Clearwater Park/Dorris Ranch Walking Event in Springfield, OR

Grab your kids, pick up your parents, put a leash on your dog, and come walk the Middle Fork Trail along the Willamette River and into the historic Dorris Ranch. On August 9 the Eugene-Springfield Mossback Volkssport Club is hosting a walking event in Springfield, Oregon. Plan now to spend a gorgeous August day walking along the Willamette River and through the historic Dorris Ranch in Springfield, Oregon.

All Volkssport walking events are open to the general public and are suitable for all ages. They are free, self-guided non-competitive walks on clearly marked trails and pathways. Whether you want to stroll along taking pictures and stopping frequently, or want to walk a fast fitness route, the Volkssport walking events will meet your needs. All walkers register and carry with them a "Start Card" that is marked at any check points, and returned at the Finish Point. This lets the organizers know who is on the trail, and that every one has returned safely. And as always when walking, dress and be prepared for the weather whether it will be sunny or rainy, for the events will take place regardless of weather conditions.

The Clearwater Park/Dorris Ranch Walking Event begins at Clearwater Park in southeast Springfield (see directions below), follows the newly completed paved Middle Fork Trail that travels along the Willamette River and into Dorris Ranch. After visiting the Living History Village near the check point, the walking route follows a gravel road and dirt/bark paths through filbert orchards of this historic working farm before rejoining the paved trail back to Clearwater Park. The entire event is on Willamalane Park and Recreation District property.

This is an easy walk (rated 1A) that is mostly on a paved trail and has very little elevation gain. Wheelchairs and strollers will be easy to use on the paved trail, but may have some difficulty traversing the optional trails on the Dorris Ranch grounds. Dogs on leash are permitted except in buildings (please follow all park regulations regarding pets).

If you follow the entire route, you will complete 13 kilometers (8 miles); however, feel free to choose your own distance. Each kilometer will be clearly marked, and the Middle Fork Trail has mileage markers imbedded in the pavement. For example, for a 6 kilometer walk (3.72 miles), at the 3 kilometer marker, simply head back to the Start/Finish point.

You may begin your walk any time between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM from the registration table at Clearwater Park. All participants must return to the Finish Point before 4:00 PM. Water and restrooms are available at the Start/Finish point, and in Dorris Ranch at the checkpoint. Please bring a water bottle and plan to carry water with you on the trail so that you can stay refreshed and hydrated. During or after your walk, plan a picnic lunch in Dorris Ranch or at Clearwater Park, or drive a short distance and enjoy the Willamette River at Island Park near downtown Springfield, which happens to have some wonderful restaurants and cafe's along Main Street.

For more information about this walking event, contact Sally Ross at 541-726-7169, or Cheri Chevalier at 503-360-3757 or email aldercda@live.com

For additional information about Clearwater Park or Dorris Ranch, visit http://www.wilamalane.org

Directions to Start Point: I-5 North or South: Exit 194, Hwy 126 east to 42nd Street exit. Right on 42nd Street crossing Main Street and railroad to round-about at Jasper Road. Left onto Jasper Road to Clearwater Lane. Right on Clearwater Lane to parking lot.

Information for AVA Members

The Clearwater Park/Dorris Ranch Walking Event (Event ID# 98284) is sponsored by the Eugene-Springfield Volkssport Club. IVV credit is available for members following the standard procedures and fee of $3 (children are $1).

Challenges

• AVA: Walking USA A-Z (A-Z), Honoring Our Flag (HF)

• WOC: Waterways (WW), Landmarks (LM), Mountains (MT), KLUBS (KL), Cow Challenge (COW)

• ESVA: City Parks (CI)

For details regarding the Clearwater Park/Dorris Ranch Walking Event, visit the AVA event site:

http://www.ava.org/gen3/data/event_details.asp?eventid=98284

For information regarding the Eugene-Springfield Mossback Volkssport Club:

Visit http://www.mossbacks.org

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mossbacks.volkssports

E-mail mossbacksclub@comcast.net or call 541-726-7169