Welcome to a wild summer. An Oregon Wild Summer to be exact. It's a summer-long exploration of all the special wild areas that make Oregon unique. The festivities kick off the weekend of June 19-20 and run throughout the summer.

We'll be hosting over a dozen hikes and events in new and proposed Wilderness areas like Mirror Lake on Mount Hood, and the Wild Rogue, and also heading out to long time Wilderness favorites like Opal Creek.

Sign up for Oregon Wild Summer events here.

We're going to be taking you to see towering old-growth forests, pristine rivers and majestic waterfalls. Oregon Wild Summer will feature family hikes, wildflower hunts, and loads of fun.

See a full list of the outings here. (sorted by area)

A majority of the hikes are free of charge and led by expert conservationists. Some special hikes may be reserved with a small hike fee, and some hikes are just for Oregon Wild members. (Find out how to become a member here). All trips will be led or shepherded by First-Aid and CPR trained staff.

And if you happen to snap the perfect picture on one of our hikes, enter it in our sixth annual photo contest. This year's Endangered Places theme is "Quiet Recreation." That means the photo of your friend on the trail could win you great prizes. Check out more details on the photo contest.

Also, see some of the pictures hike leaders and hike participants took during last year's event.

Let's make it an Oregon Wild Summer.