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
1
- $10.00
Flowers, Birds, and Volcanoes: Sherrard Point, Larch Mountain
Sherrard Point, Out there, Portland, OR, USThe wildflowers are so spectacular this year, we're doin' this one again!
SEE DIRECTIONS AT BOTTOM
Wanna climb a volcano in under an hour?
Larch Mountain is an extinct shield volcano (read: wide and flat) in the Columbia River Gorge and beautiful Larch Mountain Road is the highest forest road in Multnomah County. The trailhead parking lot sits only a few hundred feet below a grand lookout at the summit and we'll polish it off at our leisure.
The object of my lust on this trail every year is the Cliff Beardtongue. It's a hot pink little number that lights up the exposed basalt at the top like candles on a birthday cake. There's a LOT of wildflowers along the trail. I've also spotted red crossbills, warblers, pine siskins, eagles, playful ravens, and saucy Steller's jays. Mt. Hood is all drama from the viewpoint and on a good day you'll get St. Helens, Rainier, Adams, and Jefferson in the bargain! People get married up there just for the backdrop and the sunsets are legendary.
We'll meet in the parking area and do the 0.6 mile round trip trail out and back very slowly. The initial part is paved, very wide, and relatively flat but it transforms into a gauntlet of about 100 stairs before the summit. We'll be pausing for birds and wildflowers the whole way, but trekking poles help on the way back down.
NOTE: This trail is at elevation, which means you'll be feelin' it. We'll start at about 4000', as high as Government Camp, so take 'er easy and drink lots of water, it helps.
We'll linger at the top for photography and repose (no seating, just metal railings to lean on), however you're welcome to book it back down if you want to do part of Larch Mountain Trail #441 (a bridge may still be out but people are saying it's no biggie to cross the creek). We'll do a small gravel loop on the way back to check out a historic automobile turnaround buried in the trees with wild rhododrendrons and ferns.
Please get there at least 15 minutes early to gear up, pay your event fee, apply the bug spray (yes, the skeeters are out in force), and use the restroom because we will be starting promptly on time. Buy your Northwest Forest Pass online beforehand because they have gone fully digital and there's no signal at the trailhead, so they've removed the fee station there. They confirm your pass by reading your license plate now.
Bring $10 cash, secure your Northwest Forest Pass/America the Beautiful Pass beforehand, water, snacks, binoculars, camera equipment, trekking poles, insect repellent, and WEATHER appropriate clothing (full sun and wind exposure at the top). Restroom facility on site. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.
*** DIRECTIONS ***
Go east on I-84 and take exit 22 to Corbett.
After 1.4 mi., go left on NE Corbett Hill Rd.
After 0.5 mi. keep left on E. Historic Columbia River Hwy.
After 1.4 mi. keep right on E. Larch Mtn. Rd.
After 3.4 mi. keep left on E. Larch Mtn. Rd.
After 11 miles, park in fee lot. Look for my deep blue Honda CRV.5 attendees
Past events
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