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Dimple Hill

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

Septembeerfest

Septembeerfest, an annual event held in the verdant expanse of Avery Park, Corvallis, Oregon, is not merely a celebration of the craft beer industry but also a manifestation of community spirit and philanthropy. The event, organized by Heart of the Valley Homebrewers, is set to mark its 16th iteration on August 26th, 2023, from 12 pm to 7 pm, offering attendees a selection of over 80 beers, ciders, and meads from 23 independent breweries, cideries, and homebrewers.

Ryan Long, exploring the event, shared, “This is the 11th annual Septembeer Fest. Septembeer Fest started out at the Benton County Fairgrounds, and we’ve now moved out to Avery Park, and we’re continuing our 11th year, giving all the proceeds to Linn Bend Future and Fermentation Science scholarships.” The event, while providing a platform for local homebrewers and breweries to showcase their creations, also serves a charitable purpose. A representative from the event noted, “We’ve been able to donate money to Linn Food Share. I think over the 12 years, I’m sure it’s been over a hundred thousand dollars.”

The festival, while being a haven for beer enthusiasts, also provides a platform for local breweries to share their creations and stories. One brewer shared the intricate details of their creation, stating, “it’s blended with a neutral blonde base. It’s fruity but not over-the-top sweet, with hints of pineapple and citrus.” Another brewer shared a story of a yeast from Belgium, hidden “under the stairs on Oregon Trail,” which was used to create a beer with “a lot of flavor.”

The event, beyond being a showcase of local brewing talent, also serves as a community gathering, where attendees can explore a variety of beverages, engage in light-hearted competitions, and enjoy musical performances from bands like Lynx Family Band, The Incompatibles, and Ida Jane and The Weekend Gardeners. The festival also features a Beard and Mustache competition, which starts at 5:00 pm on the main stage, adding a playful and competitive spirit to the event.

Septembeerfest is not only a celebration of the brewing arts but also a conduit through which the community can engage in supporting local charities and organizations. The event, while providing a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for attendees, also ensures that the proceeds are utilized to support various local charities and organizations. A participant reflected on the event, stating, “Septembeer Fest, it is hands down the best beer festival that a beer aficionado can go to.”

In conclusion, Septembeerfest stands as a testament to the harmonious blending of community, charity, and the celebration of craft beverages. With its dual purpose of providing a platform for local brewers and serving as a fundraiser for local charities, the event encapsulates a spirit of community and giving, all while offering attendees a diverse and vibrant experience.

Septembeer Fest Website | Facebook

Benton County Fair

The Benton County Fair, situated in Corvallis, Oregon, is an event steeped in local tradition, typically offering a range of attractions and activities, potentially including carnival rides, animal exhibitions, contests, and live entertainment. The fairgrounds, located at 110 SW 53rd St., Corvallis, OR 97333, serve as a venue for these community events, which might extend beyond the annual fair to include other gatherings such as concerts and exhibitions throughout the year.

In a video hosted by Ryan Long of the Sue Long Realty Group at Keller Williams, viewers are introduced to various aspects of the Benton County Fair and Rodeo. Long expresses, “Welcome to the Benton County Fair and Rodeo, a Corvallis tradition.” The video provides a glimpse into the 4-H program, which is highlighted as a significant part of the fair. A participant explains, “4-H stands for head, heart, health, and hands,” and it’s described as a program aimed at elementary and high school students, designed to educate them about agriculture through practical experiences like raising dairy goats.

The fair also showcases various animal exhibitions and contests. One exhibitor shares insights into poultry showing, noting, “Quando is the champion large fowl rooster,” and explains the process of preparing poultry for shows, emphasizing the importance of muscle memory and stance. Another exhibitor, discussing a different bird, shares, “Yeah, he’s my bird for breeding, and he will go to be shown as a potential champion in the national show.”

Moreover, the fair seems to provide a platform for local programs and teams to showcase their projects and achievements. A member of a high school robotics team shares, “We’re here demonstrating our robots,” and elaborates on their achievements, “We actually qualified for the world’s and went to Houston, Texas, and competed in the world championships.” The fair, therefore, not only serves as a venue for traditional agricultural displays and contests but also as a space where local programs, like the robotics team, can engage with the community, as the team member notes, “The Benton County Fair is a good place for us to meet a lot of local Willamette Valley people and get the word out about our program.”

The Benton County Fair and Rodeo, through its various exhibitions, contests, and showcases, provides a multifaceted experience, intertwining traditional agricultural displays with modern programs and competitions, thereby offering a diverse and enriching experience to the community members and visitors who attend.

Benton County Fair Website | Facebook | Instagram

Bald Hill Hike

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