2026 Candlelight Hikes
January 3rd – Chad Erickson Park
February 7th – Upper Hixon *special event day
March 3rd – Gateway Trails, Grandad Bluff Park
These are free, all-ages events that begin at 5pm, and last until 7pm, or until we run out of fire wood!
Each location chosen utilizes a path that is considered easy to moderate. Candles will light the route, but if you’d like to see clearly where you’re stepping, consider wearing a headlamp or bringing a flashlight. We invite the entire community to join us for:
- Free s’mores and a hot drink, provided by ORA
- A candlelit path to walk or stroll, self-guided, beginning at 5:00pm
- A fun way to get outside in the winter and chat with friends in the community
Goose Island Grind 2026
Sunday, May 31st, 2026
2026 Goose Island Grind
The Goose Island Grind is a canoe, kayak, and SUP race on the Mississippi River around Goose Island County Park that is open to the public. Hosted by ORA Trails and directed by Jud Steinback and Chris Randles the event invites paddlers of all skill levels to participate in a fun and community-oriented race that benefits ORA Trails and encourages the public to get outside and explore La Crosse County’s waterways. This event will serve as one of the featured experiences during the Paddles & Premiers weekend, a collaborative celebration of outdoor recreation and film in partnership with Explore La Crosse and La Crosse Adventure Films
All abilities and non-standard paddle crafts are welcome! If you are interested in participating and unsure what races to register for, or you wish to use a non-standard paddle craft, please select “unsure or non-standard water craft” for race participation registration, and contact Jud Steinback at 608-316-5911 to talk about your goals.
Event Location: Goose Island County Park – Shelter #4 (North Boat Landing Area)
Race Route: 7.5 mile race course, following a marked canoe trail around Goose Island Park.
Event Schedule:
Mandatory Safety Meeting: 9:15am
Morning race: 9:30am
Lunch Provided & Morning Awards: 11:30-12:30pm
Mandatory Safety Meeting:12:45pm
Afternoon race: 1:00pm
Afternoon Awards: 3pm, or whenever final racer finishes
Cost: $35 Registration price is per paddler, and includes unlimited races + 2026 Goose Island Grind event shirt.
Note: Registrations after May 1st may not receive an event t-shirt
Trail Master Course
The Trail Master Course training course offers extensive and up-to-date trail building techniques taught by Mike Riter from Trail Design Specialists.
Stay tuned for classes in 2026!
Chainsaw Training Course
Have you ever been interested in learning how to operate a chainsaw? While in the field? Now is your chance!
*Stay tuned for 2026 chainsaw training course schedule
Events Calendar
Want to add the ORA Events Calendar to your Google calendar?
Want to add the ORA Events Calendar to your iCal calendar?
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