What we’re about
This group is for nature lovers and photographers who like to soak in the moment, ID plants and wildflowers, pick up rocks, listen to birdsong, commune with waterfalls, meet wildlife, practice mindfulness, or just feel like taking it easy today. To that end, 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, wildlife viewing, peak wildflower blooms, prime rockhounding spots, unique natural features, nature instruction, guided 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, gear up, use the restroom, pay your 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. You never know when you're going to run into a new construction zone or get trapped behind a Winnebago in a no passing lane.
Let me know if you prefer not to have your photograph posted or tagged online. Privacy is important, so if you find your image has made it into the photo albums, contact me and I will remove it, no questions asked.
Take responsibility for your own safety and comfort and understand that the hike organizer is not liable for any incidents that may befall you during the event. To that end, I respectfully request that you refrain from alcohol or any recreational drugs during our time together.
I really appreciate it. See you out there!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Birds and Volcanoes: Sherrard Point, Larch MountainSherrard Point, Portland, OR$5.00
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 rock penstemon. It's a hot pink little number that lights up the exposed basalt at the top like frosting on a birthday cake. I've also seen red crossbills, warblers, eagles, playful ravens, and saucy Steller's jays. Mt. Hood is dramatic 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 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 stairs, rock, and gravel before the summit. Some of the stairs are steep and tall. Go as slow as you need, we'll be pausing for birds and wildflowers, anyway. Trekking poles help if you have needy knees.
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 last time I checked, 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 (I hear there's a bridge out but people are saying it's no biggie to cross the creek). We have an option of a small loop on the way back to check out a historic automobile turnaround, but we'll see what shape that trail is in.
Please get there at least 15 minutes early to gear up, pay your fee, buy a parking pass (if you don't have a Northwest Forest or America the Beautiful Pass), and use the restroom because we will be starting promptly on time. There's a cash-only fee station on site for the parking pass or you can buy it online and print it out.
Bring $5 cash, $5 for day use parking pass (or your Northwest Forest Pass/America the Beautiful Pass), 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. - Oregon Donkey Sanctuary Field TripOregon Donkey Sanctuary, Oregon City, OR$10.00
Did you know donkeys are super affectionate, sensitive, and kind? Have you ever snuggled close to a soft, warm donkey and looked deep into two soulful brown eyes? Wanna brush one?
The Oregon Donkey Sanctuary is just chock-full of cuteness and opportunity in all shapes, colors, and sizes--even adorable miniatures! Rhonda and Jim Urquhart's 40 acre farm in Oregon City evolved from a satellite facility for Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, fostering and adopting out neglected and abused donkeys to new homes, to the Oregon Donkey Sanctuary in 2021. It quickly received the Oregon Humane Society’s Diamond Collar Award in 2023 and now they're building an equine therapy program.
They'll give us a guided tour where we will learn all about their operation, different donkeys and their backstories, donkey body language and communication--we'll even get to brush and pet them! If our group is large, they'll split us into two tour groups. We'll be walking on flat ground but it is a barnyard, so be prepared to enjoy dust, mud, donkey hair, dog hair, cat hair, and the occasional chicken feather.
NOTE: Donkey's are highly intelligent and keen on self-preservation with excellent personal boundaries. You can call that stubborn if you want, but they know what's what. They will choose you. Please do not feed them anything and make sure you don't have any food on your person. Remember, they are smart as a whip and have a spectacular sense of smell. To that end, please also skip the perfume/cologne today.
The Oregon Donkey Sanctuary is completely nonprofit and volunteer- and donation-driven. The impressive facility is an awe-inspiring labor of love. To preserve this vision, they ask only that you sign an online waiver beforehand and consider making a donation of your choice--you can even sign up to volunteer! They have swag and souvenirs (cash/debit/cc), so you don't have to go home with just pictures.
Please arrive between 10:30 AM and 10:45 AM to check in with me before the tour begins at 11 AM.
Bring $10 cash, some money for donation, water, camera, WEATHER- and barnyard-appropriate clothing including boots for mud. Sign the electronic waiver at this link before you arrive. Restroom facilities on site. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.
- Full Moon Rising Over Killin WetlandsKillin Wetlands Nature Park, Banks, OR$5.00
The full Hunter's Moon will rise at 6:22 PM on what will hopefully be a clear Monday evening in October. From Killin's parking lot, you can get a pretty tasty view with a telephoto when the sunset often dresses Mt. Hood in a pink negligee for the evening--Ooo, la, la!
First, we'll walk very slowly about 1 mi. total out and back down paved NW Cedar Canyon Road to the west slough to photograph waterfowl, nutria, and maybe an elk or otter. Swans, geese, and winter migrants will be arriving so it should be good birding. If time allows, you can explore the little 0.7 mi. trail loop through the park, itself, before it gets too dark. Then we'll return to the parking lot, set up our tripods, snuggle into our chairs and blankets, and watch for the moon to become visible over the hills around 6:45 PM at 80° azimuth.
Bring $5 cash, water, headlamp/light source, binoculars/scope, camping chair with blankets, weather appropriate clothing, and all your photography gear. Restroom on site. Adults only, please, and no pets, please.
