Dimple Hill via Horse and Dan's Trail

The trail is located within the McDonald Research Forest in Corvallis, Oregon. A common starting point is near Lewisburg Saddle, which offers parking. Given the popularity, especially on weekends, arriving earlier in the day is advisable to secure a spot.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, as it's part of the multi-use McDonald Research Forest, it's important to keep dogs on a leash and practice good trail etiquette, especially around other hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round. Spring brings wildflowers like Iris and Columbine, while fall offers vibrant foliage. Summer is popular for clear views, and winter can provide a peaceful, snowy experience, though some unofficial sections might be muddy. Clear days are best for panoramic views from Dimple Hill.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the trails within the McDonald Research Forest, which is managed by Oregon State University. It is open to the public for recreational use.

The terrain is diverse, featuring a mix of wide gravel roads and narrower singletrack paths. You'll traverse shady forests with gradual inclines and rolling hills. Some sections, particularly on the Horse Trail, can be steep and have technical features. While generally well-maintained, some areas can get muddy in winter.

The trail showcases the natural beauty of the McDonald Forest, with native plants like Oregon grape and sword fern. You might spot wildflowers in season, occasional small waterfalls, and meadows. The ultimate highlight is the summit of Dimple Hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the valley, Marys Peak, and on clear days, the Central Cascades.

The overall route to Dimple Hill via Horse and Dan's Trail is rated as moderate. While some sections have gentle grades, the complete ascent involves significant climbing. Families with younger children or beginners might find the full loop challenging due to the elevation gain, but shorter, flatter sections of the interconnected trail system could be suitable.

Yes, this route is part of an extensive network of trails. It utilizes sections of official trails such as Dan's Trail, Upper Dan's Trail, Ridge Trail, Upper Horse Trail, and Beautiful Trail. This interconnected system allows hikers to customize their routes and explore various parts of the forest.

Yes, the trail system is a significant part of the McDonald Research Forest, used by Oregon State University forestry students for research. Dan's Trail, a key component, is named after Dan Petrequin, with a memorial plaque at the summit of Dimple Hill. The forest also includes areas undergoing restoration for oak and prairie habitats.

The forest is managed as a mature habitat for wildlife, so you might spot various birds and small mammals. Plant life includes native species like Oregon grape, sword fern, and mosses. Depending on the season, wildflowers such as Iris, Larkspur, Inside-out Flower, Candy Flower, and Columbine add vibrant color to the underbrush.

The komoot route for Dimple Hill via Horse and Dan's Trail is approximately 10.1 km (6.3 miles) and typically takes around 2 hours and 58 minutes to complete. This duration can vary based on your pace, stops for views, and trail conditions.