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
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.
4 attendees
Past events
551
