O U TD O O RS
BY JOHN WI L L I A M S
PHOTO BY JOHN WILLIAMS
FUNGI AND
SUGAR PINES
Larison Creek’s low elevation hike
R
ecently I’ve had the craving to hike around
Oakridge. I’m not sure if it is the incredible forest
or the food and beer at Brewers Union Local 180
after the hike. Regardless of the reasoning, I’ve
been twice in the last week. The first hike was a
lower portion of the Middle Fork Willamette Trail and the
second was the Larison Creek Trail. For those who don’t
know, Oakridge is a mecca for both hiking and mountain
bike riding. I like to do both, but prefer hiking. This time
of the year you will likely find yourself alone on the trail,
whatever your mode of transportation.
The Larison Creek Trail starts off on a portion of
Larison Creek connecting with Hills Creek Reservoir,
though this changes quickly to a much more diverse native
setting. While walking along the section that is part of the
reservoir, if the water level is low enough, you can see
quite a few massive tree stumps. These giants were likely
Douglas fir and western redcedar, lost to the dam and now
covered in water most of the year. Thankfully the remainder
of the Larison Creek drainage didn’t meet this fate.
If one is lucky enough to be hiking after the first frost,
there is an impressive display of fungi along the trail,
ranging from the odd (golden jelly fungus) to the delicious
(Pacific chanterelle mushroom). Though if you plan on
picking and eating any fungi, you will need a permit from
the Willamette National Forest, which is free for personal
use and can be picked up on your way to the trailhead at
the Westfir Ranger Station. And of course don’t eat
anything you’re not absolutely positive is edible.
The trail closely follows the north bank of Larison
Creek for most of the walk except for when it climbs to the
edge of a clear-cut that is rapidly regenerating. This valley
is home to many impressive trees. Mostly Douglas fir,
western hemlock and western redcedar, but there are also
quite a few sugar pines, which in this type of forest are
fairly rare. You can spot them by their massive cones.
The Larison Creek Trail can be explored on horseback,
bike or by your two feet. If you wanted an easy nearly
all-downhill hike you could start at the upper trailhead
along Forest Road (FR) 101. But this involves driving on
a few miles of gravel roads. The trailhead off of FR 21 is
paved up to the parking area. If you’re mountain biking,
don’t worry about any steep uphill sections; it’s a slow,
steady climb. There are some great campsites that I’m
sure are fairly busy on summer weekends, but this time
of the year one could stay for days and likely not camp
near anyone.
As more snow falls in the high Cascades, low elevation
trails become more attractive for those who love to hike
year-round. The lower 3 miles or so of the Larison Creek
Trail should remain snow free for most of the year. But, as
always, check the weather before you head out, and be
prepared for inclement weather regardless of the forecast.
The Larison Creek Trail is 6.3 miles one way. There is no
fee or permit needed for this hike. ■
DIRECTIONS FROM OAKRIDGE:
Follow Highway 58 east for 2 miles, turn right
onto Kitson Springs Road, follow for .5 mile, turn
right onto FR 21, follow FR 21 for approximately
3 miles, turn right at the well-marked entrance.
hear ye,
hear ye !!
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eugeneweekly.com • December 27, 2012
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