LINN COUNTY, Ore. — Off Highway 20 near Sweet Home is a great place to get lost in the woods.
Okay, don't actually get lost. How about: take it all in.
"It’s a lovely time of year. It’s the best time of year," said Melinda Martin of Cascade Volunteers.
"Look at these beautiful trees that are around us."
At Cascadia Day Use Area outside Sweet Home, Ore., there's hidden holiday treasure amongst the trees.
"We are encouraging people to go outside," said Martin. She is one of many volunteers hiding a total of 200 ornaments across 24 trails in the Willamette National Forest and Umpqua National Forest on behalf of the Willamette Valley Visitor's Association.
"I'm out here hiding ornaments on this nearby trail, and this is part of the Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt," said Martin. "Some are easy; some are a little more challenging."
Martin hid five ornaments on the short, 1/3-mile loop at Cascadia near the Short Covered Bridge. For those who choose to search, the point is for people to take a closer look at nature’s decorations.
"Some might be laying on the side of the trail, near a log or a rock. Some might be on the backside of a tree," Martin said. "Some might be underneath a little bit of bark or something, or perhaps a giant, bigleaf maple leaf."
Before you "bark" about "leave" no trace, each handcrafted ornament is carefully tracked and recorded with detailed notes and GPS coordinates. The hiding volunteers return often to see if they’ve been found.
If you’re sharp enough to spot an ornament, you’re asked to register it at www.willamettevalley.org/ornament. You’ll be entered to win an overnight stay somewhere in the Willamette Valley.
For conservative adventurers, ornaments can be purchased on the website, with proceeds benefiting Cascade Volunteers.
"And we really encourage the Leave No Trace principles. So, when you're out, even if you don't find an ornament, if you see some trash, you could pick that up, too," Martin suggested.
For information on where to hunt for ornaments, visit www.willamettevalley.org/ornament#wheretofindornaments