Hikes

The “Dimple Hill and Horse Trail Loop,” located in the vicinity of Corvallis, Oregon, within the Chip Ross Park and Natural Area, extends a 7.5-mile loop that has become a favored spot for outdoor enthusiasts. With an elevation gain of 1,476 feet, the trail is categorized as of moderate difficulty and has garnered a rating of 4.4 based on 247 reviews.

The trail, known for its scenic vistas and tranquil environment, facilitates a range of activities including hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. It is also accessible for walking and running, providing a versatile outdoor space for various users. The trail is recognized for its capacity to accommodate family outings, being kid-friendly, and also welcomes dogs, albeit with the stipulation of being leashed.

One visitor, reflecting on a decade of engagement with the trail, shared, “I’ve been living in Corvallis for about 10 years now and probably running Dimple Hill for the last nine years.” The trail, which is open year-round, is acknowledged for its solitude during quieter times, despite its popularity, and is described as a wonderful hike just outside of Corvallis, offering views over the city below.

The trail’s condition is subject to the weather, with potential variations including muddy and snowy paths. Ryan noted the practicality of the trail’s construction, stating, “Last night we got about a half an inch of rain, and as you can see, the gravel road that we’re on makes nice trail conditions so that we can actually hike without getting too muddy or damaging any trails.” The trail also offers a network of gravel roads, providing numerous options for reaching the top of Dimple Hill, where beautiful views await.

The trail is not only a destination for hikers but also for mountain bikers. A regular visitor, reflecting on their frequent visits, mentioned, “Yeah, I used to live in Corvallis, and I’d bike out here five days a week. This is my bread and butter. I come here all the time.” They also highlighted the variety in the trail, stating, “Sometimes I come from Chip Ross side. That one’s a little bit more difficult, particularly in the winter.”

The trail, while offering a serene and scenic journey through the forest, also provides opportunities to observe wildlife and can be experienced differently in various weather conditions. The lush, green scenery, wildflowers, and the beautiful view from Dimple Hill have been highlighted by reviewers as notable features.

The trailhead can be reached by following specific directions: taking 99 north out of town, turning left onto Walnut Blvd headed west, taking a right onto Highland, and after about a quarter-mile, taking a left onto Lester Ave, continuing to the parking area at the end of the road.

In summary, the Dimple Hill and Horse Trail Loop provides a multifaceted outdoor experience, offering various activities and scenic views, with the added benefit of being accessible year-round. For the most recent and detailed information, reviews, and any alerts or updates regarding the trail conditions, weather, and any other relevant information, it is advisable to check the [official webpage](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/dimple-hill-and-horse-trail-loop).

Dimple Hill Website | Facebook

Bald Hill Trail, nestled within the Bald Hill Natural Area in Corvallis, Oregon, extends 2.7 miles and is characterized by a 452-foot elevation gain, offering a moderate level of hiking difficulty. The loop trail is accessible throughout the year and is utilized for a variety of activities such as birding, hiking, and horseback riding. It is a locale where nature enthusiasts frequently converge, and while dogs are permitted, they must be leashed. The trail provides panoramic views of the Willamette Valley and Coast Range Mountains, and on clear days, portions of the Cascade Mountain Range are visible. The terrain varies, offering both well-maintained paths and more rugged areas, and is sufficiently wide to accommodate two horses side by side in most sections. The trail is heavily wooded until it reaches the relatively bare top of Bald Hill, which provides expansive views. The trail is suitable for a range of activities, including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, walking, bird watching, and running, and is open year-round, offering a scenic escape in any season.

Ryan Long, from the Sue Long Realty Group at Keller Williams, provides a visual journey through the Bald Hill Natural Area in a video, introducing viewers to the trail system, which encompasses over 8 miles. Long notes, “The trail we’re taking today is 2.2 miles with an elevation gain of approximately 230 feet.” He highlights the availability of blackberries in August and points out the Bald Hill barn, which is “about one mile in from the trailhead and is rentable for your events.” Long describes the hike as “easy to moderate,” while also noting that other trails in the system could be considered “moderate to advanced.” The Bald Hill Natural Area is underscored for its high accessibility, with a paved multi-use path that connects to the Midge Cramer Trail, passing the fairgrounds campus and extending to downtown. Upon reaching the summit, Long showcases the panoramic views of Corvallis, Marys Peak, and the Coast Range, affirming, “the short hike was definitely worth it for these gorgeous views.” The video serves as a visual guide, intertwining the scenic beauty and practical information about the Bald Hill Natural Area.

Bald Hill