Ornaments like this one can be found across the forests in the Willamette Valley starting Friday, Nov. 17, until the end of the year as part of the region's annual ornament hunt.
Willamette Valley Visitors Association
The Willamette Valley Visitors Association has launched its sixth annual ornament hunt in area forests.
Two hundred locally-crafted wooden ornaments have been hidden along non-wilderness trails on the Willamette National Forest’s Detroit, Sweet Home, McKenzie River and Middle Fork ranger districts, and in the Umpqua National Forest’s Cottage Grove Ranger District.
Hikers who find the ornaments can register to win this year’s grand prize, which includes a two-night getaway in the Willamette Valley.
Organizers say the hunt encourages local communities and travelers to connect with public lands and increase outdoor recreation activities.
The tradition was born in 2018 when the Willamette National Forest provided the Capitol Christmas Tree in Washington D.C.
The hunt runs though Dec. 31. More information and a list of participating trails can be found at the Willamette Valley Visitors Association’s website.