As the seasons shift and the weather continues to warm, you may be starting to plan out the hikes you hope to go on this spring and summer. To make it easy for you, the local conservation group Oregon Wild compiled a hiking guide for trails along some of our state’s most scenic rivers and waterways.

In addition to recommended trails and hike descriptions, the guide, titled the “Hiking the River Democracy Act: Proposed Wild & Scenic Rivers Hike Collection,” also advocates for protecting these rivers and their surrounding public lands. Every featured hike is located along or near a stream included in Sen. Ron Wyden’s River Democracy Act. This bill aims to safeguard over 3200 miles of streams in Oregon with new Wild & Scenic River designations. These designations would protect important values that these rivers–and their adjacent public lands–provide, such as clean water and clean air, fish and wildlife habitat, and access to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Just over 2100 miles of Oregon rivers enjoy Wild & Scenic River status. This includes rivers like the Metolius, Rogue and sections of the Deschutes. These public lands and waters have been permanently protected so that current and future generations can continue to enjoy them. However, only about 2% of Oregon’s river miles are currently designated Wild & Scenic, and the River Democracy Act would more than double that amount.

The guide features 20 hikes that are spread out across the state and provides detailed descriptions and information on difficulty, permits, safety, and how to get there. Below you will find some hikes from the guide to get you started. For more information and to download the hiking guide, which goes live this week, visit oregonwild.org.

Central Oregon hikes

Several Central Oregon hikes are featured in the guide, such as the Fall River Trail, the Peter Skene Ogden Trail, the Scout Camp Trail, and the Tumalo and Bridge Creek Trails.

The Fall River Trail follows along the upper section of the Fall River, just outside of Sunriver. This spring-fed river is famous for its remarkably clear water and renowned fly fishing opportunities and is an important source of cold water for the Deschutes River — values that would be protected by the River Democracy Act.

The Peter Skene Ogden Trail follows the length of Paulina Creek and rewards hikers with waterfalls, beautiful pine forests, unique volcanic geology, and even natural rock water slides. The most scenic section is from McKay Crossing Campground to the creek’s source at Paulina Lake in the Newberry volcanic crater. While a short section of Paulina Creek is already protected within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument boundary, the River Democracy Act would safeguard an additional 8.6 miles of the creek that is still unprotected.

The Scout Camp Trail is a relatively short hike but ventures deep into the Deschutes River canyon to the confluence of the Deschutes River and Whychus Creek. This hike is best done in the spring to enjoy the vibrant yellows of blooming Arrowleaf balsamroot and to avoid the hot summer temperatures. The lower 7.5 miles of Whychus Creek is included in the River Democracy Act.

The Tumalo Creek corridor is one of Central Oregon’s most visited recreational sites. It’s a beloved destination for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing, and is home to the majestic Tumalo Falls. Bridge Creek, a major tributary of Tumalo Creek, also provides over 100,000 people in the city of Bend with clean drinking water. There are several trails in the area that range in difficulty, but the 7.2-mile loop connecting the North Fork Tumalo Creek Trail, Swampy Lakes Trail, and Bridge Creek Trail is perhaps the best way to experience all the wild and scenic values of this watershed.

Alsea and Green Peak Falls

This easy, 3-mile round-trip hike along the South Fork Alsea River provides all the best the Oregon Coast Range has to offer: serene old-growth forests, crystal-clear streams, multiple waterfalls, and — if you come in the fall — opportunities to view spawning salmon.

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, much of the surrounding forest has been heavily logged in the past. However, small pockets of old-growth forest have thus far been spared along the South Fork Alsea River, and the River Democracy Act would ensure permanent protections for this river corridor.

Only an hour from Eugene and Corvallis, the trailhead at Alsea Falls can be popular on warm weekend days. To escape the crowds, cross the bridge that is just upstream of the falls and turn left. The trail follows the river and winds through a beautiful forest that is lined with wildflowers in the spring.

Union Creek

Union Creek is an excellent option for a day hike for those visiting Crater Lake National Park or camping along the Upper Rogue Wild & Scenic River. This trail starts from the Union Creek Resort and campground and takes hikers through a forest of alders, dogwood, Pacific yew, old-growth Douglas fir and incense cedar. In a little over 4 miles, you will come to the 10-foot drop of Union Creek Falls; this is a good place to turn around, making for an 8.2-mile round-trip hike.

Make sure to stop at the famous Becky’s Cafe for pie at the Union Creek Resort after the hike!

Protecting Oregon Rivers

In addition to providing information about some of Oregon’s best hikes, the guide also encourages Oregonians to advocate for these rivers by showing their support for the River Democracy Act to Sen. Wyden, Sen. Merkley, Rep. Janelle Bynum or their local representative.

Whether you are hiking along one of these streams, casting for trout from the bank, or simply refilling your bottle with clean water, we are all dependent on the health of our rivers and waterways.

Sami Godlove was born and raised in Bend and enjoys spending his time exploring the forests, rivers, and wild places across Oregon. He is the Central Oregon Field Associate at Oregon Wild’s Bend office.