REGISTRATION will open on May 10 at 6am.

Guide: Dr. Tom Atzet

Focus: Ecology, outside of Merlin on Rogue River

Description: Join retired forest ecologist and former SOLC board member, Dr. Tom Atzet, for a viewing of the Hellgate Canyon and hike to one of the top 10 parks in Oregon, Indian Mary Park.

Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon’s roles in “The River Wild” helped make Hellgate Canyon famous over 20 years ago. The Rogue River carved a 200-foot-deep canyon through a unique combination of geology. Consequently, a rich and unusual flora hangs on through our hot summers. Indian Mary Park has a fascinating history dating to the local Native American wars associated with settlers and gold mining. The scars of the 1964 flood are still visible.

Limit: 15

Meeting Location: Merlin, OR. Exact location and directions will be emailed upon registration.

Difficulty: Easy, 2 miles on mostly flat surfaces; restrooms available at stops.