Winter Hikes
written by Eric Flowers As rain or snow falls outside the window, hiking is perhaps not the first thing that comes to mind. Thanks to Oregon’s incredibly diverse climate and geography, however, there’s no need for those who love the outdoors to let their trekking gear gather dust during the off-season. From the Oregon Coast to the Owyhee Canyon, there are dozens upon dozens of great escapes from the winter doldrums. We’ve put together a snapshot of some of the trails and destinations that highlight Oregon’s incredible geographic diversity. We’ve included some short roadside hikes to viewpoints such as Wahkeena Falls in the Columbia Gorge, some longer routes such as Otter Bench in Central Oregon and DIY options such as the remote and largely untapped Leslie Gulch in far Eastern Oregon, where visitors are invited to blaze their own trails. Pack your favorite fleece, some rain gear, lots of water,…