Turning Oregon's Greens Into Christmas Gold: Only Days Left in Ornament Hunt

Published 12/14/25 at 6:35 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Salem, Oregon) – Once again, the magic returns to Oregon's deepest greens. But there's not much time left.

The Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt is back for its eighth season, scattering a bit of holiday magic across the Willamette National Forest. Organized annually by the Willamette Valley Visitors Association (WVVA), the hunt has become one of Oregon’s favorite, even beloved winter traditions, turning the region between the Cascades, and east of Salem and Eugene into a treasure trove.

Between November 21 and December 20, some 200 locally-crafted wooden ornaments will have been hidden along approximately 20 trails. These are slightly remote areas where sharp-eyed hikers can seek them out and register to win this year’s grand prize, which includes a two-night getaway in the Willamette Valley.

Yes, it's true: there's only about six days left in the hunt, however.

So, where to find these forested gems? There are numerous areas within the boundaries of the Willamette National Forest.

In the Sweet Home area - between Detroit Lake, the McKenzie River, and the city of Albany - there's Santiam Wagon Road, the Mountain House Section. There's also House Rock Trail #3406.

In the Cascade Range, follow Highway 58 east of Eugene to enjoy quiet rivers and creeks, old-growth forests, and remote summits. There, the fun is lurking in the Middle Fork Ranger District. Ornaments will be hidden along Salmon Creek Trail with its creekside views near Oakridge and Greenwaters Trail overlooking the Middle Fork Willamette River. Also find them at Larison Rock Trail with steep climbs and Oakridge vistas, and Hardesty Trail, a historic 10-mile route. Alpine Trail rises through forest and meadows below the Forest Road 1910–683 access point, while Wren Loop offers a wheelchair-accessible path from the ranger station in Westfir.

In the McKenzie River region east of Eugene, find your ornament surprises at the Waterfalls Loop Trail with Sahalie and Koosah Falls, and the southern stretch of McKenzie River Trail below Frissell Boat Launch. More lies at another section between Tamolitch Blue Pool and Sahalie Falls, and King-Castle Trail with its quiet old-growth forest and stream crossings.

In the Detroit Ranger District, ornaments are tucked away on Stahlman Point Trail through young forest to views of Detroit Lake and Mount Jefferson, and on Tumble Creek Trail, which climbs steeply with sweeping views of the canyon, lake, and mountain.

Now that you're all set to go find your treasure, WVVA provided some tips and guidelines. It's not unlike those glass float hunts on the Oregon coast: safety is important is these wintry woods.

WVVA said ornaments are hidden at eye level or lower, never off-trail, so stick to marked paths. Experienced hikers are encouraged to search deeper along trails, leaving easier finds for newcomers. And as always, leave no trace - protecting the forest is part of the experience.

Trailheads may not have amenities like water or restrooms, so plan for a self-supported outing. Each household is asked to take just one ornament so others can share in the fun. WVVA also invites participants to share their discoveries online using hashtags like #FindYourOrnament, #FindYourTrail, #pnwonderland, and #willamettenationalforest.

This year’s hunt is a collaboration with Cascade Volunteers, who helped place ornaments across the valley’s trails. For details, check out WVVA’s Ornament Hunt FAQ and explore the full trail list before heading out.

You can also purchase one of the ornaments online.

“We're giving you the chance to purchase the ornament at the heart of our annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt - and give back to Cascade Volunteers, the official nonprofit partner of the Willamette National Forest,” the WVVA said.

This year’s ornament highlights the beauty of Oregon’s mountain forests and their fascinating creatures, including the Pacific tree frog and native mushrooms. It also offers a chance to learn more about chanterelles, one of the region’s most abundant and prized varieties. See website

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