What we’re about
This Meetup 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 group for people who for health reasons need to take it a bit slower, who want to stop and ID plants, pick up rocks, listen to birdsong, take photos, practice mindfulness, and soak in the moment.
Tips for enjoyment:
Always check 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.
Events start at the time posted. Get there early so you can situate yourself, pay your fee, and be ready to go.
Update your RSVP if your plans change. It really matters to others, especially hike leaders. Three no shows and you will be asked to find another hiking Meetup.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Full Moon Rising Over Killin WetlandsKillin Wetlands Nature Park, Banks, OR$2.00
The full Pink Moon will rise at 8:17 PM on what will hopefully be a clear Tuesday evening in April. 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 half a mile down paved NW Cedar Canyon Road to the west slough to photograph glassy reflections, waterfowl, nutria, and maybe an otter or two. Bald eagles are nesting near the parking lot and elk sometimes come down from the hills. 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 gather in 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 8:30 PM at 112° azimuth.
This is the time of year when the moon rises very close to Mt. Hood so you have a better chance of getting them both in the same shot.
Bring $2 cash, water, headlamp/light source, binoculars, a camping chair, blankets, weather appropriate clothing, and all your photography gear. Restroom on site. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks. We're settin' out promptly at the start time, so get there early.
**This will be the last full moon hike until temps cool down again in the fall. I'm a polar mammal and prefer jacket weather.***
- 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 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 so 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.
