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.

Situated in the heart of the Willamette Valley and nestled against the rolling hills of the Coast Range, Corvallis, Oregon is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise, renowned for its abundance of parks and natural areas, easily accessed within a few minutes from downtown. With earlier guides to area trails long out of print, recreationists will cheer the publication of this informative, well-organized guide, which introduces nearly sixty trails, all either in Corvallis or within an hour's drive, and many suited for casual hikers and families with children. The book's first section focuses on close-in recreational opportunities, including walks and short hikes in Corvallis city parks and McDonald Forest. Most are easily accessible by foot, bicycle, or public transportation. The second section describes trails that are outside of Corvallis but still within easy reach, including Marys Peak, four National Wildlife Refuges, two waterfall walks, and nearby Coast Range outings. The detailed trail descriptions include directions, maps, the length and difficulty of each trail, and a wealth of information on the plants, wildlife, and natural attractions to be found. Also included are accounts of area history and local conservation efforts. Walkers, hikers, runners, mountain bikers, equestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds will find this comprehensive guidebook an essential companion as they explore the miles of well-known--and not so well-known--trails in Corvallis and environs.