Oatka Creek Park

Event Registration: 10 am to 10:30

Starts: 10am to 11am

Courses Close: 1pm

Courses Available: 

Beginner (White)

Advanced Beginner (Yellow)

Intermediate (Orange)

Short Advanced (Brown)

Long Advanced (Green/Red)

Course Setter's Notes:

Oatka Creek Park is a combination of forest, old farm land and mining areas. The forest is fairly open...except where the wild roses have taken over. There's plenty of deadfall and many of the distinct, large trees are turning into rootstocks or tall stumps. Also, the May Apples have come up and are looking healthy. Unfortunately, they obscure the deadfall and low rocks...take care.

The old farm land has remained open in many parts but there are sections of trees that are now quite tall and, although you can see through them, will slow you down. There are areas that were formerly mapped as rough open that have filled in with ever expanding thick bushes. These are now mapped as green even though you could possibly make your way through them.

The mining areas remain an enigma to map...lots of small depressions, pits, deep pits and very deep pits with steep sidewalls. Only some of the pits are mapped since trying to put all of them on the map will result in a lot of overlapping symbols. Only the advanced courses will get to the biggest area of pits but if you decide to go exploring, be alert that given all of the rain we've had lately, edges are muddy and not very stable.

There are a couple of areas with deep, steep erosion gullies...stay away from the edges. Some have traffic cones to make you aware that caution is needed but there are a few that have no markings. The courses have been set to minimize the use of these areas.

Water levels are high so do expect some muddy areas.

All of the trails on the map are out there but there will be many deer trails that lead nowhere. There are lots of deer, more than in any of our other parks, and they tend to follow the same tracks...so check to make sure you really want to follow any trails that look fairly fresh.

Make sure you check for ticks!

String-O will be available to show off your speed!

Instruction is available at all events, just ask at the registration table.  Feel free to bring friends and family.

Pre-packaged snacks, fruit and jugs of water/Gatorade will be available.

Don't forget to sign up to volunteer and pre-register.

See you in the woods!