NEW HIKES FOR 2024
Friday, May 3:
FANs Binocular Night Sky Adventure
9-11 p.m. (Alternate dates: May 4, 10, 11)
Register HERE
Join Eric Hanson, Jeff Scheetz, and other local amateur astronomers for a very special evening of exploring the night sky with binoculars. Basic instruction on binocular use will be provided. Celestial objects will be pointed out with a laser for easy orientation. Bring your own binoculars or sign out a FANs-owned set. Dark Sky information, red lights and Atlas of the Heavens charts will be given to each group (donated by International Dark-Sky Association and Ken Press). A handful of pre-assembled “Galileo” telescopes will be given away to interested beginners on a first-come first-served basis (donated by Jeff Scheetz). A couple of larger telescopes will be on hand to view more obscure and faint deep space objects.
Join us as we learn the importance of dark sky preservation, view planets, galaxies, open star clusters, globular star clusters, double stars and nebulae.
This unique evening is for all FANs members, is suitable for children, and is limited to 30 participants. Advanced registration is required on via Eventbrite for this FANs event. If extra spots are available, the program will be opened up to the general public.
No white lights (flashlights, tablets, cell phones) are permitted at the site; these items destroy night vision for all participants for 20-30 minutes. Red lights will be provided. Be sure to wear closed-toed shoes and warm clothes. Participants may wish to bring a lawn chair.
Parking is available near the east end of Lions Memorial Park (located near the south end of the CRR Chandler Ball Field and Coyotes Den Disk Golf Course entrance, off of Chinook Road). From there, walk west a short distance to the center of the Chandler Ball Field. Viewing will begin promptly at 9 p.m. As with all astronomy events, this adventure is “weather permitting.” If heavy smoke, stormy weather or clouds create impossible viewing conditions, the event will be rescheduled for May 4. If that date doesn’t work May 10 and 11 are alternates.
FANs Binocular Night Sky Adventure
9-11 p.m. (Alternate dates: May 4, 10, 11)
Register HERE
Join Eric Hanson, Jeff Scheetz, and other local amateur astronomers for a very special evening of exploring the night sky with binoculars. Basic instruction on binocular use will be provided. Celestial objects will be pointed out with a laser for easy orientation. Bring your own binoculars or sign out a FANs-owned set. Dark Sky information, red lights and Atlas of the Heavens charts will be given to each group (donated by International Dark-Sky Association and Ken Press). A handful of pre-assembled “Galileo” telescopes will be given away to interested beginners on a first-come first-served basis (donated by Jeff Scheetz). A couple of larger telescopes will be on hand to view more obscure and faint deep space objects.
Join us as we learn the importance of dark sky preservation, view planets, galaxies, open star clusters, globular star clusters, double stars and nebulae.
This unique evening is for all FANs members, is suitable for children, and is limited to 30 participants. Advanced registration is required on via Eventbrite for this FANs event. If extra spots are available, the program will be opened up to the general public.
No white lights (flashlights, tablets, cell phones) are permitted at the site; these items destroy night vision for all participants for 20-30 minutes. Red lights will be provided. Be sure to wear closed-toed shoes and warm clothes. Participants may wish to bring a lawn chair.
Parking is available near the east end of Lions Memorial Park (located near the south end of the CRR Chandler Ball Field and Coyotes Den Disk Golf Course entrance, off of Chinook Road). From there, walk west a short distance to the center of the Chandler Ball Field. Viewing will begin promptly at 9 p.m. As with all astronomy events, this adventure is “weather permitting.” If heavy smoke, stormy weather or clouds create impossible viewing conditions, the event will be rescheduled for May 4. If that date doesn’t work May 10 and 11 are alternates.
Wednesday, May 8:
Opal Springs Loop Hike
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
RATING: Moderate, 7 miles round trip
GUIDE: Eric Hanson, Trail Monitor (760) 780-7603; Co-leader Jeff Scheetz
Register HERE
Hike to the END of the meandering Crooked River!
Our “Meet Up” will be at the Otter Bench trailhead (the end of Horny Hollow Road at Crooked River Ranch) at 9 a.m. We will follow the Otter Bench Trail and the Opal Canyon Loop Trail. There is ~100’ of elevation gain and loss over the seven miles.
Our adventure will include spring greenies and growies and a touch of local water history. We will glimpse the Opal Springs water facility and, although a long hike, it is a really pleasant walk. Sturdy lugged-soled hiking footwear and trekking poles may be helpful. Bring plenty of water and trail snacks.
This hike is limited to eight participants. Registration is required. No pets are permitted. If the hike is full your name will be added to the waiting list. It is not unusual for folks to cancel as the day of the hike approaches. We will contact you if space becomes available.
Driving Directions: Travel north on Chinook Drive dropping down past the turn off to the Crooked River Ranch golf course and administrative area. Continue driving on Chinook all the way to the end of the road. The road becomes Horny Hollow and you will see the parking area with kiosk at the end.
Opal Springs Loop Hike
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
RATING: Moderate, 7 miles round trip
GUIDE: Eric Hanson, Trail Monitor (760) 780-7603; Co-leader Jeff Scheetz
Register HERE
Hike to the END of the meandering Crooked River!
Our “Meet Up” will be at the Otter Bench trailhead (the end of Horny Hollow Road at Crooked River Ranch) at 9 a.m. We will follow the Otter Bench Trail and the Opal Canyon Loop Trail. There is ~100’ of elevation gain and loss over the seven miles.
Our adventure will include spring greenies and growies and a touch of local water history. We will glimpse the Opal Springs water facility and, although a long hike, it is a really pleasant walk. Sturdy lugged-soled hiking footwear and trekking poles may be helpful. Bring plenty of water and trail snacks.
This hike is limited to eight participants. Registration is required. No pets are permitted. If the hike is full your name will be added to the waiting list. It is not unusual for folks to cancel as the day of the hike approaches. We will contact you if space becomes available.
Driving Directions: Travel north on Chinook Drive dropping down past the turn off to the Crooked River Ranch golf course and administrative area. Continue driving on Chinook all the way to the end of the road. The road becomes Horny Hollow and you will see the parking area with kiosk at the end.
Tuesday, May 14:
Historic Peninsula Guided Hike
9 a.m-3 p.m.
Hike Rating: Moderate; 6 miles
Guide: Jeff Scheetz
Register HERE
Guide Jeff Scheetz will lead us on a moderate 6-mile round-trip hike through remnants of early homesteading at the end of Crooked River Ranch, known as “The Peninsula.” We will see evidence of a corral, cistern, foundations and a slot trench. We will ultimately reach the Cove Palisades State Park area and view the amazing “Walls of the Seven Sisters.” Join us and learn the hardships of the hardy ranchers who farmed the Crooked River Ranch plateau and the story of those Seven Sisters.
Our meet-up will be at the end of Peninsula Road; park at the cattle guard. The hike will begin promptly at 9 a.m. We will carpool from there about one mile to eliminate some of the tedious non-historic access.
This is a long, but not a difficult hike. The terrain is fairly level with mostly hiking off-trail through sagebrush country. It is possible we may encounter rattlesnakes and ticks as well as a variety of birds. The cross-country travel will invite us to practice map/compass skills and possibly discover new artifacts. Wildflowers are guaranteed.
Sturdy lugged-soled hiking footwear and trekking poles may be helpful. Bring plenty of water and trail snacks. This hike is limited to eight participants and no pets are permitted. Registration is required. If the hike is full please add your name to the waiting list; it is not unusual for folks to cancel as the day of the hike approaches. We will contact you if space becomes available.
Driving Directions: From outside Crooked River Ranch, use 43rd Street and turn left onto Chinook Drive. Follow Chinook and turn left onto Mustang Road. In one-half mile turn right onto Shad Road. Drive about one mile and turn right onto Peninsula Road, which is just before the Crooked River Ranch Fire Station. Follow Peninsula all the way to the cattle guard and park.
Historic Peninsula Guided Hike
9 a.m-3 p.m.
Hike Rating: Moderate; 6 miles
Guide: Jeff Scheetz
Register HERE
Guide Jeff Scheetz will lead us on a moderate 6-mile round-trip hike through remnants of early homesteading at the end of Crooked River Ranch, known as “The Peninsula.” We will see evidence of a corral, cistern, foundations and a slot trench. We will ultimately reach the Cove Palisades State Park area and view the amazing “Walls of the Seven Sisters.” Join us and learn the hardships of the hardy ranchers who farmed the Crooked River Ranch plateau and the story of those Seven Sisters.
Our meet-up will be at the end of Peninsula Road; park at the cattle guard. The hike will begin promptly at 9 a.m. We will carpool from there about one mile to eliminate some of the tedious non-historic access.
This is a long, but not a difficult hike. The terrain is fairly level with mostly hiking off-trail through sagebrush country. It is possible we may encounter rattlesnakes and ticks as well as a variety of birds. The cross-country travel will invite us to practice map/compass skills and possibly discover new artifacts. Wildflowers are guaranteed.
Sturdy lugged-soled hiking footwear and trekking poles may be helpful. Bring plenty of water and trail snacks. This hike is limited to eight participants and no pets are permitted. Registration is required. If the hike is full please add your name to the waiting list; it is not unusual for folks to cancel as the day of the hike approaches. We will contact you if space becomes available.
Driving Directions: From outside Crooked River Ranch, use 43rd Street and turn left onto Chinook Drive. Follow Chinook and turn left onto Mustang Road. In one-half mile turn right onto Shad Road. Drive about one mile and turn right onto Peninsula Road, which is just before the Crooked River Ranch Fire Station. Follow Peninsula all the way to the cattle guard and park.
Saturday, May 18:
Peninsula Nest Box Trail Guided Hike
7 a.m-10 a.m.
Hike Rating: Easy; 3 miles
Guide: Diane Randgaard
Register HERE
Participate in a “Walk About” to view mountain bluebird and American kestrel nest boxes. This easy, level hike includes stops at ten nest boxes to monitor condition of the nests, eggs present, baby birds—and some surprises!
We will meet at the end of the gravel section of Peninsula Road where there is a cattle grate and kiosk. We will hike in on Peninsula Drive along the Crooked River rim, leaving the road at times to walk short distances to check nest boxes. This road has some rocky, uneven terrain, but it is generally easy to walk.
Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and comfortable hiking clothes with layers. Bring water and a snack. Bring binoculars if you have them. FANs will have binoculars available for loan for those who need them. We will leave promptly at 7:00 a.m., so please be punctual.
Group size is limited to six people, and pets are not allowed on this hike. If you sign up and later need to cancel, please do so as soon as possible so that people on the wait list can join this hike.
Driving directions: The trailhead is located within the Crooked River Ranch community. Travel north on Chinook Drive. Turn left onto SW Mustang Road. Take the first right to stay on SW Mustang Road. Turn right onto SW Shad Road. Turn right onto SW Peninsula Drive.
Peninsula Nest Box Trail Guided Hike
7 a.m-10 a.m.
Hike Rating: Easy; 3 miles
Guide: Diane Randgaard
Register HERE
Participate in a “Walk About” to view mountain bluebird and American kestrel nest boxes. This easy, level hike includes stops at ten nest boxes to monitor condition of the nests, eggs present, baby birds—and some surprises!
We will meet at the end of the gravel section of Peninsula Road where there is a cattle grate and kiosk. We will hike in on Peninsula Drive along the Crooked River rim, leaving the road at times to walk short distances to check nest boxes. This road has some rocky, uneven terrain, but it is generally easy to walk.
Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and comfortable hiking clothes with layers. Bring water and a snack. Bring binoculars if you have them. FANs will have binoculars available for loan for those who need them. We will leave promptly at 7:00 a.m., so please be punctual.
Group size is limited to six people, and pets are not allowed on this hike. If you sign up and later need to cancel, please do so as soon as possible so that people on the wait list can join this hike.
Driving directions: The trailhead is located within the Crooked River Ranch community. Travel north on Chinook Drive. Turn left onto SW Mustang Road. Take the first right to stay on SW Mustang Road. Turn right onto SW Shad Road. Turn right onto SW Peninsula Drive.
Tuesday, May 21:
Geneva Viewpoint Guided Hike
9 a.m-1 p.m.
Hike Rating: Moderate; 5 miles
Guide: Jeff Scheetz
Register HERE
This trip will combine hiking to a scenic overlook with an option of installing a sign at the Steelhead Falls Wilderness Study Area (WSA) boundary. Located about two miles east of the historic Geneva townsite, this road hike offers views of the Deschutes River gorge opposite Crooked River Ranch. A previously publicly-available road to the rim is now closed, thus requiring the moderate hike in. A visit to the pioneer Geneva Cemetery may be an option also.
Our 9 a.m. meet-up will be at the Chinook General Store, from which we will carpool on a rugged (i.e. unmaintained) USFS road.
This is a long, but not a difficult hike. The terrain is fairly level on old jeep roads. It is possible we may encounter rattlesnakes and ticks up close, and maybe observe a herd of blacktail deer at a distance.
Sturdy lugged-soled hiking footwear and trekking poles may be helpful. Bring plenty of water and lunch/trail snacks. There is very little shade on this route. This hike is limited to eight participants and no pets are permitted. Registration is required. If the hike is full please add your name to the waiting list; it is not unusual for folks to cancel as the day of the hike approaches. We will contact you if space becomes available.
Driving Directions: From Hwy. 97, access The Cove Palisades State Park, following signs through Culver. Continue through the park (called S.W. Jordan Road), first crossing the Crooked arm (bridge), then Deschutes arm (bridge). About one-half mile after last bridge, you will reach the Chinook General store on the left (park in rear).
Geneva Viewpoint Guided Hike
9 a.m-1 p.m.
Hike Rating: Moderate; 5 miles
Guide: Jeff Scheetz
Register HERE
This trip will combine hiking to a scenic overlook with an option of installing a sign at the Steelhead Falls Wilderness Study Area (WSA) boundary. Located about two miles east of the historic Geneva townsite, this road hike offers views of the Deschutes River gorge opposite Crooked River Ranch. A previously publicly-available road to the rim is now closed, thus requiring the moderate hike in. A visit to the pioneer Geneva Cemetery may be an option also.
Our 9 a.m. meet-up will be at the Chinook General Store, from which we will carpool on a rugged (i.e. unmaintained) USFS road.
This is a long, but not a difficult hike. The terrain is fairly level on old jeep roads. It is possible we may encounter rattlesnakes and ticks up close, and maybe observe a herd of blacktail deer at a distance.
Sturdy lugged-soled hiking footwear and trekking poles may be helpful. Bring plenty of water and lunch/trail snacks. There is very little shade on this route. This hike is limited to eight participants and no pets are permitted. Registration is required. If the hike is full please add your name to the waiting list; it is not unusual for folks to cancel as the day of the hike approaches. We will contact you if space becomes available.
Driving Directions: From Hwy. 97, access The Cove Palisades State Park, following signs through Culver. Continue through the park (called S.W. Jordan Road), first crossing the Crooked arm (bridge), then Deschutes arm (bridge). About one-half mile after last bridge, you will reach the Chinook General store on the left (park in rear).
Upcoming guided hikes and adventures for 2024
- Historic Homestead Orchard with Dan Chamness
- Lookout Mountain with David Vick
- Coyote Canyon with Al Albin
- Blue Pool
- Crooked River Wetlands
VIEW A SLIDESHOW of some of the spectacular sites to explore in the Deschutes and Crooked River Canyon areas.
FANs field guides
make the perfect hiking companions! Guide to Common Native Plants Guide to Common Birds Guide to Common Weeds |