RHONDA and GEORGE OSTERAG have been hiking and writing outdoor and nature articles and guidebooks for the past two decades. Their hiking guides cover both coasts. They are published by several houses including The Mountaineers. Past Mountaineer titles include: California State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide, 75 Hikes in Oregon's Coast Range and Siskiyous, 100 Hikes in Oregon, and Oregon Campgrounds Hiking Guide.

* All hikes are easily reached from the Portland metro area

* Appeals to novices, seniors, families, and anyone seeking easier day hikes

* All hikes are under 10 miles and more than half are under five miles



Best Short Hikes in Northwest Oregon gathers the preeminent trail offerings from the Pacific coast to the Cascade crest and encompasses the attractions of the Coast Range, Willamette Valley, and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. This guidebook brings together old favorites and lesser-known trails. Oregon's northwest quadrant bursts with diversity-wilderness realms, wildlife areas, volcanic and glacial legacies, old-growth forests, idyllic valley niches, and untrammeled coast. Not bad for a bunch of short hikes!