Sisters author returns to the trail

Kim McCarrel, a former Black Butte Ranch resident, is a rider and keen explorer of horse trails and camps. She states her philosophy regarding horse activities thus: "If you've got to feed them, you might as well recreate on them."

With that in mind, McCarrel wrote two books for fellow explorers. "Riding Central Oregon Horse Trails" was published in 2005 and can be found in nearly every feed and tack store in Central Oregon. Her latest endeavor, just out, is "Oregon Trails and Horse Camps." It's also available at feed and tack stores, and at Paulina Springs Books in Sisters and Redmond.

In the new book, McCarrel points riders to the other side of the Cascades, where it's green, less dusty, and the wildflowers and rhododendrons are abundant. She and a group of friends and their horses stayed in each camp that's described, and rode each trail.

Directions to each camp and trail are included, as is a general map of the trails. The rides are rated easy, moderate, challenging or difficult; elevation gain is noted as are water crossings or other obstacles. Camp facilities and fees are outlined.

McCarrel says the books are meant to be used as references. She stressed that Forest Service maps and a conversation with local personnel prior to departure are a must.

"This (book) is what helps you figure out where to go and where to stay, but a GPS or compass and a map are saddlebag essentials," she said.

McCarrel and her husband maintained a home at Black Butte Ranch for 15 years before moving permanently to Central Oregon from Portland. Horse crazy as a kid, she'd never owned a horse.

"One day I was sitting in my house at Black Butte, trying to do some work. I realized there was a stable on the ranch, so I went off for a ride and, after many of them, realized I could own my own horse."

She bought a Tennessee Walking Horse in Sisters, and after a few tries in the show ring decided trail riding was her thing.

Her first book came about after she commented to her husband, repeatedly, that it was difficult to get accurate information on the trails and horse camps around the area. He asked her why she didn't just write one herself.

McCarrel states that Central Oregon is still her favorite place to ride, and she hopes locals realize the value of the miles of trails available. Riding on the other side of the mountains brought that home to her. There are amazing places to see there, she said, but there are also fewer trails and more people, especially in the mid-Willamette Valley.

Maintaining Central Oregon horse trails and camps, and training trail riders to travel gently, is the focus of two groups close to McCarrel's heart. Oregon Equestrian Trails and Back Country Horsemen of Central Oregon both have chapters in the area, and McCarrel encourages riders to get involved.

She pointed out that the Forest Service previously announced possible closure of several local horse camps; Todd Creek and Cultus Corral, off the Cascade Lakes Highway, Sisters Cow Camp, and Swamp Wells, southeast of Bend, are now adopted by OET, ensuring the tradition of exploring on horseback will be around for quite a while.