As the days warm up and the snow melts in the valleys, it is a perfect time to revisit one of Republic’s own natural gems: Perry Wilderness Park. This is a great spot to quickly recharge with a dose of nature and exercise during your lunch break, after work or with the family during the upcoming school vacation. My research for a story about this local recreational opportunity led me to a brochure (nearly out of print now) which had been created by Americorps volunteers in 1995. The text of that brochure, written 19 years ago by Americorps member Sara Smith, still holds up as an excellent description of the human and natural history of the park. Therefore, I have decided to share it here (with permission), rather than try to create my own version:

 Are you dreaming about summer hikes through tall pines and fields of wildflowers in our beautiful Kettle Range? Short strolls, day hikes, extended backpack trips: the Kettle Range offers outdoor recreationists a multitude of hiking opportunities. Though I look forward to many more weeks of winter fun, as the days get longer and a little warmer, I, too, sometimes start to think of the coming summer months and the hiking opportunities available in our local mountains. When my thoughts turn to summer hiking, I will dig into my map collection and start to make plans.