Customer Reviews

Hiking Oregon's History : The Stories Behind Historic Places You Can Walk to See

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

After moving to Oregon a few months ago, I discovered this gem of a book. While most hiking books will have plenty of information about where to go and what to see, I've never seen one that's just plain fun to read before. The book is full of interesting and amusing stories that will keep you turning pages late into the night. And, even better, the places that are described--you can hike them! One "hike" described is through downtown Portland that describes the flood of 1894 (among other things). Sullivan writes, "Chinese locals staged a gala boat race from the New Market Theater up Second Street to Stark and back on First. Winning time for the eight-block course was five minutes flat, a record that is likely to stand for some time." Last weekend I did the Tillamook Head hike (#11). If you haven't heard the story behind Tillamook Lighthouse located a mile offshore, pick up this book and read about it. You won't be disappointed! It's the best darned hiking book I've ever read in my life!

My husband bought me this book because we're moving to Oregon; I'm thrilled with it, both the book and the move. Mr. Sullivan's writing style is wonderful. It is amazing what this guy knows about every nook and cranny of the state. I am eager to explore the terrain the author describes and look forward to reading his other books on hiking in Oregon. Every travel or hiking book should strive to be as informative and interesting as this one. Alas, its rarely the case. This is a special book.

I really enjoyed this book. I own all of his hiking books and have done about 50-60 different hikes (some many times) because of him. I have lived in Oregon all of my life and did not know many of these stories that William tells in this book. My favorite part is about Silver Creek Falls State Park and how they use to float cars over the South Falls for tourists to view for ten cents. I also like the story about the building of the lighthouse on an island of off Tillamook.
I highly recomend this book and I hope William Sullivan writes more history books, because he is very well researched and is a very good author with an easy to follow writing style.

This is possibly the most fascinating book I have ever read. Sullivan takes you on a tour of Oregon while telling numerous stories pertaining to the history of the places he takes you. There are many stories about unlikely events, such as a short railroad that was built over Santiam Pass, but never went anywhere. And there's the story of Bayocean, a city that washed away due to a poorly engineered jetty. I have read this book about 4X and it never ceases to amaze me. It's a great guidebook if you are able to get out and do the hikes, but it's also interesting even if you never make it to the places the author writes about. Highly recommended book!

It was fun to read about one of my ancestors who was part of the lost wagon train of 1853.

You'll enjoy this book if you're interested in history and the outdoors. I think you'd like it whether you're a native Oregonian or a newcomer.

Purchased as a gift. If you want a book on hiking trails in Oregon, this is it.

We loved this book. We would read the passages on our way to the next destination on our trips. There was even new information my dad hadn't heard, and he watches OPB history shows religiously.