FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Wild Madness Narrowed to “Wild Four”

Public vote declares final candidates for “Oregon’s Favorite Place” from a field of 32 special wild places

Fans now get to vote to determine Oregon's Favorite Wild Place and get a chance to win free prizes.

From a field of 32, only 4 remain. Voting is now open in the "Wild Four."

After over 1,400 votes, the people of Oregon have spoken and narrowed a field of 32 special outdoor landscapes in the state to the “Wild Four.” Selected as part of the Oregon Wild Madness competition, the finalists are: Crater Lake, the Columbia River Gorge, the Eagle Cap Wilderness, and Hells Canyon. Inspired by college basketball's annual tournament, the goal of Oregon Wild Madness is to create awareness of and excitement for many of the wonderful wild places throughout Oregon.

Voting continues for two more weeks as the “Wild Four” face off for the right to be known as Oregon’s favorite wild place. The winner will be announced at a special Oregon Wild Wednesday event in Portland on April 11 featuring best-selling outdoor author William Sullivan.

“The deep blue waters at Crater Lake, the breathtaking vistas of the Columbia Gorge, the stunning peaks of the Eagle Cap – these are places that Oregonian’s cherish,” said Sean Stevens, Oregon Wild’s Interim Executive Director. “Everyone who has voted in this contest knows that Oregon has far more than 32 special places worthy of exploring and protecting. We hope we’ve given people a few ideas for where to travel next.”

Oregon Wild Madness began with a field of 32 wild places in Oregon. Just about all of the places featured are ones that Oregon Wild is working to protect or has worked to protect in the past. They faced off head-to-head in a single-elimination tournament bracket (results can be seen here). Vote here www.oregonwild.org/madness to help determine the final winner.

Voters are entered into a drawing to win one of several great prizes including a two-night stay at Timberline Lodge, a two-night stay at Thimbleberry Cabin, or great outdoor gear from REI. Regardless of when people start voting, they have a chance to win.

Oregon Wild Wednesday event details
We’ll announce Oregon’s Favorite Wild Place and the winners of the raffle prizes at our Wild Wednesday event on April 11th. This special event will feature Oregon Wild board member and renowned author William Sullivan as he journeys the state’s best destinations featured in his latest book Oregon Favorites – Tales and Trails. The event will be held at Jam on Hawthorne (2239 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland) and will run from 6:00pm – 7:30pm.

To vote for Oregon’s Favorite Wild Place, go to: www.oregonwild.org/madness

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