Central Oregon Cascades Backpacking Trip

We have put together a short backpack for those IAEP members and friends who would like to “walk the talk” following the June conference. Of course, there’ll be plenty of scope for those who want to walk and talk, but we’ll have more dollops of silence to throw into the mix. We’ve selected one of the least used yet readily accessible portions of the Oregon Cascades that has plenty of open spaces for long-view vistas, just east of the Three Sisters crest. The route is fairly flat, and yet we will cross one of the prettiest saddles in the Central Cascades, with fine lakes and glaciers to gaze upon.

The trip is suitable for beginners, and we are able to supply all of the backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, cooking gear, first aid supplies, etc., so you won’t have to lug any equipment onto the plane besides your boots. The trip avoids most of the nefarious June mosquitoes, and it is late enough to avoid the snow at mid-elevation (where we will be), and early enough to avoid the late summer fires. All food and snacks are included (mostly vegetarian).

The trip will be approximately ten miles over three days/two nights:

Sunday, 3pm, June 22 – depart Eugene, drive to Three Creek Lake, camp at Little Three Creek Lake (Deschutes National Forest, access is via the town of Sisters).

Monday, June 23 – hike west along the north side of Broken Top, an area littered with pristine meadows and creeks and clear views to the glaciers on the east side of the Three Sisters. We will make camp after about six miles, in one of the cirques. Very few people ever hike into this area, so it is real wilderness.

Tuesday, June 24 – hike over Cascade divide and via Green Lakes to the trailhead in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Green Lakes used to be the premier campsite in Lane County, but it is both overused and overcrowded, so it is best that large groups avoid camping there; still it should be seen, and it will be our lunch break.

The cost of the 2 night/3day trip is $175, which covers backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, food, and transportation. Please send full payment, along with your mailing address, email and telephone, to:

Kenneth Liberman
Department of Sociology
University of Oregon
Eugene OR 97403-1291

We are able to take a maximum of 15 persons, on a first-come basis, and interested participants are requested to register for the backpack by May 1. (Cancellations before June 1 will receive a refund of $150.) You will be sent a clothing list upon registration. If you have special questions, please contact liberman(at)uoregon.edu.

Friday Afternoon Excursions

The following local excursions are planned for the afternoon of Friday, June 20th, between 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Spots for these trips are limited and will be available on a first-come basis to registrants.

Transportation for all trips except the Eugene Alley tour will be by school bus and will depart from University Street between 15th and 18th Avenues (outside McArthur Court). You may view a printable PDF map of the campus here: http://www.uoregon.edu/documents/maps/scheduleMap.pdf

The Ancient Forest,
A Visit to the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest,
Site of Long-Term Ecological Research and Reflections

We will hike through the immense, moss-draped trees of old-growth forests, poke around in a clear-cut, and explore a mountain stream. In the shadows of the cedars, we will discuss ways that scientists and philosophers might combine their efforts. A particular focus will be the reflections of the philosophers, poets, essayists, and scientists who have taken part in the Long-Term Ecological Research and Long-Term Ecological Reflections programs at the Forest (see www.fsl.orst.edu/lter for further information).

We will stop at the Andrews Forest headquarters facilities at the beginning and end of the time in the forest (toilets are available there). The excursion will involve short walks on forest trails and gravel roads, so wear sturdy shoes. If it is wet, bring a poncho, umbrella, or some other covering. Most of the time we will be in the shade of forest, but there may be some sun.

Number of Participants: 30 people
Cost: $25/person (includes transportation, bagged lunch, bottled water)
Total time: 5 hours (We will depart sharply at 1pm and return at 6 pm. Driving time to the Andrews Experimental Forest is about 1 hour along the beautiful McKenzie River flowing through the Cascade Range.)

Trip Coordinators: Fred Swanson (Forest Ecologist, USDA Forest Service and OSU College of Forestry) and Kathleen Dean Moore (Philosophy, Oregon State University)

Eugene Alley Architecture and Ecology Tour

Eugene has an extensive and quite delightful network of alleys. People live along alleys, garden along alleys, BBQ along alleys, run businesses such as Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), etc. The alleys are lined with blackberries (real not digital) and other edibles. Infill development of accessible dwelling units (ADUs) along alleys are part of the City's vision for accommodating growth in an environmentally responsive manner. Join Brook Muller, Assistant Professor in the Architecture Department, for a 2-hour alley tour. Brook has been hired by the City of Eugene to study current ADU policy and its relationship to the City's long term goals. He will be able to touch on economic, aesthetic. demographic and ecological aspects of alley infill development.

Please wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate outdoor clothing (sun or rain). Cameras and note/sketchbooks are also encouraged. Please also bring a supply of drinking water. The trip will depart from the entrance of Lawrence Hall on the UO campus.

Number of participants: 20 people
Cost: none
Total time: 2 hours
Trip Coordinator: Brook Muller, Architecture, University of Oregon

King Estate Winery

King Estate winery and vineyard produces Oregon wines of exceptional quality using sustainable farming methods, meticulous fruit selection, impeccable winemaking practices and judicious blending. The beautiful estate of 1,033 acres is certified organic and includes 465 acres of organic vineyards, as well as 30 acres of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The Estate is crowned by the charming, European-style winery, where the winemaking process is also certified organic. The visit will include a wine-tasting and a tour of the production facilities.

Clothing can be casual or formal.  There is no physical exertion required, but the grounds are quite beautiful, and people may want to walk around.

There is a gourmet restaurant on site.  Prices range from $9-14 for appetizers and $8-12 for lunch.  No outside food or beverages are allowed.

More information about King Estate is available at their website: <http://www.kingestate.com/>

Number of Participants: 30 people, divided into two groups for tours.
Cost: $20/person (includes transportation and fee for tasting and tour)
Total time: 4 hours (90 minutes for travel, 90 minutes for tasting and tour, 60 minutes to explore site or enjoy food and wine).
Trip Coordinators: Sarah Adams (Philosophy, University of Oregon) and Chu "Cassie" Chen (Environmental Studies, University of Oregon