New trend in Oregon combines wine, hiking

'Wiking' trips are getting popular

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A new trend is combining two of Oregonians' favorite pastimes: hiking and wine.

The New York Times reports that "wiking" involves serious hiking and serious wine drinking, and several companies around the Beaver state are offering excursions throughout the spring, summer and fall.

WildRogue has a multi-day "wiking" trip scheduled for September that will take hikers to Black Bar Lodge, Marial Lodge, Rogue River Ranch, Paradise Lodge and Flora Dell Falls -- places that can only be reached by hiking or boating in. The four-day trip is $1,115.

People looking for something a little less pricey and less intense could check out Grand Cru Wine Tours.

This 9-mile hike cuts through wine country onto a portion of Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge.

It's $125 for the day and that includes tasting fees, lunch and a guide. "Wikers" will enjoy wine at Johan Vineyards, Left Coast Cellars and Firesteed Cellars.

Wanderlust Tours are also offering trips along the Metolius River in central Oregon.

If you don't drink wine, Wild Rogue is also catering to beer lovers through a "Hoplicious" hiking trip in September.