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What to Expect
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On the Trail
Wouldn't it be great to hike and snowshoe with someone who can tell you:
- the name of that flower
- the name of that mushroom
- which bird is making that beautiful call
- which animal made that track
- what are the medicinal uses of that plant
- fire ecology
- the volcanic history of a particular area
- the geologic history of that group of rocks
- the name of that tree
- the climate and weather patterns of Central Oregon
- where the region's water comes from and goes to
- the history of the names of our waterways and geologic features
- about scenic sites and manmade remains
- about the origin, history, seasonal habits, and art of region's Native Americans
- about the history of the early immigrant settlers of Central Oregon
The more you know about what you are seeing on a trail, the more enjoyable and fulfilling your outdoor experience. Stretch your mind and impress your family and friends with your new naturalist knowledge!
Experience the fantastic scenery in Central Oregon. Each trail has its own unique and beautiful features:
- lacy crystals of snow on a branch
- reflections of the mountains in a lake
- sparkling, bubbling springs, streams, creeks and rivers
- strange and distorted rock formations
- canyons of volcanic history
- golden leaves lining the trail in autumn
- trees bowed double with the weight of the snow
- the crunch and squeak of snow under your snowshoes
- steam from a cup of hot cider swirling toward the cobalt blue sky
- snow-covered peaks
- shimmering high-desert plains in the summer sun
- towering piles of clouds
- fields of wildflowers nodding in the spring breeze
- mushrooms poking through the forest floor
- giant Ponderosa Pines and Douglas Firs
- salmon spawning in the river shallows
- acres of black obsidian glittering in the sun
- twisted old White-bark pines at 7200 feet
- an Osprey diving to catch a fish, and meal in talons, flying overhead
- a pair of eagles soaring on thermals
- a deer peering cautiously through the trees
- trout floating lazily in the river
- an old orchard and a wall of piled rocks speaking of the labors of early settlers in a harsh land
- waterfalls crashing down
The sights to feast the eye on in nature are endless!
The minimum number of people on each trip is 7; if fewer sign up, the trip may be canceled. The maximum number of people on each trip is 12. This ensures that:
- everyone is able to hear the naturalist's talk
- everyone can see the sights that the guide is pointing out
- everyone is easily accounted for by the guide
The pace of the trip is dependent upon:
- the level of trip (i.e., easy, intermediate or advanced)
- the physical abilities of the participants
- the amount of information to be shared in the nature talk for that trail on that particular day (all trips have a nature talk)
- the weather
- the amount of new snow on a snowshoe trail
Pam Kirk makes a solid commitment never to take clients on a trail that she has not previously scouted either by hiking or snowshoeing.
The whole emphasis of the Silver Striders is:
- Safety
- Fun
- Companionship
- Meeting and sharing the great outdoors with others your own age
- Getting physical exercise that is fun and enjoyable
- Learning about nature in the wonderful world of Central Oregon
- Being outside breathing the fresh air
It is not required that you be over 50 to participate in Silver Striders' trips, but most of us are, and delighted to be!
Where
We will meet at one of four places to rendezvous so that we may carpool to the trailhead. We have designated meeting places in Bend, Redmond, Sunriver, and Sisters (driving directions to the meeting places are in the Sign Me Up section). Where we meet depends upon the location of the trailhead for the day.
When
The meeting time depends upon the season.
- Snowshoe trips meet at 10am.
- Hikes in April, May, September and October meet at 9am.
- Hikes in June-August meet at 8am.
Carpool
Once we meet on time at the rendezvous place, people carpool to the trailhead. For instance, in snowshoe season 4-wheel drive vehicles are desirable and those without 4-wheel drive may ride with those who have 4-wheel drive. A small donation to the driver to help cover the cost of gas is appreciated. Drivers all receive written instructions to the trailhead. We caravan (with Pam in the lead vehicle) to the trailhead. All drivers must have the appropriate parking permits depending upon the season. When we've done the trail, we will carpool back to the meeting place so that everyone can retrieve their vehicles.
Cost
The cost is $18 per person per trip. Ft. Rock hikes are $30 per person. Overnight trips are charged according to expenses. You may pay by check or cash for the exact amount (no credit cards), which is collected at the meeting place as we gather before the trip.
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