What we’re about
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
3
- $10.00
Whale Watching: Cape Meares Lighthouse and Coffee
Cape Meares Lighthouse, 3500 Cape Meares Loop, Tillamook, OR, USWhale watching season is back! Tens of thousands of gray whales are currently migrating from Alaska to Hawaii and Mexico. About 30 pass by per hour and when they're feeling frisky, you might see some flipper slapping, lobtailing, or breeching--one time, I got all three!
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is just the spot for spotting, with multiple overlooks, paved trails, and Oregon's smallest, cutest lighthouse perched 200' over the water on the edge of a cliff.
We'll meet in the parking lot (look for my deep blue Honda CRV, I'll be in a navy windbreaker) and slowly walk the 0.5 mi. round trip paved loop, pausing to peer over overlooks, photograph the lighthouse, and scan the waves for whale action. On the south side return trail, we'll have spectacular views of Three Arch Rocks, the entirety of Short Beach, and a rock that's usually slathered with a coating of noisy Steller Sea Lions, the largest of all the lions of the sea. I've also spotted energetic wrentits, eagles, peregrines, cormorants, and seasonal migrants, too. Restrooms on site, no parking fee.
Afterwards, we'll reconvene at Five Rivers Roasters (3670 Hwy 101 N, Tillamook, OR 97141) in Tillamook for some hot java and conversation in a cozy coffeehouse. They roast their beans on site and have baked goods and sandwiches. Leave for home by 3:30 PM if you don't want to drive back in the dark.
GREEN FLASH BONUS: Conditions will be ideal to see the green flash at sunset (4:59 PM), so I will be heading to the Cape Meares Overlook back near the lighthouse at 4 PM, feel free to join me. You will need binoculars to see it and I have two pairs to lend (I'll be looking through my spotting scope). It will be breezy and chilly at the site by then but you can stay in your car until the last minute, I'll tell you when it's time to start lookin'. Here's a link to the last time we saw it, it was the largest one ever!
Don't bother trying to photograph it unless you have a very rigid tripod, a powerful camera, and a spectacular zoom. No guarantees it will appear, but trust me, it's a bucket list natural phenomenon that's worth the effort, plus I'll teach you exactly what to look for in future sunsets. This side trip adventure will only add an hour to our day and will get you back to Portland after rush hour (double bonus!) No restroom on site, no parking fee.
Bring $10 cash only, WEATHER appropriate clothing, binoculars/scope, camera gear, snacks/water for the whole day. Location is exposed to sun/wind. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.10 attendees - $10.00
Full Moon Rising Over Killin Wetlands
Killin Wetlands Nature Park, 46280 NW Cedar Canyon Rd, Banks, or, USThe full Snow Moon will rise at 5:15 PM on what will hopefully be a clear Sunday afternoon in February. From Killin's parking lot, you can get a pretty tasty view with a scope or telephoto.
First, we'll walk very slowly about 1 mi. total out and back down paved and inclined NW Cedar Canyon Road to the west slough to photograph waterfowl, nutria, and maybe an elk or otter. Swans, geese, and winter species have settled in and the water levels are back to normal so it should be good birding. You are free to come a half hour early to explore the little 0.7 mi. trail loop through the park, itself.
Then we'll return to the parking lot, set up our tripods, snuggle into our chairs and blankets, and watch for the moon to make its grand entrance around 5:40 PM at 63° azimuth. There should be quite a few planets visible, too.
Bring $10 cash, water, headlamp/light source, binoculars/scope, camping chair with lots of blankets, WEATHER appropriate clothing with extra warm layers, and all your photography gear. Restroom on site. Adults only, please, and no pets, please.3 attendees - $10.00
Full Moon Rising Over Killin Wetlands
Killin Wetlands Nature Park, 46280 NW Cedar Canyon Rd, Banks, or, USThe full Worm Moon will rise at 6:39 PM on what will hopefully be a clear Tuesday evening in March. From Killin's parking lot, you can get a pretty tasty view with a scope or telephoto.
First, we'll walk very slowly about 1 mi. total out and back down paved and inclined NW Cedar Canyon Road to the west slough to photograph waterfowl, nutria, and maybe an elk or otter. The very earliest spring migrants will be trickling in, but swans, geese, and winter species will probably still be around so it should be good birding. Trees will be budding and wildflowers will be waking up. You are free to come a half hour early to explore the little 0.7 mi. trail loop through the park, itself.
Then we'll return to the parking lot, set up our tripods, snuggle into our chairs and blankets, and watch for the moon to make its grand entrance around 7:00 PM at 87° azimuth. There should be a few planets visible, too.
Bring $10 cash, water, headlamp/light source, binoculars/scope, camping chair with lots of blankets, WEATHER appropriate clothing with extra warm layers, and all your photography gear. Restroom on site. Adults only, please, and no pets, please.1 attendee
Past events
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