Klamath Falls, Oregon – A Saturday morning climb up Hogback Mountain will carry an extra message this September: leave the vape behind and see what your lungs can do on one of Klamath Falls’ steepest backyard trails.
Young people ages 9 to 18 are invited to take part in the free “Hike Hogback” event on September 26, combining a challenging local hike with food, raffles, activities and a simple theme — “Stay in Shape, Ditch the Vape.”
Klamath Project Youth Empowerment, in partnership with Lutheran Community Services Northwest, is organizing the event as a nicotine-free outdoor activity for local youth and families.
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Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at Foothills Christian Fellowship, 6200 Church Hill Dr. in Klamath Falls, with the group scheduled to begin hiking at 9 a.m. The church area also serves as the common starting point for the Hogback trail.
Guardians must be present during check-in. Any participant younger than 14 must remain with a guardian throughout the hike. Support hikers are also welcome to join.
Hogback provides considerably more of a workout than its proximity to town might suggest. The main out-and-back route runs roughly 3.5 to 3.6 miles and gains about 1,700 to 1,800 feet in elevation.
Sections of the trail are steep and covered with loose dirt and rocks, making sturdy footwear particularly important. The climb leads to wide views across the Klamath Basin, Upper Klamath Lake and surrounding peaks. The route begins behind the church near the hillside “M.” Parking is typically unavailable inside the gated church lot, so participants should plan accordingly and may need to park nearby.
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Beyond the one-day event, Klamath Project Youth Empowerment works with young people ages 12 to 18 who are struggling with substance use or considered at risk. Services include assessments and treatment, individual sessions, peer support, case management, prevention and education groups, and school-based programs.
Its prevention work also addresses tobacco and vaping, including the INDEPTH program.
For the September hike, organizers are pairing that prevention message with something tangible: a difficult climb, time outdoors and a nicotine-free morning shared with other local families.
Free food, raffles and activities are also planned. Youth and families are encouraged to register ahead of time through the QR code on the event flyer.
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Questions about KPYE or its services can be directed to 541-883-3471 or [email protected]. The program’s office is located at 2545 N. El Dorado Ave. in Klamath Falls.
