Oregon Books

Own this book if you love to take road trips in Oregon. Take it with you everywhere, because there is so much to learn just by looking and reading about a place you never thought about!


This book is such a treasure. You can spend hours looking through it all. Its a wonderful database for places in Oregon you may not be able to read about online. Buy this if you research genealogy in Oregon. Very helpful to identify census localities etc.

McArthur's Oregon Geographic Names is the definitive "all you need to know about Oregon" text. The author spends some 500 or so pages describing towns from Alsea to Zigzag. His details include a mix of pioneer history and native lore. What emerges is a singular and often unknown view of Oregon.

As a student of history, this text provides the "little" details that a larger view of history might neglect to tell. For instance, in discussing the origins of the Willamette river name, McArthur explores the first use of the word in local newspapers, and also calls on linguistic records in order to discover its first use. What the reader discovers here, and it is representative of most of the text, is that McArthur digs deep into the archives by following all available paper trials.

As a student of history, and of Oregon in general, this book is indispensable. I suspect too that it could be used by the "Cliff Clavens" of the world as a way of distributing "little known facts" about Oregon at parties.

Bryan Hiatt, Humanities Department Chemeketa Community College Salem, OR

McArthur's Oregon Geographic Names is the definitive "all you need to know about Oregon" text. The author spends some 500 or so pages describing towns from Alsea to Zigzag. His details include a mix of pioneer history and native lore. What emerges is a singular and often unknown view of Oregon.

As a student of history, this text provides the "little" details that a larger view of history might neglect to tell. For instance, in discussing the origins of the Willamette river name, McArthur explores the first use of the word in local newspapers, and also calls on linguistic records in order to discover its first use. What the reader discovers here, and it is representative of most of the text, is that McArthur digs deep into the archives by following all available paper trials.

As a student of history, and of Oregon in general, this book is indispensable. I suspect too that it could be used by the "Cliff Clavens" of the world as a way of distributing "little known facts" about Oregon at parties.

Bryan Hiatt, Humanities Department, Chemeketa Community College, Salem OR

This novel is the last published by Mr. Ross, who unexpectedly died in April 2003. While the story features many futuristic technological ideas and products, it continues the broader theme of his earlier novels Engels Extension, and BTB (his only published e-book) in honoring the spirit of individualism and ornery resistance to statism. And while set in Oregon (Ross's home state), it could easily be located anywhere so this is not just for Northwesterners. I was a personal friend of Ross since the early 1970s, and among his many talents and avocations, I think he most wanted to become a successful novelist. I think this novel accomplished that goal, even though he was working on several others. I do recommend reading his first novel (Engels Extension) prior to this one, but it isn't necessary to get thoroughly transported into his world of intrigue and inventiveness.

I love reading fiction that incorporates up-to-date information about technological advances. For example: electrogravitics; mental states created by magnetic induction; and miniature, insect-like flying machines of which there are already working models.

Ross gives the reader a glimpse into the future. His books are "futur-orical" novels. What you read about is likely to show up in the media sooner or later.

The places too are real. If you'd like to sip a bit of Oregon, Ross provides an entertaining tasting room to enjoy it in.

I also enjoyed Ross's previous books, Engels Extension and Project BTB.

What does the future hold for America? Many have conjectured with
predictable, unlikely speculations. E.G. Ross tackles this question
with verve and imagination, while holding to a plausible story line
that engages the reader. There is no lack of action, intrigue and
subplots to keep a mentally sharp bibliophile happy. Yet there is
more here. One finds a basic questioning of current trends in the
role that government plays in our lives, and a believable projection of
how this might effect us in the near future. The importance of
individual responsibility and freedom is one theme of this thoughtful
novel. Readers will also enjoy the fast pace and technology that add
zest to this excellent adventure.

I bought this book and its companion Washington guide at the same time and have not been disappointed by either. The layout of the two books is similar and have all the info necessary to get to the trailhead, follow the trail, and enjoy the hikes. The maps are good and easy to follow, although elevation contours are not shown.

The photography in the Oregon guide is very good, but not nearly on the level of the Washington guide. Being confined to Northwest Oregon, all the hikes can be reached easily from any location in the Willamette Valley as wel as elsewhere. State-wide guides (such as the Washingtom companion) have hikes you may never visit because of the distance to the trailheads from where you live, but this regional Oregon guide has 52 hikes that you will want to visit.

Wildflowers (common and scientific names) you should expect to see are described in the discussion of each hike, although spring and summer bloomers are mixed with no mention made of which is likely to be blooming when.

A small quibble is that five of the hikes are not even in Oregon, but rather on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge. Still, these hikes are as easy to reach for much of Willamette Valley's population as some of those in central Oregon.

This guide has good maps, accurate trail ratings (at least for the several places I've visited and know of), beautiful pictures, and a good guide for blooming season. It covers hikes that will take most of the day to ones that are little more than a rest stop with scenic walking paths.

For some of the sights listed in the gorge I've been there both when things are in bloom and when it is the height of summer and things are dry and arid. Both times have their beauty.

This guide is well-written and easy to use.

Filled cover to cover with 115 beautiful color photography of flowers, trails, and natural splendor, Oregon's Best Wildflower Hikes: Northwest Region is an amazing and informative guide showcasing 51 day hikes for prime wildflower viewing of such stunning visual beauty that it is a wonder for both avid hikers and armchair travelers alike. Specific hiking paths through Columbia Gorge, Cascade Ranger, Willamette Valley and more are presented with 52 "user friendly" maps and 52 plant life profiles in this superbly presented guidebook which is especially recommended for flower and nature lovers who yearn to enjoy all that Oregon's Northwest Region has to offer. If you are planning a field trip or outdoor vacation in the northwest region of Oregon, begin with browsing the pages of George Wuerthner's Oregon's Best Wildflower Hikes!

Having traveled many of these places, this book makes me want to get out and see more. Good history, good recommendations, great photos!!

This book provides, in stunning pictures, as well as words, a picture of Oregon that most people don't know exists. It is a travel guide that covers small towns and natural areas in good detail. Most people don't know that these places exist, an a vacation or weekend trip to these areas will get you away from the crowds (unless you choose to attend a local festival, where the crowds are still not exceedingly large).

St John gives listings of wildflowers and wildlife you might see along the route or at your destination and when the best chances of sightings occur. These helpful hints prove to be very useful. Being a desert rat, I find it easy to see the beauty in the remote areas St John describes.

The varied wonderlands of Oregon East of the Cascades are largely unknown, even to many Oregonians, who think of it as "the desert". This book finally offers glimpse after glimpse of the diversity of scenery, ecosystems, and satisfying landscapes that exist here.
The photography is absolutely outstanding, and the images are accompanied by accurate captions. The choices of human history photographs and quotes are great. The natural history sections are readable, unlike a field guide, and there is an excellent balance of "charismatic species" coverage. As one of those who prefers places to people, I found the balance between obsession with our own species and appreciation for the others to be perfect.
As far as I can tell, it is extraordinarily accurate - and I learned a few things even after Skylar and I have been exploring the subtleties of these places for over 20 years. There are some excellent perspectives; for example, St. John probably wins the prize for the best way to frame the Columbia River dam "controversy" (see page 177). He is unafraid of "deep time" to explain modern ecosystems and weaves the fossil record throughout the text.
My only concern is purely selfish = he describes some of our favorite haunts so eloquently, readers are going to flock to them and the desert solitaire he praises will change. Oh, well. Maybe those readers will be moved to protect these special places as a result. I just hope the editors of Outside never get a copy...
I plan to buy a few dozen as gifts for friends who wonder "Why are you guys living out there in the frontier instead of in _____ (insert city, bay, whatever)?"

This is on the top of my list of "Books that Work".

Ted Fremd
Paleontologist
John Day Basin

This book compreshensively tracks the history of the Oregon American Lumber Company that operated out of Vernonia, Oregon from the 1920's to 1957. The details included make this book a reference work on the operation.

The authors have done a magnificent job in thoroughly covering the history, people and the operations of the fabled Oregon-American Lumber Company. Many of us have seen photos of this operation in a few books before, but, until now, we had nothing to describe the operation in any detail.

With "Ain't No More" we finally have the definitve work on this
fascinating logging operation and the railroad that served it. Through maps, records and photos the authors have weaved together how this operation came to life, survived the ravages of several forest fires and finally cut out under the name Long-Bell in 1957.

There is a wealth of unpublished photos that give both the historian and modeler a detailed look at this great example of Northwest logging.

For anyone interested in the highball days of Northwest logging,
"Ain't No More" is a must purchase!

Oregon-American Lumber Company: Ain't No More is a great inside look at the business and political workings of one of the West's larger producers of lumber in the glory days of the industry. Unlike many books on the lumber industry the authors were able to draw on a vast collection of managment letters and records as well as the recolections of former emploiees. This allows a look at both sides of such issues as labor relations and cutting practices. In this day and age we tend to forget that the reasion for such companies as Oregon-American existed was to make money for their investors by cutting their timber and selling the lumber cut there from. There were good solid economic reasions for the now discredited practices of the past.

Besides the excelent text this book contains a truly grand collection of photographs covering the entire life of the company. Some are amiture shots of poor quality but their rare subject matter makes up for that. The inclussion of an inventory of the logging equipment used by the company as well as on of their steam locomotives adds much information lacking in most books of this type. It is a great addition to my library.

Bill Gutman is the greatest author that has ever lived! I love his three "Oregon Trail" books. I recommed this to anybody that is over eleven or twelve. Very compelling and a great suspence book. And a little romantic for you hormone freaks. get this book, I beg of you. (if you are planning to buy) This is something that every kid should read.

I think that this book was great! Nice job! It was sort of scary, but not sad like the last book in this series. I think that ...The dangerous trail... was the best. This was okay, but not award winning. The end was joyful, and the Mountain lion part was spooky. I would have liked to live back then, wouldn't you? This book was DA BOMB!

This was Bill's best out of the three. I enjoyed it as much as along the dangerous trail. James and Cady are getting even more intimate, and there is a great adventure in stor for the two. A panter threatens to kill them when they are traveling over the mountain. Will Cady be able to save them, or will she face the same fate as James? I sugest you read it and find out.

I like how this couple presents their information. The book is full of useful data. I have purchased this in preparation for our journey to Alaska, British Columbia, Yukon and Northwest Territories. It does a superb job of helping you understand what to look for, where to look for it, how much things cost relative to other areas. Excellent job.

Having lived in the Pacific NW for many years I know lots of places for camping and RVing. I found this book accurate and very resourcefull. With rising fuel prices, we are all looking for closer to home places to "get away" and this book is a required resource to help find them, and determine their suitability. The only criticism I have is the way its organized. A little hard to find individual places since it is organized based on tour routes.

I bough thtis with the MOON bok, and am using both of them , this one is helpful with trip ideas, and the best of the large campgrounds, a very usefull book.

Can I order with this overnight and tomorrow? Please let me know

Can I order with this overnight and tomorrow? Please let me know

Can I order with this overnight and tomorrow? Please let me know

I am deeply interested in the logging railroad history of Oregon, Washing and Idaho and found this book to be a welcome source of information. In addition to those of you who love logging locomotives: shays, heislers and willamettes, there is a wealth of history here about these engine types and some photographs that have not been previously available. Mr. Bowden's book is a labor of love and for the logging railroad enthusiast - a must. Idaho John

This is an excellent chronicle of the early history of the Klamath Basin. Having Grown up there, I have been in search of a book describing the early economic development and settling of the region. This Book is the best I have found to date. Mr. Bowden uses the Railroad history approach to describe in intricate detail the rise and fall of the Timber industry in the region. This book made me feel like I was back in time 80 years ago. I am ready to go explore some of the historical sites documented in the book. The Book was very well researched with Excellent photographs. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the history of the Klamath Basin

This is an excellent chronicle of the early history of the Klamath Basin. Having Grown up there, I have been in search of a book describing the early economic development and settling of the region. This Book is the best I have found to date. Mr. Bowden uses the Railroad history approach to describe in intricate detail the rise and fall of the Timber industry in the area. This book transported me the the early 20th Century to the glory days of logging.. I am ready to go explore some of the historical sites documented in the book. The Book was very well researched with excellent photographs. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the history of the Klamath Basin

A wonderfully written tale of outdoors and flyfishing. Read this book on the advice of a friend and halfway through I was pulling out the fishing and camping gear and planning a winter trip. This book is a small treasure of a find.

This is a wonderful book, full of history and insight, and a little humor. There are even some great fishing tips for the river if one reads carefully and a little between the lines. Mr. Baughman loves the river, as does the photographer Dan Callaghan. I do too, and I hope this book inspires other people to love the river and protect it for future generations.

For those who don't know it, the North Umpqua is a Federal Wild and Scenic River, located on a Scenic Highway. There is very challenging and very rewarding fishing, but fishing is but a small measure of the N. Umpqua experience. As well as the great beauty of the main river, there are many waterfalls on feeder streams. The scenery and wildlife is great for those who move slowly and peacefully.

If you would like to learn about this river, I encourage you to read this book. If you visit the river, please help protect it; it's a treasure. Michael Baughman sees it right, too.

A wonderfully written tale of outdoors and flyfishing. Read this book on the advice of a friend and halfway through I was pulling out the fishing and camping gear and planning a winter trip. This book is a small treasure of a find.