4.9 hr
Overview
Hiking in Oregon State University's McDonald State Forest usually involves combining foot/single track trails with forest roads. This triple loop hike is no exception although you will spend much more time on the former than the latter. You'll begin in the Chip Ross Natural Area, a Corvallis city park that supports native oak and madrone woodland. The park abuts the research forest, where you'll pick up the trail system that leads to the crest of Dimple Hill and its viewpoint. To make the hike a loop, return via a road that sees little or no vehicle travel, and then find the Horse Trail leading back down a slope. Note that the trails are hiker-only from November 1st to April 15th; thus, while this is a good low-elevation winter hike, trails can be very muddy and slick. However, you can also catch the early spring and forest wildflowers before the trail restrictions are lifted and horses and mountain bikers can use the paths beginning in mid-April.
Trail Stats
14.6 km
456 m
450 m
—
—
Photos
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.