that has ever appeared in print.

No comments about Fishing Oregon (Fishing Series).

5 comments about Listening for Coyote: A Walk Across Oregon's Wilderness.

1. This book was a Christmas present for my boyfriend, but I snagged it first and did nothing but rave about it as I read it.
   
   The writing style is perfect - educational, personal, and almost like you are actually there with him on the hike. The tidbits of history, geology, botany are blended with observations of those met along the way and the writer's own growth.
   
   I'm not a hiker (not even close!) but this book made me feel like I could get out there and do it - at least until reality set in. Even so, I enjoyed every step of the author's trip.



2. I just finished this book today and I must say, I hated coming to the end of the trail on this one (pun intented). From the opening to the close, this book takes you right into the author's daily trek. Through lunch, second lunch, dinner, through rain, sun, heat, cold, etc.
   
   I have to say though, the very best attribute of this book is the author's writing skill. He entertains while informing, and while taking us along step-by-step through the beautiful wildernes he continually encounters.
   
   Thanks Mr. Sullivan for taking the time not only to complete such a difficult journey, but also for having the discipline to keep a journal throughout and then to turn it into a fun, engaging book. We get to go with you without bearing a 55 pound pack along the way.



3. I bought this book used and quite cheap at a used bookstore (Powell's downtown) based solely on the cover. I was pleasantly suprised and really enjoyed it. It really takes you away from the hustle & bustle of everyday life through the wilderness which seems to be constantly shrinking in this Country. I would love to do a hike/trip like that someday.



4. This book is a page turner. The author takes you on a journey with him as he bushwacks across the state of Oregon. He tells you of the interesting characters he meets, the animals, the dangers, everything. The story that unfolds is compelling. He writes both from his daily journal, as well as little interesting snippets of history about the ground he covers.
   I just gave a gift copy to my wife. I also remember a camping trip some years ago. I went with a writer friend. I brought the book along to read a bit when I got into my sleeping bag each night. During the days, I'd leave for hikes and leave the book behind. When I returned, she was deeply into the book - couldn't put it down. I'd invite to go on hikes, she politely refused each day. That whole weekend, she barely came out of the tent, or when she did, the book was in her hand. She spent the entire camping trip reading that book - she loved it.
   It's an awesome trip to take with the author. Enjoy



5. The person who i borrowed this book from said they didn't like it much. I was expecting a boring book about hiking, but was surprised with an incredible journey. I only wish the book was longer!
   
   One reason i think this book is good is the length of the hike. While the author had to cover a decent amount of mileage a day he did not need to speed as much as PCT hikers do. This allows the author to linger a bit, interact with people and things, and really relay his thoughts onto paper.
   
   The book really does cover as many topics as the different landscapes across Oregon. I've been blessed to travel around a lot of Oregon and know how much the animals, people, and plants change from one part of the state to another. Bill does a good job of changing topics from one section of the hike to the next. You really feel as if your hiking with him.
   
   I only hope to take a journey like this sometime soon in my life.

1 comments about Roadside History of Oregon (Roadside History Series) (Roadside History Series).

1. That this book was published in 1991 didn't detract in the least from its usefulness in providing much greater insight for the areas we explored in Oregon. The book far exceeded my expectations. It provided remarkably detailed descriptions of historical characters and events. Very entertaining read.

3 comments about Kayak Routes of the Pacific Northwest Coast: From Northern Oregon to British Columbia's North Coast (Kayak Routes of the Pacific Northwest Coast).

1. Good information basically summarized. Most regions described are generalized but it gives you good information to start from. Maps could have been much better though.



2. Invaluable guide. This book does not just tell the reader where to park and where to camp, also includes history, low impact camping tips, advice on ethics and hygiene and manners.

   The chapters on various island groups are described by different authors, with uneven quality. We have been to areas covered in three chapters, The Discovery Islands, The Clayoquot Sound, and the Gulf Islands. The details of the two of the chapters were precise, the hazards were as described (as we discovered when we did not take them seriously enough - I was almost run over by a whale watching boat in the fog off Vargus Island, a hazard that we had not taken seriously even though it was clearly described in the chapter).

   The chapter on the Discovery Islands in some cases offered vague or incorrect details as to the location of camp sites.

   For some reason, we did not find this book on the Amazon web site by using searches that should have found it, for example kayaking British Columbia. But our local Kayak store carried it.




3. A really nice book for people who are new in sea kayaking. Have lots of information like outfitters, transportation, maps, etc. It's a good book to read for info. and to pick the best place to kayak in the NW if you have only a few days in the region.