Two of Yachats’ best-known trails advocates put pen to paper to write and publish new book

By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews

YACHATS — Scenic walking trails are big attractions for local residents and visitors, but how did they come to be? And who keeps the forest and seaside paths clear and groomed for year round use?

The enlightening answers are in a new book, Yachats Trails … An illustrated History, which does more than look at the past but also offers up-to-date maps and walking guides for each of the five major trails in Yachats, plus parks and projects.

Created by two of Yachats’ best-known trails advocates — Joanne Kittel and Wally Orchard — the book is a colorful look at the walkways that bring so much pleasure to the central coast experience.

All profits from the $15 book benefit View The Future, a Yachats-based nonprofit devoted to land conservancy. The group is currently working to secure and protect Yachats Ridge, a 1,100-acre tract overlooking the city. Books are for sale at Books and More, Toad Hall, Fireside Motel and Cape Perpetua Visitors Center.

“The book is Wally’s brainchild,” says Kittel, who is co-chair of VtF. “I had written histories about the Amanda Trail, the Ya’Xaik Trail and others, but these were piecemeal. These trails tell a story, and the Yachats Trails Team has worked so hard to keep that story going.”

“The book is largely comprised of information that was already out there in different documents,” says Orchard, “but I wanted to get it all together in one place.”

Featuring many photos not seen publicly before, Yachats Trails offers 52 pages of content, assembled and edited by Orchard.

Orchard researched and identified the final printing firm for the self-published venture. The  the book has garnered “a very good response,” he says, and the initial printing run has already half sold out so a second printing is likely.

“There are so many people new to the area who don’t know about the trails and our Native American history,” says Kittel. “This book will help people appreciate how our successful trails system has evolved.”

Noting that the book contains a guide to enjoying all of Yachats’ major trails, Orchard adds that it makes a unique gift, for both visitors and residents. At a local restaurant recently, he was approached by a visitor who was interested in giving the book to friends and family.

“She wanted six of them, and then a few minutes later said ‘I’ll buy another 10.’ ” A week later, having had time to peruse the book, she ordered another 10.

• Cheryl Romano is a Yachats freelance reporter who contributes regularly to YachatsNews.com. She can be reached at Wordsell@gmail.com