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
Guided Rockhounding Tour: Short Beach
Short Beach, Oregon, OR, USIf you've ever gone beachcombing and come home empty-handed, you're just not looking in the right place. I know all the tricks.
Join me on a guided rockhounding tour for agates, jasper, and crystals on Short Beach near Oceanside. I'll provide rock and nature ID and teach you how and where to look for all sorts of treasures.
Along this stretch, I have found sea glass in snowy white, brown, and bright green; Caribbean blue chalcedony, carnelian, and agates of white, gold, cream, light green, amber, fire red (carnelian), and grey; bizarre metamorphic formations; porphyritic basalt; jaspers in red, ochre, yellow, black, and the famous deep forest green Oregon Green Jasper; calcite, zeolites, and quartz crystals inside cavities; shells like snow white whelks, sand dollars, clams, turban snails, mussels, shore crab pincers and Dungeness carapaces, three kinds of limpets; and all sorts of freaky sea creature stuff.
First, we'll carefully descend the brand new set of nice stairs with a railing (thanks, TKO!) down to the water and do some tidepooling around the main sea stack. Then, we'll slowly hike to the farthest point on the beach where the best agates and crystals are and leisurely glean our way back to the beginning where some driftwood logs make nice seating to watch the waves and seagulls.
We'll cover about 1.25 mi. very slowly. Much of the beach is sand at low tide but we'll be walking over large, loose cobble to get to it and negotiating our way around slick rocks while rockhounding, so excellent hiking footwear and trekking poles are highly recommended.
You are welcome to pause and sit on rocks at any time to relax and meditate or turn back early to wait for us on the driftwood by the stairs, this hike is all about basking in the moment. Peregrine falcons nest nearby and various shore birds are usually around. Short Creek, Larson Creek Falls, and a tiny unnamed creek all empty onto the beach, gathering unique coastal wildflower species at their feet. The waves always curl beautifully and photogenically in this cove, they are mesmerizing to watch. Linger as long as you like.
Afterwards, I usually head a few minutes north up the road to the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint for the good restrooms and then back to Tillamook via the new Cape Meares Loop Road overlook for a little sea gazing and panoramic photography, you are free to join me.
Bring $10 cash only, sturdy hiking boots, WEATHER appropriate clothing, trekking poles, water, snacks, binoculars, camera equipment, and something to put your rock stash in (I like Ziploc bags). Restroom on site. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.
4 attendees
Past events
553
