Atlas of Oregon Wilderness [Englisch] [Broschiert]

A truly excellent book for people who enjoy hiking in Oregon's congressionally designated wilderness areas; even better that it includes those areas that Congress added in 2009. Hikers will presumably want also to have Sullivan's "regular" hiking books for actual hikes, however, as they give more-detailed information about getting to trailheads and about the trails themselves. For people who love hiking and backpacking in Oregon, though, this belongs on the bookshelf.

This is a GREAT guidebook in nearly every respect. Highly recommended to everyone who enjoys self-propelled, non-motorized outdoor experiences.

This 383pg book follows a format similar to his 5 "100 Hikes" book series. He first highlites the special aspects of an area, discusses its geography & history, its seasons, whether it receives heavy use or abuse, then launches into the range of possible hikes. It differs from the "100 Hikes" series in that this book doesn't assume that the reader's focus is exclusively on hiking; this book mentions considerations useful to backpackers, equistrians, swimmers, xc skiers & snowshoers, hang gliders, those of us who enjoy hot springs, lookouts & shelters, and those with children needing shorter hikes. The book also discusses in detail each area's predominant flora & fauna.

I appreciate that the author has a real understanding of solitude and the part it plays for some of us in understanding our place in this world. Not all writers do. Further, I find the book's descriptions quite accurate based on my own extensive travels over 30 years in many of these areas. Further, I appreciate that coverage is systematic & comprehensive; he covers all portions of each wilderness area discussed rather than merely those that are most readily visited. Indeed, the author often guides us to the back-40, something I am grateful for.

This book's maps use a different style than the line drawings found in his "100 Hikes" series. The appear to be based on 2D or 3D maps produced by the USFS or BLM, with additional details added. I prefer the maps in this book.

I'll note that this is the ONLY source of specific info about the Devil's Staircase I've seen. This is a staircased waterfall in a very remote, rugged area of the coast range. Coverage in this book provides excellent guidence that will keep one "found" if you attempt the very difficult hike here. This is but one clear example of the thorough & systematic fashion in which the author covers each area.

This book covers the best of Oregon, but does not undermine the value of any of his 5 "100 Hikes" books. There is considerable overlap, for sure, but his other books focus on hiking specific routes, and cover many perfectly good & often more convenient hiking areas that are not of wilderness quality. If you find you like this book, I suggest you check out one of the "100 Hikes" books for the area close to you.

The one suggestion I would offer for future printings is that the book does not offer symbols for several key interests any given area might serve. Icons indicating restrictions on having animal companions, on good swimming opportunities, good picnicing, whether permits are required, whether shelters are in the area, all might be useful.

Again, a highly recommended book.

Sullivan does a great job breaking up the state into wilderness sections, this book accompanies me on travels across the state. Great suggestions for side trips, hikes, and a great general overview.