2025 Ornament Hunt FAQ

As you prepare for the 2025 Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt, you may have questions about how the event works — how to find ornaments, how to register for the grand prize, and how to stay safe in the woods. We've put together an FAQ to address these common inquires, but please email us if we can be of further assistance.

1. When will the trails be announced?

We will announce the trails that are part of the 2025 Ornament Hunt on November 21, 2025. That information will be available here, on our Ornament Hunt homepage, and on our guides to each participating ranger district.

2. I found an ornament on one of the trails; how do I register for a prize?

Congratulations! Visit our registration page, and fill out the form in its entirety by Dec. 20, 2025 — and you will be registered to win our grand prize.

3. Can I find an ornament on any trail in the Willamette National Forest?

No. We have chosen roughly 20 specific trails where ornaments will be placed; visit our Ornament Hunt homepage on November 21, 2025, for the complete list of where to find ornaments this winter.

4. Can I register more than one ornament?

Please only take one ornament per household. If you find multiple ornaments on the same trail, we ask that you only take one and leave the remaining for other potential finders. Duplicate entries will be discarded when selecting a grand-prize winner.

Note: We ask that more advanced hikers please leave ornaments that can be found within the first mile of the trailhead for less experienced hikers, families with children and those with a mobility or physical disability.

5. What happens to the ornaments that are not picked up by the end of the hunt?

We absolutely support efforts to leave no trace in the outdoors. Every ornament is recorded with its GPS coordinates and a location description. If an ornament isn't found, our volunteers will pick up all remaining ornaments by January 15, 2026.

6. I am looking for ADA-accessible trails or family-friendly hikes. What trails should I try? 

We have included several ADA-accessible trails this year, all of which will be announced on November 21, 2025. They are clearly marked throughout the website.

7. When will I know if I won a prize?

The prize winner will be notified via email by January 15, 2026. If a prize is not claimed via email or phone call within 48 hours of notification, another winner will be chosen.

8. I went on a trail that said it had ornaments, and I didn’t find any; how can I find one?

We try to keep our website updated with the latest information, but other hikers might have picked up ornaments — and either haven't registered their finds or decided not to register at all. We may share hints about remaining ornaments — such as the trails and specific locations — via Instagram and Facebook as the hunt continues.

9. Where do I find trail safety tips and/or closure information?

Check out these resources to make the most of your trip:

• Travel Oregon provides winter safety tips that include driving information, tips on what to pack, and more.
• The Oregon Department of Transportation's TripCheck tool provides real-time webcams and updates on road closures, delays, and weather.
• The National Weather Service website provides updated, in-depth forecasts for where you're visiting.
• Check your desired trail pages on the Willamette National Forest website, which will include closure updates and other helpful information.

Note that all trails selected for the ornament hunt are in non-wilderness areas and were open when the event began in mid-November.

10. What if my question isn't answered here?

If you have any other questions, email info@willamettevalley.org—and a team member will be happy to help as quickly as possible.