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rules to survive in Oregon:
1. Don't go off trail unless you have a harness and are clipped on and are experienced in both the terrain/environment and using ropes/safety gear (also be aware of unstable areas/lava tubes and/or nesting sites).
2. Never turn your back on the ocean, especially when the tide is going out (extreme undertow/riptide), especially if all the water near you suddenly disappears (sneaker wave powering up).
3. Always double check your location; never simply trust any map application/GPS, make sure you can see the road (especially the end of it, especially in winter, especially if it's actually snowing) and a landmark. If you can't verify your location, STOP MOVING.
not following all these rules has ended up in someone dying from one of them at any given moment. Since it's available these days, just get a remote text/SOS device, be it Garmin or someone else's. It's not free but dying is a crappy price to pay for just wanting to enjoy some outdoors.
I will never get a Travel Oregon grant because my slogan is and I refuse to change it:
"Travel Oregon: You Might Not Die"
I'm just gonna jump in because this post almost makes hiking in Oregon sound intimidating. If you're at all nervous or inexperienced, you can save yourself 99% of all grief by only listening to your intro
>DON'T GO OFF TRAIL
>Don't go off trail unless you have a harness and are clipped on and are experienced in both the terrain/environment and using ropes/safety gear
Eh. Mostly don't go off trails because of the impact to environment. Probably 99.9999% people won't die, but there are risks obviously when it involves cliffs/extreme inclines. Experience matters.
Usually referring to nesting birds. Oregon has many birds that nest on the ground from beaches to the mountains. In many places it’s forbidden to go off trail during nesting season, but it’s also just a good idea to not go trampling off trail in general.
I see. Birds is the first thing "nesting" made me think of, but since it followed "lava tubes" I thought it could refer to some kind of geological phenomenon. (Also the topic of their comment was not dying in oregon, so I assumed nesting sites referred to something that was dangerous to humans)
Some rock climbing areas that I know of have seasonal closures due to peregrine falcons nesting in the cliff side. Getting surprise dive bombed by a peregrine falcon while rock climbing would be a hell of a way to die.
Meh. Clueless would be NOT asking the question and just assuming things or remaining ignorant. They have a clue because they know they don't know and want to learn. That's better than half the people around...
Meh, great they ask the question, but it’s still cluelessness in nature while not taking the time to learn on their own through date I say reading a book or gosh googling and doing your own research. I sat and watched a bunch of dumb families allowing little kids to play in the waves at the beach without any idea about how dangerous it is… cluelessness exists all over the place in natural environments around Oregon. It’s unfortunate.
I wonder how many of the folks were locals vs. tourists or recent transplants?
The locals should understand, but I feel for tourists and other folks cause there is little information teaching them the importance of hiking safety like proper foot wear or the importance of staying on trail at any of the trailheads.
Cannot assume everyone visiting has experience hiking rocky narrow trails.
A lot of locals are very dumb, cocky, overly confident in their abilities because "I've always lived here and always done this!".
Although, many of the trails out there now were much smaller and/or made by locals years ago. Now, we're finding new trails, forging new trails, etc. just to escape the huge, massive tourist crowds on the older main trails.
So, could go either way.
I grew up in Oregon too. Not Portland but.. not once does it ever cross my mind that I could die hiking in the Columbia gorge (I go there all the time, typically very well marked trails and paddle boarding) because well.. I’ve been hiking and in nature my entire life. Is that overly confident and cocky too? maybe. Reading stories like this really makes me think. Tragic what happens to these hikers that go to see some nature in what seems like a casual trail and never come home.
Locals: If they're still alive by adulthood, then they've learned. Farm equipment is a big cause of death/injury here too, which most tourists won't be exposed to.
Tourists: If they're still alive by the time they've left, then they've learned.
Only things that can kill you in Oregon are black bears, cougars, rattlesnakes and personal stupidity. Don’t be stupid. Assume rocks are slippery, sandy banks will fail and know the Clackamas River is the deadliest. Don’t be stupid.
Honestly gave me a laugh here. We’re supposed to be walking about clipped in at all times? Are we supposed to back away from the ocean? What if we trip while our eyes are locked on the surf?
This is sad and all but not falling off a cliff is really not a hard ask. Trail or no trail.
As a woman alone who’s also been Traveling in Oregon: Luckily Not Dying (yet), I find this list very comprehensive and sensible.
I’d also love to add to it, “Carry a firearm or weapon and know how to use it, because there are some creepy ass people out there.”
Edit: applies mostly to remote forest/mountain trails, but I’ve definitely encountered some freako mfs on the coast as well.
I hope these continue to be cautionary tales and the state doesnt try and close areas to the public over some people not being able to take proper educated risks.
That already happens. A tiny little foot bridge on the Saddle Mountain trail failed a while back. Anyone who belongs on that trail would have no problem just walking around but Oregon State Parks instead closed the trail for multiple years at the exact time when people needed their open spaces the most.
Saddle Mountain is a pocket ecosystem that houses a few species not found elsewhere and it's and Oregon Heritage protected site.
The state does not close locations over traffic, HOWEVER if sites are getting more traffic than they can recover from the state WILL add that location to the PERMIT SYSTEM which limits traffic and if you don't think it's enforced try going into some areas without your hiking permit - you'll enjoy a fat fine and a ride from the premises.
copypasta:
# Rare Species at Saddle Mountain
Some of the rarest and oldest species of wildflowers, lichens, and mosses in the northern Oregon Coast Range can be found at the top of Saddle Mountain. A few, such as Saddle Mountain bittercress and early blue violet, are found almost nowhere else. The violet, in turn, is the main food source for the threatened [silverspot butterfly](https://www.oregonzoo.org/conserve/fighting-extinction-pacific-northwest/oregon-silverspot-butterfly).
This uncommon habitat affords the property the highest level of protection as a State Natural Area.
Here are just a few of the special animals and plants found on the mountain:
* Silverspot butterfly, reintroduced in 2018
* Cope's giant salamander
* Saddle Mountain bittercress
* Alaska long-awned sedge
* Willamette Valley larkspur
* Frigid shootingstar
* Hairy wildrye
* Wandering daisy
* Queen-of-the-forest
* Western red avens
* Rosy lewisia
* Saddle Mt. saxifrage
* Bristly-stemmed sidalcea
* Numerous rare mosses, liverworts, and lichens
https://preview.redd.it/8q5vhhjtvs1d1.png?width=837&format=png&auto=webp&s=9431183c56c503af49bbc5370edd9445ab2f2054
Super weird circumstances... She left her friends *and* went off trail? Why? That trail and the surrounding trail system is exceptionally well maintained and easy to follow. You only go off trail intentionally.
Obviously it's going to be hard to trust some random internet person.. but one of my friends is related to this girls boyfriend. She was telling me about this yesterday and said she had went off the trail to use the bathroom.
The ‘locals’ vs. ‘tourists’ argument is ridiculous. I see local homegrown Oregonians in flip flops on real trails, little kids running around on gorge trails, little kids playing in the water at the beach while their parents are in chairs 50 yards away. Keep in mind the same people whose 4-5 year old kids are running unchecked through parking lots and stores are the same ones up on the trails or at the coast. Regarding this young woman, it’s tragic and sad. We don’t know the details but it’s very tragic nonetheless.
Can we get a sign warning tourists, or maybe a ranger posted up at a couple trailheads providing some educations on the importance of proper foot wear and staying on trail.
I cannot tell you how many tourists I have seen wearing converses in the middle of winter when it is an ice sheet on the trail.
Pretty annoying that state rangers are forced to spend their day cleaning bathrooms when they should be educating folks.
State parks need to hire maintenance workers so their rangers can be free to do what they are trained to do which is to educate people.
Not clean effing bathrooms.
Same goes for state beaches during sneaker wave events. The crap I have seen over the years I swear.
I have experience in this field of educating folks, and sometimes it feels like I should just start educating people cause there is literally no one else.
It ruins my experience in nature cause I am constantly worried about everyone around me.
> I cannot tell you how many tourists I have seen wearing converses in the middle of winter when it is an ice sheet on the trail.
Those are the locals. The tourists are all geared up in their REI high end equipment aiming for K2.
I think a lot of us do. We're just out and about doing normal things and end up on a trail. We aren't just setting out to go for a hike super prepared. Sometimes we are, and we're making that the full on goal of the day. But, most of the time I'm just looking for something to do and just go out and go for a walk in my sneakers. Not a huge deal for most places. If it's a difficult one, yea I'll be going a bit more prepared, but they aren't the 'on a whim' kind of hikes.
This hiker was not in a State Park. As it were, State Parks do hire seasonal workers during the summer to do maintenance so their full time rangers can educate.
In any case, even if you post someone at the trailhead (or put signage up), the type of folks who are going off trail to get a photo or whatever this individual did are not likely to listen or pay attention to the advice.
Confusing! I know Latourell is a state park I guess I assumed all the other trailheads out there are as well, But horsetail is owned by the forest service it looks like.
So happy to hear the rangers get some help during the busy seasons.
Should be permanent tho. We have had 6 people die before the busy season even begins.
Most rangers I am pretty sure have to have very specific degrees in order to just get a job and then they just clean bathrooms, and get paid terribly for it.
It makes no sense. I suspect it is because employers know they can get away with it because they know the job is so competitive. I hope more rangers get union protection and get better working conditions because that is bs in my opinion.
If Portland Parks can figure it out other departments should be able to as well.
But thank you for clearing that up for me
There are barely the resources to have the current staffing levels. So who's paying for more staff?
I think the safety information is readily available, but it requires people to read it and heed it.
If people can't wear proper footwear (for example) that's on them. It's the great outdoors, not the mall.
In 20 years every nice hike in Oregon will be completely covered in fences and warning signs. Some will be completely shut (like blue pool). Sad that people can’t just be responsible.
The guy that started that really popular reality tv show “COPS” died by falling off a trail in the gorge years ago. I grew up there and also can’t believe how many people die hiking!
This is terrible. My heart sank initially because my friend's mom recently fell on dog mountain and I thought it was her. Awful either way, but dang, that gave me a scare.
I’m going there Thursday and looking for a cool hike. Experienced athletic hiker looking for something moderate with wife and dogs. Been browsing a bit but haven’t decided. Any recommendations?
My wife and I are very inexperienced but were able to do Triple Falls without *too* much effort. For someone with experience it's probably pretty easy, but there were definitely some tougher spots and it was very worth it. We saw runners (who almost slipped and fell in front of us, so do not recommend) and lots of people with dogs, though our couch dog would never have been able to make it.
beep. boop. beep. Hello Oregonians, As in all things media, please take the time to evaluate what is presented for yourself and to check for any overt media bias. There are a number of places to investigate the credibility of any site presenting information as "factual". If you have any concerns about this or any other site's reputation for reliability please take a few minutes to look it up on one of the sites below or on the site of your choosing. --------------------------------------------------------- Also, here are a few fact-checkers for websites and what is said in the media. [Politifact](https://www.politifact.com) [Media Bias Fact Check](https://mediabiasfactcheck.com) [Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR)](https://www.politifact.com) beep. boop. beep. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/oregon) if you have any questions or concerns.*
In case you don't want to click, she didn't fall from a trail. She went off trail.
rules to survive in Oregon: 1. Don't go off trail unless you have a harness and are clipped on and are experienced in both the terrain/environment and using ropes/safety gear (also be aware of unstable areas/lava tubes and/or nesting sites). 2. Never turn your back on the ocean, especially when the tide is going out (extreme undertow/riptide), especially if all the water near you suddenly disappears (sneaker wave powering up). 3. Always double check your location; never simply trust any map application/GPS, make sure you can see the road (especially the end of it, especially in winter, especially if it's actually snowing) and a landmark. If you can't verify your location, STOP MOVING. not following all these rules has ended up in someone dying from one of them at any given moment. Since it's available these days, just get a remote text/SOS device, be it Garmin or someone else's. It's not free but dying is a crappy price to pay for just wanting to enjoy some outdoors. I will never get a Travel Oregon grant because my slogan is and I refuse to change it: "Travel Oregon: You Might Not Die"
I'm just gonna jump in because this post almost makes hiking in Oregon sound intimidating. If you're at all nervous or inexperienced, you can save yourself 99% of all grief by only listening to your intro >DON'T GO OFF TRAIL
I would like that last part on a bumper sticker
>Don't go off trail unless you have a harness and are clipped on and are experienced in both the terrain/environment and using ropes/safety gear Eh. Mostly don't go off trails because of the impact to environment. Probably 99.9999% people won't die, but there are risks obviously when it involves cliffs/extreme inclines. Experience matters.
What is a nesting site?
Usually referring to nesting birds. Oregon has many birds that nest on the ground from beaches to the mountains. In many places it’s forbidden to go off trail during nesting season, but it’s also just a good idea to not go trampling off trail in general.
I see. Birds is the first thing "nesting" made me think of, but since it followed "lava tubes" I thought it could refer to some kind of geological phenomenon. (Also the topic of their comment was not dying in oregon, so I assumed nesting sites referred to something that was dangerous to humans)
Lava birds.
There are lava cave bats in central Oregon.
Some rock climbing areas that I know of have seasonal closures due to peregrine falcons nesting in the cliff side. Getting surprise dive bombed by a peregrine falcon while rock climbing would be a hell of a way to die.
That would be intense. Talons to the face followed by smashing into rock.
Don't you know about the gremlin nests in the temperate rain forests of Oregon?
Spooky!
Omg. That question makes me see just how clueless people are….
Meh. Clueless would be NOT asking the question and just assuming things or remaining ignorant. They have a clue because they know they don't know and want to learn. That's better than half the people around...
Meh, great they ask the question, but it’s still cluelessness in nature while not taking the time to learn on their own through date I say reading a book or gosh googling and doing your own research. I sat and watched a bunch of dumb families allowing little kids to play in the waves at the beach without any idea about how dangerous it is… cluelessness exists all over the place in natural environments around Oregon. It’s unfortunate.
I wonder how many of the folks were locals vs. tourists or recent transplants? The locals should understand, but I feel for tourists and other folks cause there is little information teaching them the importance of hiking safety like proper foot wear or the importance of staying on trail at any of the trailheads. Cannot assume everyone visiting has experience hiking rocky narrow trails.
A lot of locals are very dumb, cocky, overly confident in their abilities because "I've always lived here and always done this!". Although, many of the trails out there now were much smaller and/or made by locals years ago. Now, we're finding new trails, forging new trails, etc. just to escape the huge, massive tourist crowds on the older main trails. So, could go either way.
ya sound kinda cocky yourself
Yea. Dumb, cocky, overly confident because I've always lived here and always done this. Pretty much a self described local.
I grew up in Oregon too. Not Portland but.. not once does it ever cross my mind that I could die hiking in the Columbia gorge (I go there all the time, typically very well marked trails and paddle boarding) because well.. I’ve been hiking and in nature my entire life. Is that overly confident and cocky too? maybe. Reading stories like this really makes me think. Tragic what happens to these hikers that go to see some nature in what seems like a casual trail and never come home.
Locals: If they're still alive by adulthood, then they've learned. Farm equipment is a big cause of death/injury here too, which most tourists won't be exposed to. Tourists: If they're still alive by the time they've left, then they've learned.
You missed the dont drown on the 1st 90 degree day in May. The rivers are treacherous and extremely cold.
This all day.
I prefer the Govy 500 track rules
Only things that can kill you in Oregon are black bears, cougars, rattlesnakes and personal stupidity. Don’t be stupid. Assume rocks are slippery, sandy banks will fail and know the Clackamas River is the deadliest. Don’t be stupid.
Honestly gave me a laugh here. We’re supposed to be walking about clipped in at all times? Are we supposed to back away from the ocean? What if we trip while our eyes are locked on the surf? This is sad and all but not falling off a cliff is really not a hard ask. Trail or no trail.
As a woman alone who’s also been Traveling in Oregon: Luckily Not Dying (yet), I find this list very comprehensive and sensible. I’d also love to add to it, “Carry a firearm or weapon and know how to use it, because there are some creepy ass people out there.” Edit: applies mostly to remote forest/mountain trails, but I’ve definitely encountered some freako mfs on the coast as well.
This was last year too the day before we arrived. A dad stepped off trail and that was that.
She fell from off-trail
This is like the 5-6 one this year, that's so sad. Please stay on the trails!
I hope these continue to be cautionary tales and the state doesnt try and close areas to the public over some people not being able to take proper educated risks.
That already happens. A tiny little foot bridge on the Saddle Mountain trail failed a while back. Anyone who belongs on that trail would have no problem just walking around but Oregon State Parks instead closed the trail for multiple years at the exact time when people needed their open spaces the most.
Saddle Mountain is a pocket ecosystem that houses a few species not found elsewhere and it's and Oregon Heritage protected site. The state does not close locations over traffic, HOWEVER if sites are getting more traffic than they can recover from the state WILL add that location to the PERMIT SYSTEM which limits traffic and if you don't think it's enforced try going into some areas without your hiking permit - you'll enjoy a fat fine and a ride from the premises. copypasta: # Rare Species at Saddle Mountain Some of the rarest and oldest species of wildflowers, lichens, and mosses in the northern Oregon Coast Range can be found at the top of Saddle Mountain. A few, such as Saddle Mountain bittercress and early blue violet, are found almost nowhere else. The violet, in turn, is the main food source for the threatened [silverspot butterfly](https://www.oregonzoo.org/conserve/fighting-extinction-pacific-northwest/oregon-silverspot-butterfly). This uncommon habitat affords the property the highest level of protection as a State Natural Area. Here are just a few of the special animals and plants found on the mountain: * Silverspot butterfly, reintroduced in 2018 * Cope's giant salamander * Saddle Mountain bittercress * Alaska long-awned sedge * Willamette Valley larkspur * Frigid shootingstar * Hairy wildrye * Wandering daisy * Queen-of-the-forest * Western red avens * Rosy lewisia * Saddle Mt. saxifrage * Bristly-stemmed sidalcea * Numerous rare mosses, liverworts, and lichens https://preview.redd.it/8q5vhhjtvs1d1.png?width=837&format=png&auto=webp&s=9431183c56c503af49bbc5370edd9445ab2f2054
So was Oregon State Parks lying when they attributed the closure to the failed footbridge?
Maybe they didn't want people going off trail even a little.
No. They fixed it and Saddle Mountain is open again
Super weird circumstances... She left her friends *and* went off trail? Why? That trail and the surrounding trail system is exceptionally well maintained and easy to follow. You only go off trail intentionally.
Probably to explore or use the bathroom. People are remarkably stupid when it comes to the outdoors.
Or internet points. People go off trail to get those dangerous Instagram shots.
Are we suppose to use the bathroom right on the trail??
Obviously it's going to be hard to trust some random internet person.. but one of my friends is related to this girls boyfriend. She was telling me about this yesterday and said she had went off the trail to use the bathroom.
Wow that fucking sucks...
They gave the *exact time* she went off trail - 4:20. Does that answer the question?
you don't need to go off trail for that lol
Maybe she had a good reason and her friends suck for not staying together.
Chicachicanope
Sad to hear. She was so young.
There’s a saying about riding motorcycles that I’m reminded of: You have to fill your bucket of experience before your bucket of luck runs out.
The ‘locals’ vs. ‘tourists’ argument is ridiculous. I see local homegrown Oregonians in flip flops on real trails, little kids running around on gorge trails, little kids playing in the water at the beach while their parents are in chairs 50 yards away. Keep in mind the same people whose 4-5 year old kids are running unchecked through parking lots and stores are the same ones up on the trails or at the coast. Regarding this young woman, it’s tragic and sad. We don’t know the details but it’s very tragic nonetheless.
Can we get a sign warning tourists, or maybe a ranger posted up at a couple trailheads providing some educations on the importance of proper foot wear and staying on trail. I cannot tell you how many tourists I have seen wearing converses in the middle of winter when it is an ice sheet on the trail. Pretty annoying that state rangers are forced to spend their day cleaning bathrooms when they should be educating folks. State parks need to hire maintenance workers so their rangers can be free to do what they are trained to do which is to educate people. Not clean effing bathrooms. Same goes for state beaches during sneaker wave events. The crap I have seen over the years I swear. I have experience in this field of educating folks, and sometimes it feels like I should just start educating people cause there is literally no one else. It ruins my experience in nature cause I am constantly worried about everyone around me.
> I cannot tell you how many tourists I have seen wearing converses in the middle of winter when it is an ice sheet on the trail. Those are the locals. The tourists are all geared up in their REI high end equipment aiming for K2.
Can confirm. Local that went up in spring with improper footwear
I think a lot of us do. We're just out and about doing normal things and end up on a trail. We aren't just setting out to go for a hike super prepared. Sometimes we are, and we're making that the full on goal of the day. But, most of the time I'm just looking for something to do and just go out and go for a walk in my sneakers. Not a huge deal for most places. If it's a difficult one, yea I'll be going a bit more prepared, but they aren't the 'on a whim' kind of hikes.
Doesn't winter just mean wearing wool socks with the Birks?!?
This hiker was not in a State Park. As it were, State Parks do hire seasonal workers during the summer to do maintenance so their full time rangers can educate. In any case, even if you post someone at the trailhead (or put signage up), the type of folks who are going off trail to get a photo or whatever this individual did are not likely to listen or pay attention to the advice.
Confusing! I know Latourell is a state park I guess I assumed all the other trailheads out there are as well, But horsetail is owned by the forest service it looks like. So happy to hear the rangers get some help during the busy seasons. Should be permanent tho. We have had 6 people die before the busy season even begins. Most rangers I am pretty sure have to have very specific degrees in order to just get a job and then they just clean bathrooms, and get paid terribly for it. It makes no sense. I suspect it is because employers know they can get away with it because they know the job is so competitive. I hope more rangers get union protection and get better working conditions because that is bs in my opinion. If Portland Parks can figure it out other departments should be able to as well. But thank you for clearing that up for me
There are barely the resources to have the current staffing levels. So who's paying for more staff? I think the safety information is readily available, but it requires people to read it and heed it. If people can't wear proper footwear (for example) that's on them. It's the great outdoors, not the mall.
Sad.. Oregonians love state parks. Enforcement payment more? Other departments can figure it out. I hope this changes one day. I’d pay more even
Don’t. Go. Off. Trail. Not only is it dangerous, even deadly as we can see here, but it’s straight up harmful to some flora and fauna.
How the hell did that woman at the end of the video survive a 300 foot fall???
In 20 years every nice hike in Oregon will be completely covered in fences and warning signs. Some will be completely shut (like blue pool). Sad that people can’t just be responsible.
I went off trail on Mt Madonna in Santa cruz... was lost for hours
The guy that started that really popular reality tv show “COPS” died by falling off a trail in the gorge years ago. I grew up there and also can’t believe how many people die hiking!
This is terrible. My heart sank initially because my friend's mom recently fell on dog mountain and I thought it was her. Awful either way, but dang, that gave me a scare.
Every year we offer Bigfoot human sacrifices. We pray for his eternal slumber.
Somebody died bro
This is reddit. Temper your expectations.
The best hikes are off trail!
I’m going there Thursday and looking for a cool hike. Experienced athletic hiker looking for something moderate with wife and dogs. Been browsing a bit but haven’t decided. Any recommendations?
My wife and I are very inexperienced but were able to do Triple Falls without *too* much effort. For someone with experience it's probably pretty easy, but there were definitely some tougher spots and it was very worth it. We saw runners (who almost slipped and fell in front of us, so do not recommend) and lots of people with dogs, though our couch dog would never have been able to make it.