Walk the Valley of the Giants

Fidel S

Walk the Valley of the Giants

09/06/22

My wife and I took our two kids (6 and 9 yrs) to VOG. It’s the perfect place to teach them hiking techniques because it’s not crowded. Overall experience: The drive to VOG is bumpy but it’s kid approved, they had a blast. The hike is awesome. There’s sections of the trail that’s narrow with root overgrowth, which is perfect for the kids to work on their footing. Mild incline help them learn to keep a steady pace and healthy breathing rhythm. There’s sections of the trail that’s completely open to explore and climb fallen timber. The kids enjoy the freedom to navigate the hike without being rushed by fellow hikers, and having lunch next to the river.

5.0

M Palmer

Walk the Valley of the Giants

12/21/18

I’m headed there to hike with my son during break, and I’m following this map from the BLM— I’ve heard it’s most reliable. https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/gazettetimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/2f/b2fe7aa3-aeed-52d7-a142-d1ba15aa5db1/595a839614f47.pdf.pdf

5.0

Andrew O'Keefe

Walk the Valley of the Giants

02/11/16

This is an amazingly special place that every Oregonian should try to make a trek to at least once, but be prepared. The roads out here can be extremely confusing and in my experience GPS/google maps are useless. Most of the roads you will be traveling on once you leave Falls City are private timber harvest roads, be ready to contemplate Oregon's forestry policies on your 1-2 hr drive through the tree farms. (Note: I have heard rumors you can approach from the north or west if the right gates are open but I can't confirm these). Access on these roads is by BLM agreement with the timber company, so you have a legal right to be there. However, please be courteous to any staff you come in contact with, they are also within their rights to limit access based on pretty much any reason, especially safety in active logging areas you will pass through on the way there. I would highly discourage trying to access this area on a week day, it's not worth trying to tangle with the barrage of logging trucks on these narrow roads. In my experience the best time to access the area is during hunting season on the weekend as most of the access gates you need will be open during this time. I don't think shooting is allowed in or around the Valley of the Giants area but it is only a 51 acre parcel so it couldn't hurt to wear your orange =) As mentioned previously, call the Salem BLM office during the week before you go to check current conditions. I have found the Oregon Hikers Field Guide trailhead directions to be pretty reliable and understandable. Also check out Matt Reeder's 'Off The Beaten Trail' and his website offthebeatentrailpdx.com for up to date trail info. Have fun and be safe. The majesty of this place will not disappoint!!! Some of the last remaining fertile bottom land old growth in the Oregon coast range. The trail is short but plan several hours to enjoy the splendor of this forest. http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Valley_of_the_Giants_Loop_Hike

5.0

Joe Barto

Walk the Valley of the Giants

05/17/15

Let me tell you guys the directions from Google are not good, half the roads were closed and after 3hrs of driving from one closed gate we went home, this is the "Hidden Valley of Giants". In all fairness when we got home I did find another website that said to call BLM 503-375-5646 for a recommended directions, I'm guessing they change which roads are open for various reason so getting there will probably never be the same twice. I really want to check this place out but I guess I will have to call to get directions next time. Hope this saves someone else a wasted day and lots of frustration.