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
Early Wildflower Hike: Catherine Creek, WA
Catherine Creek Day Use Area/Trailhead, Old Hwy 8, Lyle, WA, USReady for some early spring pretties? The Catherine Creek Universal Access Trail is, hands down, one of the highest rated wildflower spots in the gorge.
A winding, paved route takes you on a tour of varied terrains along the sunny Washington side of the Columbia River. Black Oak and Ponderosa pine decorate basalt outcroppings where California Ground Squirrels bask in the sun like furry logs. Grassy slopes and little drainages are packed with over 90 varieties of wildflowers throughout the growing season. Mock orange and wild rose bushes collect colorful birds like Varied Thrush, Lazuli Bunting, and Lewis's woodpecker, not to mention sundry raptors--I've seen Golden Eagles!
The panoramic view of the Columbia River is jaw-dropping and Mt. Hood is prominent. Catherine Creek Falls is frothy in spring and frogs are usually in chorus. The air smells perfumed, like an exotic blend of sweat pea and freshly mown hay. This is the kind of place you want to just sit and linger.
We'll meet at my deep blue CRV in the parking area and then slowly walk the 1.5 mi. paved trail loop. There are a few benches at viewpoints and if conditions are favorable, we will pause for 10 minutes to soak up the ambience. Sections of the trail are on the steep side but we will be stopping often for wildflower/bird/wildlife photography and ID. The earliest blooms of the season and the first species of the spring bird migration are showing up, already.
Hood River Bridge Toll: The bridge is now fully electronic. Either sign up for BreezeBy and put a transponder on your car, or simply drive across the bridge and then go to this site to pay online within 14 days. Wait longer than that, and they'll tack on a fee. Toll rates here.
Bring $10 (cash only), water, snacks, binoculars, camera equipment, and WEATHER appropriate clothing (full sun and wind exposure). Restroom facility on site. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.
1 attendee - $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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