Stone House Loop - Forest Park Series 1 of 9

Happy New Year!

Hike Intro
I've always wanted to do the Forest Park Conservancy Commemorative Map Set (10 Maps - 9 Hikes) and finally managed to purchase the maps as a New Years' treat. David and I will be leading these 9 hikes over the coming months; rain, shine, snow or sleet! So check the details and gear list below and join us as we provide a proper introduction to this Portland gem. And, of course, an option for lunch at Deschutes Brew Pub afterwards (210 NW 11th Ave, PDX 97209, 503-296-4906). See you on the trail, Marci Lane & David Carlsmith.

Hike Details
We will meet at Lower Macleay Park beneath the Thurman Street Bridge (online map locator: 2999 NW Upshur St., PDX, 97210) at 9:30am.
Moderate hike; 6.89 miles, 870' elevation gain, approximately 3.5 hours depending on group speed.
Weather currently calls for a high of 47 degrees, partly cloudy (which actually means partly sunny!) with a 10% chance of precipitation.
Well behaved, socialized dogs are welcome on this series. There may be off-leash dogs on the trail in general, if your dog does not do well in these circumstances, please don't bring him/her. (Bringing a dog may delay your participation in the pub lunch, but we'll save a spot for you just let us know!)
There will be no "maybe" rsvp's allowed. Please DO NOT rsvp "yes" unless you are certain you can attend. If your plans change, please update your rsvp to "no" so that someone else may attend. I will be monitoring "no shows" and will remove any "no shows" from future hikes in this series.
Assistant organizers may participate in this hike without rsvp'ing "yes"; please rsvp "no" and state that you will be there. That way the spots may remain open for other hikers.

Gear List
Comfortable hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction, mud and puddles guaranteed.
Water and snack.
Warm clothing in layers, preferably fleece and/or microfiber.
Rain jacket, gloves, extra socks and comfy shoes for post hike pub'ing.
Water proof or resistant pants and gators highly recommended.
Yak Traks, or similar footing stabilizers, recommended if the previous day's weather included snow or ice in the West Hills.
Money for parking and the pub lunch.

About The Maps
The set of maps introduces Forest Park users to a variety of trails throughout the Park. They each take a section of the Park and highlight a loop course. They progress from the southern to the northern end of the Park. Most of the 9 loops have one or two options with different starting points or alternate routes.

A Little History
At approximately 5,400 acres, Forest Park is the largest urban forested park in the United States. The Park was first conceptualized by the Olmsted brothers in 1903 (who also landscaped Central Park in NY and the layout of Yosemite Valley in CA) and formally recognized in 1948. The Park is home to more than 112 species of birds and 62 species of mammals. It serves as air purifier, water collector and erosion controller. More than 70 miles of trails and lanes crisscross the Park, although there are steep sections, most of the terrain is gently rolling and can be muddy in the winter and spring.