Rider makes updates to trail book

In the seven years since "Riding Central Oregon Horse Trails" was first published, author Kim McCarrel has seen many positive changes in the trail-riding scene.

Some trailheads have been moved, new ones created and most important, many miles of new trails have been built or mapped. McCarrel updated and expanded her book this year, with the new edition now containing detailed information on 150 trails, 14 horse camps and 1,800 miles of trails.

Several changes have taken place in the Sisters area, which is a boon to local riders, said McCarrel. The well-publicized Peterson Ridge trail system, just outside of Sisters, includes several miles of horse-specific trails that were in the planning stages in the previous edition of the book.

McCarrel and her trail-riding buddies have mapped out some new trails in the Sisters Cow Camp and Graham Corral areas, creating several new loops.

Major entries in the new edition include Skyline Forest, between Sisters and Bend, and Cline Buttes, between Sisters and Redmond. The Cline Buttes Recreation Area is still in the planning stages and some of the information in the book notes future developments.

The book is organized alphabetically by area, with each section highlighting an area horse camp and nearby trailheads. The rides are described and a small map of each is provided. McCarrel emphasizes the importance of carrying a detailed map on all rides and becoming familiar with it before leaving the trailhead. She also advocates the use of a GPS and/or compass.

McCarrel's love of trail-riding and appreciation of her riding companions, both human and equine, is evident on each page of the book. Trail descriptions are consistently laid out and contain details about trailhead name, length of trip, elevation, difficulty, footing, ideal season to ride, permits needed and available facilities.

She covers all the essentials of trail-riding on public land, including where to obtain the best maps, saddlebag necessities, wilderness requirements, "Leave No Trace" principles and feed regulations.

The book retails for $27.95 and is available from www.oregonhorsetrails.com or at local feed stores and book sellers.