What we’re about
This group is for people who don't hike in "mission mode." We don't race to the finish line, we stop and smell the roses. This is a great opportunity for people who like to soak in the moment, who want to stop and ID plants, pick up rocks, listen to birdsong, photograph waterfalls, practice mindfulness, or for health reasons just need to take it a bit slower right now.
Most of our hikes are short and sweet and/or incorporate lots of pauses for nature appreciation. We take full advantage of full moons, eclipses, meteor showers, sunrises, sunsets, low tides, king tides, bird migrations, whale migrations, wildlife viewing, peak wildflower blooms, prime rockhounding spots, unique natural features and phenomena, nature instruction, guided meditation, gardens and gardening, and weird stuff around Portland.
Membership denotes agreement to:
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. It really matters to others, especially Event Organizers. 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.
Let us know if you prefer not to have your photograph posted or tagged online. Privacy is important to us, so if you find your image has made it into the photo albums, contact Anna and she will remove it, no questions asked.
Understand that each Event Organizer has their own particular rules in addition to the above and it is up to them to let you know what they are ahead of time. Anna's rules for her events are that you must: be 18 or older, leave all pets at home, be vaccinated for COVID, and pay the posted event fee in cash before the start of the hike.
We really appreciate it. See you out there!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Wildflower Hike: Memaloose Overlook TrailMemaloose Rest Area - Eastbound, Mosier, OR$2.00
You may have pulled into the Interstate 84 rest stop near The Dalles where all the truckers go, and you may have stopped to enjoy the view from the Memaloose Overlook on Highway 30 above Mosier, but have you ever explored the stunning little trail that connects the two? This is another one of those hidden gems only the locals seem to know about.
It doesn't have an official name but everyone just calls it the Memaloose Overlook Trail. A mysterious old gravel road rises and falls through a big leaf maple forest flitting with warblers and moths and then vaults quickly up 300' gain to dramatic views of grassy meadows and basalt monoliths. The wildflowers are just insane during peak years. I've also seen eagles, vultures, deer, lizards, and a baby rattlesnake--he was adorable!
A rock walled overlook at the top gives you a breathtaking view of the Columbia River, the trails of Catherine Creek on the Washington side, and Memaloose Island below, which is a Chinook burial ground.
We'll meet at my truck at the I-84 rest stop and do the 1.4 mile round trip trail out and back very slowly. If conditions are favorable, we will pause at the top for 15-20 minutes of quiet repose. This is tick, poison oak, and rattlesnake country, so spray on the DEET and keep your eyes and ears open. I'll give you a fair run down of what to be alert for before we start and make sure to be the first one down the trail.
Please get there early to gear up and use the restroom, if necessary, because we will be starting promptly on time.
Bring $2 cash, water, binoculars, camera equipment, insect repellent, and weather appropriate clothing (full sun and wind exposure). Restroom facility on site. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.
- May Day Wildflower Hunt: Catherine Creek, WACatherine Creek Day Use Area/Trailhead, Lyle, WA$2.00
It's May Day and the peak of wildflower season!
The Catherine Creek Universal Access Trail is a winding, paved route through varied terrains along the Columbia River. It's on the Washington side right across from Mosier, Oregon, where Black Oak and Ponderosa pine are scattered amid rocky ravines and outcroppings. Grassy slopes and little drainages are packed with over 90 varieties of wildflowers throughout the growing season and the trees collect colorful birds like Varied Thrush, Lazuli Bunting, and Lewis's woodpecker, not to mention sundry raptors--I've seen Golden Eagles!
This is, hands down, one of the highest rated wildflower spots in the gorge. On top of that, the panoramic views of the Columbia River are jaw-dropping and Mt. Hood is prominent. Catherine Creek Falls are frothy in spring and visible from one of the benches, and the frogs are always in chorus. The air smells delicious, like an exotic perfume blend of sweat pea and freshly mown hay. This is the kind of place you just want to sit and linger.
We'll meet at the trail head on the south side (river side) of the road by the restroom and slowly walk the 1.5 mi. paved trail loop. There are a few benches at viewpoints and if conditions are favorable, we will pause for silent meditations to soak up the ambience. Sections of the trail are on the steep side but we will be stopping often for wildflower/bird/wildlife photography and ID.
Those who wish to linger afterwards and do the upper north trail into the hills are welcome to do so, but be advised it is a more strenuous dirt trail with a creek crossing and cougars have been sighted so be sure to skedaddle well before sundown.
Bring $2 cash, water, snacks, binoculars, camera equipment, birding and wildflower books and apps, and weather appropriate clothing (full sun and wind exposure). Restroom on site. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks. Please arrive early as we will be starting promptly on schedule.
- Birding: Goodspeed Road, TillamookGoodspeed Road, Oregon, OR$2.00
Goodspeed Road is the best kept birding secret of Tillamook Bay. There are no official signs, no official trails, just lots and lots of ornithological delights during the migration and you usually have the place to yourself. Divine!
Goodspeed straddles open fields and a riparian area on the edge of the bay where estuary meets forest. There is an impressive osprey nest visible along the route as well as Red-tailed hawks (there's a chonky one named Stumpy), bald eagles, and Short eared owls. I've seen veritable clouds of Rufous hummingbirds zipping after one another through the shrubbery like feathered ninjas. They're ruthless. Lots of woodpecker action on the snags, plenty of waterfowl in the drainages. I hope the meadowlarks are back when we get there!
We'll meet at the parking area and very slowly walk 1 mile round trip out and back along the gravel road. There's an uneven, grassy spur that leads to a little view of the waterway that may require poles for some. We'll pause at the furthest point to sit on driftwood logs (hopefully the tide has left some there for us) for 15-20 minutes before heading back. No restroom on site, no parking fee.
Afterwards, those who would like some more may follow me to the Brad Dawson Tidewater Access Park about 5 miles away to walk a few hundred feet out to a platform overlooking the confluence of the Trask and Tillamook rivers. Lots of good warbler-ing in the mixed forest there and I've witnessed 5-foot white sturgeon jumping out of the water! Restroom on site, no parking fee.
Directions from Goodspeed to the access park: Return to Highway 101 and turn south. Go 1 mi into the downtown area and follow signs to head west (right) on 131 to Cape Meares/Three Arch Rocks. Go 2 mi and look for a little paved parking area on your left with restrooms. There is parking in the gravel areas on either side of the park along 131, as well.
Bring $2 cash, water, snacks, binoculars/scope, camera equipment, birding and wildflower books and apps, and weather appropriate clothing (full sun and wind exposure). Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks. Please arrive early as we will be starting promptly on schedule.
