BACKGROUND
Originally designated as a Wilderness Study Area in 1980, The Badlands, located just 15 miles east of Bend, is a 30,000 acre area containing fascinating lava flows and ancient junipers.  This area was named for its harsh terrain and fantastic rock formations.  Within this landscape, one can find incredible displays of desert wildflowers, dry river canyons, castle-like rock formations, and Native American pictographs.

Volunteers worked for over two decades to protect the Badlands as Wilderness. An  economic study showing that Badlands Wilderness would be good for Central Oregon's economic health. 

Backed by recreation and conservation groups, a number of the region's top employers and almost two hundred local businesses, the Badlands became Central Oregon's first desert Wilderness. 

In June of 2008, Senator Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced the Oregon Badlands Wilderness Act of 2008. The bill proposed to designate 30,000 acres of The Badlands as Wilderness. At a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing in July, 2008 ONDA's executive director, Brent Fenty, submitted testimony to support the legislation, along with dozens of other supporters.

On March 30th, 2009 President Obama signed the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act, which created the Oregon Badlands as Wilderness.

THE HIKE
The Badlands National Trails Day Hike will be a six to eight mile hike led by the head of the "Friends of the Oregon Badlands Wilderness" (a.k.a the Fobbits) David Eddleston.  Approximately half of the hike will be on established trails, and the other half "off-trail".  Along the way we will see one of the original homestead sites in the area, a wild horse corral dating back to the 1920s, as well as evidence of much earlier peoples in a little known lava canyon.  We will also be able to enjoy the natural history of the area, and the surprising quiet and seclusion provided by a Wilderness Area so close to town.

Participants should be capable of hiking the distance on relatively flat trails, but also off-trail, on lava flows and lava sand.

TIMELINE
Car-pooling participants should arrive at Pilot Butte Regal Cinemas  (Corner of highways 20 and 27) at 8:45 AM on the 5th, cars will leave for the trailhead at 9AM. We will start our hike from the Badlands Rock Trailhead at 9:30AM.  We will aim to be back at the trailhead by 1:30PM.  Let the trip leader know if you intend to carpool, or will be driving yourself to the trailhead.

WHAT TO BRING
Participants are responsible for bringing their own lunch in their day packs, and 2 quarts of water.  Please dress appropriately for changing weather, and wear appropriate hiking footwear (no open shoes or sandals please).

GROUP SIZE:
This trip is limited to 14 participants.

REGISTRATION:
When you register (CLICK HERE TO REGISTER) you will receive a confirmation e-mail, and a couple of weeks before the hike you will receive an additional e-mail with more details and carpooling options.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This trip will be led by Friends of the Badland's David Eddleston