Fitton Green holds many of my most cherished memories and I'm glad for it.
Three years ago the natural area hiking zone
known as Fitton Green became the perfect
encapsulation of Oregon's natural beauty for me.
Three years ago I moved from suburban wasteland
Swartz Creek Michigan, across the country to green
Corvallis Oregon. The first group of friends I made
in Corvallis took me to see a sunset one evening.
Located at a spot that the group's self proclaimed
“Mountain Man” had picked out.
The drive was longer than the hike to get to the lookout
point and when you're there, all you can muster is an
open mouth and two eyes filled with wonder.
The rolling hills are everywhere, the distant cityscape
is expansive, and The green pines are tall.
One Pine tree in particular you'll notice stands alone against the wind. Over the years
this tree has adapted to the weather and only grows its branches in the same direction the wind typically blows.
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| This was taken on my first trip to Fitton Green, just before the sun set. |
The views are unbeatable. You feel like you're standing at the edge of a great valley, overlooking
the entirety of nature in one massive swoop. You can see distant lamp like lights of peoples houses,
there's a distant road with ant sized cars that drive along it, Fitton Green puts this part of our world
in perspective. Give it a shot, I think you'll enjoy the feeling.
What I wish to detail in this entry are two off the beaten trail
secrets for you to find on your next trip; a lengthy cage and the superior vantage point
known as ‘the Grand Chinook’ to those with the knowledge.
The Dangling Cage
This small feat of human mcgivering can be found just off of the main beaten path.
When you’re walking along towards the mountain views there is one point with some
thick wooden railing. On your left of the trail is a steep incline that is barely a path.
When standing there, if you look up into the sky ahead you can find a visible rope tied
from one tree to another. Dangling down from there is a seperate rope which holds up
the metal cage in question.
Be aware that this is a very steep place to hike.
Wear proper footwear and proceed with caution.
Especially avoiding this small offshoot trail
when it's muddy.
That being said, if you do find this hanging
woodland art piece, feel free to leave a note
or something interesting. Perhaps the next traveler
will find what you say and continue the action.
But be sure to put it in something waterproof,
we do live in Oregon and Oregon sure loves to rain.
To give some extra backstory on the cages origins,
it was set up by myself and the aforementioned
"mountain man." Some weeked in the april of 2017
we decided the world needed a bit more hidden things
in it and took it upon ourselves to provide.
We took a trip around Corvallis grabbing the supplies; the Cage, proper tree climbing attire,
dried pineapple (as snacks), and lots of rope. Once we were stocked, we took the mountain
man’s beat up vehicle to our destination. We listened to tunes we could nod our head to on
the way there.
With supplies in hand, finding our spot was quick. We needed it to be hidden but accessible.
Then came the climbing. The Mountain Man took to the thick branches like he was born into
them. I can still remember his face smiling down at me without a word.
At the top of his tree with the rope, the Mountain Man tied my end to a heavy weight which
he proceeded to hurl in my direction. The tricky part was getting it around the thick foliage
which wished our plan to fail.
After a few tosses the rope was hooked onto a branch far enough away to provide some
tautness.
Next came my tree. Thinner than the previously climbed tree, its branches begging to
stay connected. I cautiously made my way to its peak, reached an arm out to get my
end of the rope, Tied it off, and slinked my way to the ground.
With the heavy lifting complete, the Mountain Man and I victoriously connected
the cage to the hanging rope, took a few photos, and took his vehicle back home
for dinner.
The Grand Chinook
This second secret of Fitton Green I will say very little about. For whats an adventure
with all the mysteries revealed?
The Grand Chinook is a small trail disconnected
from the rest of the fitton green loop. It gives an
even better view of the sun kissing the green peaked
rolling hills, and without a doubt is a solid place for
a hangout with your bestest of friends.
Fitton Green has many stories its tall trees could
tell, many of them mine, and I'm certain you could
make a few of your own there as well.
At a Glance
Where: Fitton Green
What: Natural hiking area
Best Way To Get There: park at the trailhead and hike a short way up to the viewpoint
Address: Corvallis
Best Times to Visit: Day time, warm months, preferably sunset/ sunrise.
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