Forest Park: 1st Wildwood Trail Thru Hike of the Year

Where: Wildwood Trail
When: Saturday, Jan 4, 2014
Time: 8:00 am
Meet: World Forestry Center
Distance: 32 miles without car shuttle (30.2 with)
Pace: 3.0 mph - 3.5 mph
Duration: 10-11 hrs
Difficulty: Difficult due to distance and pace

THIS IS NOT AN EASY HIKE! I averaged 3.0 mph the last time I did this. My hiking time was 10 hrs 45 min but my overall time was 12 hrs 30 min. I left the Forestry Center at 6:00 am and made it to the bus stop on Hwy 30 at 6:30 pm to catch a ride back into town to get my van. I doubt if I can walk too much faster but my goal is to shorten the breaks so be prepared to eat on the fly.

Barring extreme weather conditions, this is a rain or shine hike.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/c/c/8/600_319523752.jpeg

Bring plenty of food and water as there is none along the way. The trail will be wet and muddy in spots so good hiking boots or shoes will be helpful. January in Portland means rain is likely. It will be dark long before the hike is over so bring at least 2 headlamps or flashlights with extra batteries. Bring $2.50 in exact change for the bus and MAX ride back to the Forestry Center. It's easiest to park in the small lot above the zoo directly across from the Vietnam Vets Memorial where the parking is still free until Jan 10th.

If you don't want to take a bus and MAX back to the starting point you will need to arrange for someone to meet you at the end of the trail on Newberry Road. If you would prefer to car shuttle please contact me and we will figure out arrangements.