What we’re about
This group is for nature lovers and photographers who like to soak in the moment, ID plants, birds, and wildflowers, pick up rocks, commune with waterfalls, meet wildlife, practice mindfulness, or just feel like taking it easy today. Our hikes are short and sweet and we incorporate a lot of pauses.
We take full advantage of full moons, eclipses, meteor showers, sunrises, sunsets, meteorological phenomena, low tides, king tides, bird migrations, whale migrations, salmon migrations, wildlife viewing, peak wildflower blooms, plant and tree ID, prime rockhounding spots, unique natural features, waterfalls, nature instruction, guided meditation, gardens and gardening, and weird stuff around the Portland periphery.
Membership denotes agreement to:
Be 18 years or older, leave all pets at home, be vaccinated for COVID, and refrain from smoking/vaping, alcohol, and/or any recreational drugs during our time together.
Always check your email and the event page of the hike you've signed up for to see if there are any last minute changes. Sudden weather developments are often a factor, especially in winter.
Update your RSVP if your plans change. Be advised: 3 No Shows and you will be asked to find another hiking Meetup.
Get there early. Events start at the time posted, so give yourself plenty of time to find a parking spot, gear up, use the restroom, pay your fee, and be ready to go. Leave at least 15 minutes early for nearby events and 30 minutes early if the drive is going to be over an hour. Don't rely on GPS, read the directions in the event description, too.
Read the WHOLE event description. Sometimes, I'll be sending attendees the address/location the day before the event and you'll want to know where to watch for it.
Let me know if you prefer not to have your photograph posted or tagged online. Privacy is important, so if you find your image has made it into the photo albums, contact me and I will remove it, no questions asked.
Take responsibility for your own safety and comfort and understand that the hike organizer is not liable for any incidents that may befall you during the event. To that end, I respectfully request that you refrain from alcohol or any recreational drugs during our time together.
I really appreciate it. See you out there!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Photographing the Roosevelt Elk Rut & Fishhawk FallsJewell Meadows Wildlife Area, Seaside, OR$10.00
Right now, the Roosevelt Elk of Oregon are embroiled in a violent speed dating contest called the rut. It's like Tinder with weapons. Lots of yelling, clashing, chasing, talking smack about each other--it all just makes you glad you survived your 20s.
The Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area in the Oregon Coast Range is THE spot to view herds of horny (see what I did there?) ruminants doing their thing at dawn. Nearby is an easy stroll to a lovely waterfall that spreads Fishhawk Creek into a 62-foot high fan and 10-foot cascade over glossy black basalt. The cathedral-like forest of moss-frosted cedar and fir with a burbling creek running through it is ethereal, lots of bird and moth action.
We'll meet in the main parking lot of the elk viewing area and spend 30 to 60 minutes watching the fur fly. There is a short trail system that allows you to get right up to the fence, you'll be anywhere from 50 to 800 feet from the action. If the herds aren't visible, we'll head up the road to a few other viewing spots to find them. I'll give an overview on Roosevelt Elk, explain the rut, and give you some tips on when to see the cute baby calves later on.
Then, we'll drive 3 miles further to the Lee Wooden Fishhawk Falls County Park and commune with the falls during an easy 0.5 mile round trip stroll on relatively flat, dry trail and a couple wooden bridges with stairs. A quarter mile further up the road is a fine view of the falls from above with ample parking. I'll provide bird, plant, and nature ID.
Afterward, you can stop off at the elk viewing spots again on the way back to see if anybody's started anything or continue north on the 202 for 27 mi. to Astoria to make a day of it.
Bring $10 cash, water, snacks, binoculars/scope, camera, birding books/apps, and WEATHER appropriate clothing. Spectacular flush restrooms at elk viewing site (I mean that, it's the nicest facilities I've ever seen!) but none at trailhead. Free parking at both. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.
- Oregon Donkey Sanctuary Field TripOregon Donkey Sanctuary, Oregon City, OR$10.00
Did you know donkeys are super affectionate, sensitive, and kind? Have you ever snuggled close to a soft, warm donkey and looked deep into two soulful brown eyes? Wanna brush one?
The Oregon Donkey Sanctuary is just chock-full of cuteness and opportunity in all shapes, colors, and sizes--even adorable miniatures! Rhonda and Jim Urquhart's 40 acre farm in Oregon City evolved from a satellite facility for Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, fostering and adopting out neglected and abused donkeys to new homes, to the Oregon Donkey Sanctuary in 2021. It quickly received the Oregon Humane Society’s Diamond Collar Award in 2023 and now they're building an equine therapy program.
They'll give us a guided tour where we will learn all about their operation, different donkeys and their backstories, donkey body language and communication--we'll even get to brush and pet them! If our group is large, they'll split us into two tour groups. We'll be walking on flat ground but it is a barnyard, so be prepared to enjoy dust, mud, donkey hair, dog hair, cat hair, and the occasional chicken feather.
NOTE: Donkey's are highly intelligent and keen on self-preservation with excellent personal boundaries. You can call that stubborn if you want, but they know what's what. They will choose you. Please do not feed them anything and make sure you don't have any food on your person. Remember, they are smart as a whip and have a spectacular sense of smell. To that end, please also skip the perfume/cologne today.
The Oregon Donkey Sanctuary is completely nonprofit and volunteer- and donation-driven. The impressive facility is an awe-inspiring labor of love. To preserve this vision, they ask only that you sign an online waiver beforehand and consider making a donation of your choice--you can even sign up to volunteer! They have swag and souvenirs (cash/debit/cc), so you don't have to go home with just pictures.
Please arrive between 10:30 AM and 10:45 AM to check in with me before the tour begins at 11 AM.
Bring $10 cash, some money for donation, water, camera, WEATHER- and barnyard-appropriate clothing including boots for mud. Sign the electronic waiver at this link before you arrive. Restroom facilities on site. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.
- Full Moon Rising Over Killin WetlandsKillin Wetlands Nature Park, Banks, OR$5.00
The full Hunter's Moon will rise at 6:22 PM on what will hopefully be a clear Monday evening in October. From Killin's parking lot, you can get a pretty tasty view with a telephoto when the sunset often dresses Mt. Hood in a pink negligee for the evening--Ooo, la, la!
First, we'll walk very slowly about 1 mi. total out and back down paved NW Cedar Canyon Road to the west slough to photograph waterfowl, nutria, and maybe an elk or otter. Swans, geese, and winter migrants will be arriving so it should be good birding. If time allows, you can explore the little 0.7 mi. trail loop through the park, itself, before it gets too dark. Then we'll return to the parking lot, set up our tripods, snuggle into our chairs and blankets, and watch for the moon to become visible over the hills around 6:45 PM at 80° azimuth.
Bring $5 cash, water, headlamp/light source, binoculars/scope, camping chair with blankets, weather appropriate clothing, and all your photography gear. Restroom on site. Adults only, please, and no pets, please.
