how your visit coincides with the maintenance schedule. In general, higher marks went to those campgrounds with hosts who cleaned up regularly. The rare case of odor-free toilets also gleaned high marks. At unhosted campgrounds, criteria included trash receptacles and evidence that sites were cleared and that signs and buildings were kept repaired. Markdowns for the campground were not given for a single visitor’s garbage left at a site, but old trash in the shrubbery and along trails, indicating infrequent cleaning, did secure low ratings.
THE CAMPGROUND LOCATOR MAP & MAP LEGEND
Use the campground locator map to pinpoint the location of each campground. Each campground’s number follows it throughout this guidebook: from that campground locator map, to the table of contents, and to the profile’s first page. A map legend that details the symbols found on the campground-layout maps appears.
CAMPGROUND-LAYOUT MAPS
Each profile contains a detailed map of campground sites, internal roads, facilities, and other key items.
CAMPGROUND ENTRANCE GPS COORDINATES
All of the profiles in this guidebook include the GPS coordinates for each site entrance. The intersection of the latitude (north) and longitude (west) coordinates orient you at the entrance. Please note that this guidebook uses the degree–decimal minute format for presenting the GPS coordinates. Example:
N44º 43.715' W124º 03.345'
To convert GPS coordinates from degrees, minutes, and seconds to the above degree–decimal minute format, the seconds are divided by 60. For more on GPS technology, visit usgs.gov.
WEATHER
Prevailing conditions year-round (with a few exceptions) in western Oregon are mild and damp: not so much rain as a healthy supply of gray clouds and mist. Areas like the Willamette Valley on the eastern flanks of the Coast Range can get quite hot and steamy, but a short drive up and over the range to the coastal areas and you’ll be reaching for the fleece as the inversion effect creates fog banks and cool breezes. Late summer and early fall are the most dependable seasons for lovely stints of dry, sunny, warm days just about anywhere in western Oregon.
In eastern Oregon, conditions are desert-like, with hot and dry summers. Severe thunderstorms can be the biggest threat to outdoor activity and, in turn, can spark wildfires and flash floods. At higher elevations on both western and eastern mountain slopes, snow is common, even in midsummer. Sudden changes in weather conditions are always a consideration, so pack accordingly.
FIRST AID KIT
A useful first aid kit may contain more items than you might think necessary. These are just the basics. Prepackaged kits in waterproof bags are available. As a preventive measure, always take along sunscreen and insect repellent. Even though quite a few items are listed here, they pack down into a small space:
• Adhesive bandages, such as Band-Aids
• Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or the generic equivalent)
• Antiseptic or disinfectant, such as Betadine or hydrogen peroxide
• Benadryl or the generic equivalent, diphenhydramine (in case of allergic reactions)
• Butterfly-closure bandages
• Elastic bandages or joint wraps
• Emergency poncho
• Epinephrine in a prefilled syringe (for severe allergic reactions to bee stings, etc.)
• Gauze (one roll and six 4-by-4-inch pads)
• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Insect repellent
• LED flashlight or headlamp
• Matches or pocket lighter
• Mirror for signaling passing aircraft
• Moleskin/Spenco 2nd Skin
• Pocketknife or multipurpose tool
• Sunscreen/lip balm
• Waterproof first aid tape
• Whistle (it’s more effective in signaling rescuers than your voice)
FLORA & FAUNA PRECAUTIONS
POISONOUS PLANTS
Recognizing poison ivy, oak, and sumac and avoiding contact with them are the most effective ways to prevent the painful, itchy rashes associated with these plants. Poison ivy ranges from a thick, tree-hugging vine to a shaded ground cover, 3 leaflets to a leaf; poison oak occurs as either a vine or shrub, with 3 leaflets as well; and poison sumac flourishes in swampland, each leaf containing 7–13 leaflets. Urushiol, the oil in the sap of these plants, is responsible for the rash. Usually within 12–14 hours of exposure (but sometimes much later), raised lines and/or blisters will appear, accompanied by a terrible itch. Refrain from scratching because bacteria under fingernails can cause infection. Wash and dry the rash thoroughly, applying a calamine lotion or other product to help dry out the rash. If itching or blistering is severe, seek medical attention. Remember that oil-contaminated clothes, pets, or hiking gear can easily cause an irritating rash on you or someone else, so wash not only any exposed parts of your body but also clothes, gear, and pets.
photographed by Jane Huber
Poison oak
MOSQUITOES
Mosquitoes are common in Oregon, especially from spring through mid-summer. Though it’s very rare, individuals can become infected with the West Nile virus by being bitten by an infected mosquito. Culex mosquitoes, the primary varieties that can transmit West Nile virus to humans, thrive in urban rather than natural areas. They lay their eggs in stagnant water and can breed in any standing water that remains for more than five days. Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms of illness, but some may become ill, usually 3–15 days after being bitten.
Anytime you expect mosquitoes to be buzzing around, you may want to wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, long pants, and socks. Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing is best. Spray clothing with insect repellent. Remember to follow the instructions on the repellent and to take extra care to protect children against these insects.
SNAKES
Rattlesnakes, corals, copperheads, and cottonmouths are among the most common venomous snakes in the United States, and hibernation season is typically October–April.
In some of the regions described in this book, you may encounter rattlesnakes. They like to bask in the sun and won’t bite unless threatened. Most of the snakes you will see while hiking, however, will be nonvenomous species and subspecies. The best rule is to leave all snakes alone, give them a wide berth as you hike past, and make sure any hiking companions (including dogs) do the same.
