Trip Difficulty Ratings

Stewardship trip difficulty ratings help potential volunteers understand the physical requirements of a particular trip. Our detailed ratings and descriptions allow individuals to determine if they will be able to comfortably participate in the project.

On all of our trips, volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace, take frequent breaks, and try a variety of tasks. However, many trips take place in remote locations with no cell service. As such, ONDA is committed to ensuring individuals select trips that are safe and appropriate for their particular circumstances.

fact

What defines Oregon’s high desert?

What defines Oregon’s high desert?

Bounded by the Cascade Mountains to the west and the Blue Mountains to the north, Oregon’s high desert covers approximately 24,000 square miles. Annual rainfall in the high desert varies from 5 to 14 inches. The average elevation is 4,000 feet; at 9,733 feet, the summit of Steens Mountain is the highest point in Oregon’s high desert. The terrain of the high desert was mostly formed by a series of lava flows that occurred between 30 and 10 million years ago.

Sources: The Oregon Encyclopedia; Wikipedia  

fact

Young Desert Horned Lizard

Young Desert Horned Lizard

In the summer these lizards begin foraging for food as soon as their body temperature rises as the heat of the day increases. They feed on slow-moving, ground-dwelling insects. In the fall they hibernate by burying themselves in the sand.

Latin name: Phrysonoma platyrhinos

watch

Discover Desert Pronghorn

Discover Desert Pronghorn

Stewardship Trip Difficulty Levels

Our scale includes five difficulty levels, with one being the least physically demanding and five being the most physically demanding.

Level 1: Easy

Trips that take place within a short walk from the parking area with light physical demands.

The work may involve squatting or bending over, carrying lightweight materials and gripping, tying or cutting sticks.

These offerings are accessible to most people. Due to the possibility of uneven terrain, these trips may not be suitable for people who use wheelchairs or walkers.

Level 2: Moderate

Trips that involve more lifting or bending, walks of one mile or more over uneven terrain, or the potential for more challenging seasonal weather conditions.

To safely participate, volunteers should have a basic level of fitness.

Level 3: Challenging

Trips that involve work in difficult terrain, with more than two miles of hiking required to reach the work site, and potential seasonal weather extremes. Volunteers may be required to use hand tools, bend and kneel for prolonged periods, or hike while carrying materials.

To safely participate, volunteers should get regular cardiovascular exercise (walking, hiking, running, biking, etc.) and be prepared to hike longer distances on or off-trail, carrying their own gear and some project tools.

Level 4: Strenuous

Trips that involve physically demanding work in challenging backcountry terrain, such as steep, rocky slopes, with more than three miles of off-trail hiking required to access the work site. Volunteers may be required to use hand tools, bend and kneel for prolonged periods, or carry heavy materials.

To safely participate, volunteers should get regular cardiovascular exercise (hiking, running, biking, etc.) and be prepared to hike longer distances off-trail in steep and slippery terrain, carrying their own gear and some project tools.

Level 5: Extreme

Trips that involve highly strenuous work in rugged, backcountry terrain, with more than five miles of off-trail hiking required to reach the work site. Participants must be proficient in backcountry travel and have a very high fitness level.

To safely participate, volunteers should get regular strenuous cardiovascular exercise (hiking, running, biking, etc.) and be prepared to hike longer distances off-trail in steep terrain, carrying their own gear and some project tools.

If you have questions about these difficulty ratings or the specific physical requirements of a scheduled trip, please contact the trip leader listed on the trip description page. For general program questions, contact ONDA’s stewardship director, Gena Goodman-Campbell.