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DAY TRIPPIN' Day Trippin': Stretch your legs at Alder Creek Community Forest Comment By David Clewett for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By David Clewett for the Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 13, 2015 at 12:01 AM By David Clewett for the Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 13, 2015 at 12:01 AM --> You can be a travel writer Do you have a favorite destination or scenic drive that’s within shooting distance of the Rogue Valley? If so, email us a 300- to ... » Read more X You can be a travel writer Do you have a favorite destination or scenic drive that’s within shooting distance of the Rogue Valley? If so, email us a 300- to 500-word story about it that includes directions, and send pictures if you have them, to Mail Tribune features editor David Smigelski at [email protected] » Social News Editor's Note: Day Trippin' is a recurring feature that gives readers a chance to play tour guide and tell us about a nearby getaway. If you find yourself traveling up Interstate 5 this summer and need a spot to stop and stretch your legs, you might consider Alder Creek Community Forest. It has lots of overhead tree cover that will help keep you cool on these warm summer days as you wander around several looping trails. To get there, take exit 98, and just five minutes west of I-5 on Canyonville-Riddle Road you will find an intricate and well maintained trail system designed for education and exploration. The Alder Creek forest website says its mission is to provide a “safe place for exploring the outdoors, and for lifelong learning and dialogue to address challenges in sustaining forests, watersheds and communities.” The forest hosts educational seminars and group hikes for the community and local schools, but it is also open for public use. The forest covers 78 acres and includes more than 3.5 miles of hiking trails. There is also excellent signage so you won’t get lost along the way. The trails all intertwine, which provides plenty of options depending on how much time you plan to spend. You can choose to walk the entire outer rim of the forest, cut through the middle, go for a quick out-and-back walk, or just wander around exploring. Each trail is unique and leads up to a summit, down to a stream or over a bridge. The forest features beautiful madrone trees, intricate mushrooms, salamanders, snails and frogs. Half the fun in this hike is directing your attention toward what is often a damp and mossy surface teaming with life. You never know what little critter will pop up next. Stumps are also a great place to investigate, as they are covered in moss and are home to small mushrooms, frogs, snails and lizards. This is a great trail system for families and children, because it’s not very strenuous and provides plenty of tidbits of nature to explore. With its proximity to I-5, it's an easy place to pull over for a break when your children keep asking “are we there yet?” It is a very leisurely hiking spot and valuable for its ability to provide an education about the various trees, animals and forest conservation. David Clewett lives in Bend. By David Clewett for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By David Clewett for the Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 13, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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