Category: Hiking
Posted June 26th, 2007 in Family Outing, Hiking, Milagros News, Outside of Portland, Wildlife |
One of our favorite local day trips is the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge in Ridgefield, WA (Exit 14 on I-5, head west and follow the signs when you come into the village of Ridgefield). The refuge is divided into three areas, two of which can be easily accessed by the public
The River S Unit offers an unique auto tour and a seasonal hiking trail (the Kiwa Trail which is an easy, level 1.2 mile loop). We have toured this area countless times and commonly see herons, egrets, ducks of all sorts, blackbirds, nutria, and much more.
The Carty Unit boasts a year-round network of trails that connects white oak woodlands to the marshy shores of Boot Lake and Duck Lake (the Oaks to Wetlands trails). There is also a longhouse similar to the kind used by the Chinook Indians when contact was made by Lewis and Clark in this area Volunteers try to have the longhouse open for visiting every weekend during the summer months.
Posted June 5th, 2007 in Family Outing, Hiking, Milagros News |
We are lucky here in Portland because we can enjoy the great outdoors and stay close to home.
There is great hiking on the coast, in the Columbia River Gorge, and on Mt. Hood but here are some suggestions for “in-city” hiking that let you stretch your legs, see the outdoors AND make it back for nap time!
Macleay Park to the Audubon Center: Park at Macleay Park and hike the Lower Macleay Trail to the Wildwood Trail (the junction is at the Stone House, continue straight at that point – don t go up the hill).The trail stays level as it follows Balch Creek and briefly heads uphill before reaching a parking lot. Head west 1/10 mile from the parking lot to the Audubon Center which has a nature center and rescued birds on display. This scenic hike is approximately 1 1/2 miles each way.
The Audubon Center also has some easy hikes right from its parking area. They also do some guided outings all over town. More Info.
The Interlakes Trail at Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area: Be sure to explore the fun stone sculptures in the parking area as well as the unique trees with bird houses and bat houses. From the parking area walk a little west to access the interlakes trail.
The trail provides access to viewing blinds for both Smith and Bybee Lakes. The trail is paved and level, perfect for a family stroll. Wildlife we have seen in the area includes turtles, fish, beavers, herons, ducks, snakes, rabbits, countless dragonflies, and much more. On a clear day you also enjoy some views of Mt. Hood from one the blinds. More Info.
Hoyt Arboretum: This area provides a lot of great easy hikes as well as some guided hikes. More Info.
Tryon Creek State Park: This park has a number of easy trails that include access to a creek where salmon spawn. They also have a nice nature center and guided family hikes including the fun “Story and Stroll” events. More Info.
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge: This area provides a lot of great birdwatching including hawks, quail, woodpeckers, and the great blue heron. Oaks Bottom is one of the favorite places of for blue heron because of its proximity to the rookeries on Ross Island. You can access the trail from the main trail head parking or for an alternative, park at Sellwood Riverfront Park and head north on the bike path until you reach the pedestrian underpass that allows you to cross the rail tracks in the refuge. More Info.
Happy Trails!
Posted May 22nd, 2007 in Family Outing, Hiking, Milagros News, Outside of Portland, travel |
A while back we posted a list of some of our favorite Gorge Hikes. Here is another quick reference list for family hiking on the Oregon Coast. There are PLENTY more to choose from but hopefully this provides a few ideas. Listed from North to South:
Tillamook Head: This trail gains quite a bit of elevation (about 900 feet) so it can be challenging for the kids but you will be following in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark expedition! You can access this trail from the north in Seaside (parking is free) or from the south in Cannon Beach at Ecola Park (day use fee). Really a great trail but be prepared for many rest stops and it is recommended for older kids who may enjoy the historical connection as well as the natural beauty.
Cape Falcon and Neahkahnie Mountain Trails: Both of these hikes can be accessed from Oswald West State Park. The hike to Cape Falcon leads through a coastal forest and ends at the top of the cape. It is about 3 miles round-trip.
Neahkahnie Mountain is the only peak on the north coast that rises directly above the sea. You can travel on the trail through the woods and past the Devil s Caldron back to the highway. If you make the return trip from this point the total hike is about 2.5 miles. If you want to continue up the mountain, cross the highway and be prepared for an elevation gain of about 1200 feet over the two miles to the top. But you will enjoy spectacular views of the ocean when you get to the summit (do it on a clear day!). Take US 101 to Oswald West State Park (about 10 miles south of Cannon Beach). No fee.
Munson Creek Falls: Not right on the coast but only about 8 miles from Tillamook this is the highest waterfall in the Coast Range. Dropping over 300 feet, the falls are a dramatic sight and the hike is an easy mile each way. Take US 101 about six miles South of Tillamook and then head east on Munson Creek Road for 2 miles. No fee. If you like waterfall hikes, check out this recent article in Oregon Coast Today.
Cape Lookout: Cape Lookout is one of the best whale-watching sites on the Oregon Coast. The ideal whale watch season is winter but there are hundreds of gray whales that stay off the Oregon Coast in the summer, so you may still see one this time of year. The hike is about 5 miles round-trip. Go to Cape Lookout State Park located off of US 101, 11 miles southwest of Tillamook to access the trail head. Day use fee.
Cascade Head Trail: This one is on our to-do list. Mainly because it offers access to an area that is home to the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly as well as a variety of rare wildflowers. The trail is six miles one way and can be accessed from the north or south. Both trail heads are off of US 101 a little south of Neskowin, Oregon.
804 Trail: This is an old road that is now part of the Oregon Coast Trail. It starts at Smelt Sands Park in Yachats. It passes a lovely rocky coastline that is great for exploring especially at low tide and ends at a seemingly endless sandy beach. Level, easy and about 1.5 miles round trip. Turn west on Lemwick Street just after you enter Yachats on US 101. No fee.
Cape Perpetua Hikes: There are many to choose from in the area. All are perfect for kids. Take the St. Perpetua Trail up to the lookout (about 3 miles round trip). Although up hill, there are plenty of views early on to keep the motivation going.
Other trails in the area provide access to the blowhole near Cooks Chasm (plan your trip for high tide) and to a giant sitka spruce. Both of these hikes are level and easy and only about two miles round trip. All of these trails can be started from the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center located 2 miles south of Yachats on US 101. Day use fee.
Heceta Head Lighthouse: This area is just a little north of the Sea Lion Caves. The beach next to the parking area is a great spot for a picnic, wading in the water, and kite flying. The trail to the lighthouse is only mile (1 mile roundtrip) and you may be able to enjoy a tour of the lighthouse at the top. On US 101 about 13 miles north of Florence. Day use fee.
Happy trails!
Photos: Tony and Gael at Heceta Head. Mila at stone house on top of Cape Perpetua overlook. The house was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the depression.
Posted April 1st, 2007 in Family Outing, Hiking, Milagros News, Outside of Portland |
Although hiking is a year-round activity, the real hiking season is starting now. It is sunny, it is lovely and it is time to hit the trails with your family in tow.
There are many wonderful hiking options in the Columbia Gorge, here is a quick list of some of our favorite Gorge trails within an hour of Portland:
Bridal Veil Falls: Bridal Veil Falls State Park has a nature trail and a trail to the falls. Both are short and easy. The trail to the falls is steep in parts but still fine for kids. Less than a mile in length. Exit 28 off I-84, head west on the Historic Columbia Highway for about 1 mile, the park will be on the right hand side.
Latourell Falls: A couple miles west of Bridal Veil on the Historic Columbia Highway is Latourell Falls. These falls plunge from a height of 250 feet. An easy 2 mile loop trail is accessible from the parking lot on the at Guy W. Talbot State Park The loop ends on the road so be careful of cars when you finish up. Exit 28 off I-84 head 3.4 miles west on the Historic Columbia Highway. The park will be on the left hand side.
Angels Rest: This one is for older kids. It is quite steep and the “pay-off” isn’t until the end, so younger ones may get a little restless. I hiked it with a friend’s six year-old and he held up great and was very proud of his accomplishment. Bring a lunch to enjoy at the top while taking in the incredible view. 4.6 miles roundtrip. Exit 28 off I-84, the parking lot for the trailhead is right at the junction for the Historic Columbia Highway shortly after you get off the I-84.
Multnomah Falls – Wahkeena Falls Loop: I have hiked this loop countless times. I have hiked it many times with Mila on my back but she hasn’t pulled off the whole thing under her own power yet. She has made the hike up to Multnomah Falls and I hope to try this loop with her again this summer. Overall I think this hike should be fine for a five or six year old with some hiking experience.
It is a nice hike with the steepest section being the hike up to the top of Multnomah (about a mile). From there you go over a stone bridge. Don’t go on the closed Perdition Trail. Head up the Larch Mountain Trail (441) to the junction with the Wahkeena Falls Trail (420). Once you hit the Wahkeena Trail you head East past a junction with trail 419 (you can take that trail to the North to shorten the hike slightly) and then downhill past Fairy Falls to Wahkeena Falls. Once you are at the base of Wahkeena Falls, take the Gorge Trail (400) back to the Multnomah Falls parking area. The total hike is about 5 miles. I-84 East to Exit 30 Multnomah Falls.
Horsetail Falls to Ponytail Falls: The neat part of this hike is going behind the falls. This is an easy hike although the initial section is steep. From the base of Horsetail Falls head up to Ponytail Falls (also known as Upper Horsetail Falls). The trail goes into a basalt cave behind Ponytail. The trip to Ponytail and back is only 1 mile and an east trek for young hikers. You can continue on the lovely Oneonta Trail from Ponytail if you would like a longer hike. I-84 East to Exit 35 head west on the Historic Columbia Highway about 1.5 miles. The parking lot is on the right, the trailhead will be on the left.
Wahcella Falls: This is a family favorite. The trail follows Tanner Creek and although it has a couple steep parts, it stays relatively level. The falls at the end of the trail are lovely and the trip is only 1 mile each way. Mila has been walking this one by herself since she was 2. We combine this hike with checking out the fish at Bonneville Dam. I-84 to Exit 40. Take a right off of the exit, the trailhead is right there. A Northwest Forest Pass is required or a day pass may be purchased at the trailhead.
Eagle Creek – Punchbowl Falls: Whenever friends come to visit Oregon for the first time and want to take a hike, I take them to Eagle Creek. It is a spectacular trail that passes countless waterfalls and offers stunning canyon views.The trail itself is a unique piece of work with expansive bridges, ledges carved into cliffs, and a tunnel behind “Tunnel Falls” (about 6 miles down the trail).
Parts of this trail requires some surefooted work. The more precarious sections have a cable handrail but definitely a trail for GOOD listeners. Not a trail for a large group of kids, individual kids not in a listening mood, and definitely go when the trail is dry. The trip from the trail head to Punchbowl Falls and back (4.2 miles roundtrip) has one section of trail with a cable handrail and with the right little hiking companion, it is a great experience. I-84 East to Exit 41. A Northwest Forest Pass is required or a day pass may be purchased at the trailhead.
Happy Trails!
Posted February 13th, 2007 in Family Outing, Hiking, Milagros News, Outside of Portland, travel |
We took a break this weekend. It was long overdue. Life has been hectic for too long and promises to remain hectic until….well, I am sure it will slow down at some point…Anyhoo, we were the high bidders at our church’s annual auction a few months back and ended up with a house in Seaside for five days….Not just any days mind-you, those five days had to be February 8 – 12. It was a pretty good sized house and we invited along some friends – including Jon Maus and his family, who gets credit for the fun photos from the trip.
We headed out on Thursday and hit Sweet Tomatoes in Beaverton for lunch. Sweet Tomatoes is a salad and soup buffet – very affordable and family friendly. Before long we got set-up in our beach rental which was a block from the beach and the Seaside Promenade – aka The Prom.
The Prom is a seaside walkway that was constructed in 1920. It is a little over 8000 feet long and provides a paved stroll with views of the ocean as well as connections into the “tourist commercial” area of town. It is perfect for a walk, bike, or roll with little ones.
Among other attractions on The Prom is the small but homey Seaside Aquarium. The main attraction here is being able to feed the seals. Kids under 5 are free, adults are $7 and fish for the seals is an extra buck.
Another diversion we took advantage of was the historic carousel ($1.50 per person). This is situated in a mall of shops that, as was remarked by our friend Jamie, “is like the island of misfit toys for shops.” Shop located there include The Aspirin Store, Mostly Hats, MaryAnn’s $12.99 store….you get the idea, memorable but odd names…
Of course, this is the type of “tourist-trap” thing I have always associated with Seaside and has resulted in me avoiding the area until now. Having spent some quality time there, I see that the commercial area is actually quite small and easy to avoid. Finding some solace on the beach was no problem.In addition to sandplay and walks on the beach the hiking in the area was a special treat.
On the southern end of the beach looms stunning and dramatic Tillamook Head. In a journal entry Captain William Clark described his view of the Oregon Coast from the top of Tillamook Head in 1806 as well as the native villages in the area – home to the Tillamook tribe. You can take in that view and much more by hiking the Tillamook Head Trail which begins in Seaside (at the end of Sunset across from the Whaler’s Point development) and ends at Ecola Park in Cannon Beach.
The hike offers an combination of “peekabo” coastal views, the seclusion of walking through a dramatic coastal forest, and unique views of how the area has been shaped by humans. Hidden among the second growth canopy are tremendous stumps with notches where loggers had placed springboards to fell ancient giants. From Seaside to Ecola Point the trail is 7 miles one-way.
Another local feature that I will come better prepared for in the future is the Necanicum River. This flat water river begins its journey at Saddle Mountain in southern Clatsop County and ends it journey at the ocean on the northern end of Seaside. It is definitely kayak-friendly.
Our last day on the coast was spent visiting some of our favorite nearby areas: Mazanita and Oswald West Park. This is getting more than a little long so we’ll give details on those areas another time.
Seaside is about 80 miles west of Portland. Take US 26 west to US 101. Take US 101 north about 6 miles to Seaside. Parking for day trippers can be best found north or south of Broadway rather than right on the main strip. The rental company for the home we stayed in was easy to remember: “Beach Realty.”
Posted January 31st, 2007 in Hiking, Kayaking, Milagros News, Wildlife |
One of our favorite nature spots in town is Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area on N Marine Dr. It is a great, kid-friendly outing any time of year (and it doesn’t hurt that it is only a 10-15 minute drive from the house).
We went for a stroll there on Sunday and enjoyed a peaceful walk that included stunning views of Mt. Hood as well as wildlife viewing. One especially interesting sight was all of the trees that had been felled by beavers. You could see the teeth marks in the stumps!
If you decide to check out this “wild in the city” gem, here are a few suggestions:
Walking: Be sure to explore the fun stone sculptures in the parking area as well as the unique “trees” with bird houses and bat houses. From the parking area walk a little west to access the interlakes trail.
The trail provides access to viewing blinds for both Smith and Bybee Lakes. The trail is paved and level, perfect for a family stroll. Wildlife we have seen in the area includes turtles, fish, beavers, herons, ducks, snakes, rabbits, countless dragonflies, and much more. This time of year you will see less activity but the area is still very much alive and enticing.
Paddling: The quality of paddling in the area depends on the time of year, late spring tends to be the best time because water level is at its peak. Right now the water level is pretty good for paddling but the area does get hammered on gusty days, so head out on a “still” day. Shore access away from the canoe launch is undependable, so make sure all ‘potty’ needs are met before you get in the boat. The canoe launch is a little east of the parking area.
Feeling REALLY ambitious and want a unique “in-city” canoe trip? Consider doing the Columbia Slough from Fairview to Kelly Point.
Biking: The bike path that goes through the area is part of the 40 mile loop and provides level riding around Smith Lake and all the way to Kelly Point Park.
Posted January 18th, 2007 in Hiking, Milagros News, Wildlife |
It has been a bit of a challenge to get far afield this Winter with an infant in the house. So we have been rediscovering adventures in town. The good news is that Portland has endless outdoor offerings that may be enjoyed anytime of year. One of these gems is Hoyt Arboretum.
Hoyt Arboretum offers a stunning display of trees and plants from all over the world. You can explore this vast collection on more than 10 miles of trails. All of the trails in the arboretum are family-friendly. Trail maps may be found at the visitor center that recommend easy 1 and 2 mile loops. The Redwood and Creek Trails are family favorites. In warmer weather, Hoyt is a great place for picnics.
On a clear day any time of year the Overlook Trail is a special treat. This 3/4 mile trail (one-way length) connects the Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center to the Oregon Zoo. This trail is ADA accessible and perfect for people using strollers. Although there is some uphill climbing, the grade is very gentle. The trail’s name provides a hint to its charm, it overlooks the West Hills and provides views of the Cascade Mountains.
Hoyt Arboretum can be accessed via TriMet, bike, or automobile. The visitor center is located at 4000 S.W. Fairview Blvd. Portand.
TIP – For folks wanting a longer trail experience, you can access the Wildwood Trail from the Creek Trail and hike to your heart’s content! Happy trails!
Posted December 30th, 2006 in Family Outing, Hiking, Milagros News, Outside of Portland |
Our plan was to head to the Barlow Trail or Trillium Lake for some snow play but decided to bail in Welches when mountain traffic suddenly backed up. So what to do when you aren’t quite up the mountain? We headed to one of our favorite family hikes: Old Salmon River Trail.
This trail is less than 5 miles round trip from the trailhead to a close Forest Service campground. The trail remains mostly flat for its entire length and follows the Salmon River through an ancient forest with huge Doug firs. There are plenty of places to rest along the way.
We recommend it for any time of year for a family hike and have explored it in the Spring, Summer, and Winter. This time of year the river is decked out in dramatic whitewater and the forest is a lovely mossy, green delight with frost and snow here and there.
Getting There: Head east on Highway 26 from Portland to Welches. Take a right on Salmon River Road (just before the Subway and shortly past the Union 76 gas station, if you get to the ZigZag ranger station, you have gone a little too far). Follow Salmon River Road for about 2.7 miles. The trailhead is on the right hand side shortly past the boundary sign for the National Forest. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking.
Posted November 29th, 2006 in Family Outing, Hiking, Wildlife |
We have a house full of people waiting for a baby to be born, which is a little stressful. So when the sun made a special guest appearance recently, my Pop and I took off for a hike. Not wanting to be too far from the house, we went stomping on the Wildwood Trail.
During that trek, we took a break at the Audubon Society of Portland and I spent every minute there mumbling to myself…”Why has it been a year since I brought Mila here?” Not only are there plenty of kid-friendly trails, you can view birds that have been rescued by the Society. This menagerie includes Julio the Great Horned Owl and Finnegan the Peregrine Falcon. You will also find a natural history display and The Nature Store.
The Nature Store has plenty of educational and whimsical items for young and old alike. PLUS you can save $10 off your purchase of $30 or more if you have a CHINOOK BOOK! To top it all off the Society has guided hikes, kid camps, and other educational activities all year round – including a performance by children s musician David Hall on December 9 at 1:30 pm.
One of my New Year resolutions will be to get my family there more often (this joins Tryon Creek State Park on an always expanding list), I hope to see you there:
Audubon Society of Portland
5151 NW Cornell Road, Portland OR 97210
Off-street Parking on site
*Another option is to park at Macleay Park and hike the Lower Macleay Trail to the Wildwood Trail (the junction is at the Stone House, continue straight at that point – don’t go up the hill). The trail stays level as it follows Balch Creek and briefly heads uphill before reaching a parking lot. Head west 1/10 mile from the parking lot to the Audubon Center. This scenic hike is approximately 1 1/2 miles each way and is definitely kid-friendly.
