About us
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 runs, elk ruts, wildlife viewing, peak wildflower blooms, fall colors, plant and tree ID, prime rockhounding spots, unique natural features, waterfalls, nature instruction, 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, pay the parking/entrance fee if there is one, gear up, use the restroom, pay your event 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, a lot of our meeting spots are remote and/or unnamed, so read the directions in the event description carefully.
Read the WHOLE event description.
Let the Organizer 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 the Organizer and it will be removed, no questions asked.
Take responsibility for your own safety, comfort, and enjoyment and understand that the Organizer is not liable for any incidents that may befall you leading up to, during, or following the event.
Understand that all proceeds go to the Organizer's expenses, including Meetup subscription, parking passes, park entrance fees, and gas. The Oregon Donkey Sanctuary event donates half the proceeds of that event to the sanctuary.
Refund Policy: If you are attending an event and it is unable to proceed as planned due to unforeseen events beyond the Organizer's control, a refund will be offered during that event. Refunds will not be issued after the conclusion of the event.
See you out there!
Upcoming events
2
- $10.00
Panther Creek Falls and Coffee
Panther Creek Falls Trailhead, NF-65, Carson, WA, USThis place is truly phenomenal, like a Tolkien fever dream. The Northwest Waterfall Survey describes it thus:
Visually Panther Creek Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in all of the United States. Found where Panther Creek plunges over a pair of steps in its valley, the creek begins by rushing towards the upper cliff, with a small portion of the creek splitting off from the main flow and plunging directly over the edge.
The remaining 90 percent of the stream makes a hard right turn and follows a natural trough along the top of the cliff, contouring around the top of the horseshoe-shaped basin until reaching the far side, then plunging in a twisting fall for 69 feet to the bottom of the first step.
Immediately adjacent to the main stream a large spring sends a broad veil of water sheeting 102 feet down the side of the canyon. After the collective waters of these streams merge, they plunge over the second tier in three distinct channels, falling 30 feet into a pool, with a broad 4-foot ledge immediately below to culminate the formation.
Without visual aids to illustrate the scene it's quite complicated to imagine and grasp the complexity and eclecticism.
We'll meet at the Panther Creek Falls parking area and slowly walk the 1.0 mile total roundtrip out-and-back forest trail that covers an upper viewing area and then some steep switchbacks to the base of the falls. There may be blowdowns and slick rocks/roots, so trekking poles recommended.
I've spotted Calypso Orchids poking up from the moss like little pink dragons and heard the ethereal song of Swainson's Thrush in the trees. The drive up can reveal bald eagles and ospreys along the Columbia River and elk, turkey, and deer along Wind River Highway.
We'll linger for a while at both viewing spots to really absorb the place, so you'll have time to set up your photography gear for stills and video, just know that audio may be compromised by passing groups of hikers.
Afterwards, we'll reconvene in Carson, WA, at Crosscut Espresso and Deli (1252 Wind River Hwy, Corner Cloverdale Ave., Carson, WA 98610-3257) for java and lunch. They serve up local Columbia River Roaster beans and a variety of sandwiches. We'll sit outside in the nice weather if we can snag one of their picnic tables.
***Cell phone reception is sketchy where we're going, so screen shot this page and your map directions.
Bring $10 cash, +$6 for bridge tolls cash/credit, water, snacks, binoculars, camera equipment, and WEATHER appropriate clothing. No restroom on site, but lots of cover, if you know what I mean. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.
6 attendees - $10.00
May Day Birding: Round Lake, WA
Vancouver Lake Regional Park, 6801 NW Lower River Rd, Vancouver, WA, US***SEE DRIVING DIRECTIONS AT BOTTOM***
The Shillapoo Wildlife Area provides almost 2500 acres of beautiful habitat for overwintering waterfowl along the Columbia River floodplain. In late April, when the Tundra swans and Sandhill cranes are moving out, the warblers, white pelicans, and Bullock's orioles are moving in.
Everybody is in their breeding plumage, lookin' sexy. My favorite is the Ruddy duck who dons a sky blue bill, just for the ladies. The trees are full of song, the ponds are quacking and splashing, and the ground is moving with micro-bunnies--baby bunnies are freakin' adorable! Last year, I spotted a mother river otter teaching her baby to fish.
I know a secret spot. The views are magnificent, encompassing wetlands, ponds, sloughs, and green fields with cows nursing their spring calves, as well as riparian forests of willow, ash, cherry, and gigantic white oaks with trunks four feet across. Hummingbirds zip across blackberry thickets and butterflies dance down the trail with you. Bullfrogs sing bass to a tree frog choir.
We'll meet in the paved parking area and do about 1.75 miles out and back very slowly along a level gravel road on top of a levee. You may be occasionally brushing through tall grass and wildflowers wet with dew. Trekking poles optional. Mosquitos love the ponds, so bug spray is a must. No restroom on site but occasional cover along the trail, if you know what I mean.
***There is a restroom along NW Lower River Road just north of the row of floating houses about 1.5 miles past the entrance to Frenchman's Bar Regional Park. Look for a large gravel parking area on your right. (Heading back home from the trailhead, it's about 1.4 miles out on your left.)
Bring $10 cash, water, binoculars, camera equipment, bug spray, and WEATHER appropriate clothing for full sun/wind exposure. No restroom on site. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Head towards Vancouver Lake State Park, but before you get to it, turn left on NW Lower River Road and go all the way to the end, about 5 miles. Park in the paved lot next to my deep blue Honda CRV. No parking fee.
2 attendees
Past events
551
