Cronemiller Lake

The Calloway Creek and Intensive Management Trail Loop offers a delightful, easy hike through varied forest ecosystems near Corvallis. You'll wander past coastal ferns and towering ponderosa pines, crossing Calloway Creek several times and skirting the edge of Cronemiller Lake. This 3.7-mile (5.9 km) route, with its gentle 311 feet (95 metres) of elevation gain, is mostly packed gravel and takes around 1 hour and 37 minutes, making it a perfect beginner hiking trail.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is located within the McDonald-Dunn Forest. It's a family-friendly and dog-friendly option, though your furry friends need to stay on a leash. For the most serene experience, consider visiting between April 15 and October 31, when the trail is closed to bicycles, ensuring a quieter walk through the woods.

What makes this route particularly interesting is its role as part of the Oregon State University Research Forests. The Intensive Management Trail section features interpretive signs that explain different forest management techniques and their impacts, offering a unique educational insight into forestry practices as you hike.

Hike the moderate 6.5-mile Bonzai Loop in McDonald Forest, featuring 879 feet of elevation gain and taking about 3 hours to complete.