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
- $10.00
Big Birding Tour of Tillamook Bay
Pirate's Cove Restaurant, 14170 Highway 101 Ave N, Garibaldi, OR 97118, Garibaldi, OR, US***SEE DRIVING DIRECTIONS AT BOTTOM***
The name "Tillamook" is a Coast Salish word meaning "Land of Many Waters." It's also a land of many birds with over 356 recorded species on the county checklist.
In 20 years, I've covered just about every inch of the bay that the public can access--beaches, docks, jetties, rivers, marinas, points, forests, lakes, bars, and sloughs. Some spots are better than others and some are nearly invisible to the average tourist. I'll take you on a grand tour of my 8 favorites and tell you about half a dozen others.
We'll meet at the parking pullout for the Captain Robert Gray Historical Marker off Hwy 101 near Garibaldi (see directions below) and carpool from there to save on parking passes. We'll head north first to begin at the jetty and then wrap all the way around the bay to Cape Meares in the south. We won't explore the entirety of the areas listed below, this is more of a sampler tour so you know where to return in the future. We will spend the most time at the ones in bold.
North Jetty at Barview Jetty County Campground (restroom)
The Three Graces and Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad
The Crabbing Dock (restroom)
Garibaldi Marina and hidden beach (restroom)
Hobsonville Point and the Ghost Hole
Goodspeed Road
Tillamook Tidewater Handicap Fishing Access for lunch on the dock (restroom)
Bayocean Dike Road and Cape Meares Lake (restroom)We will be walking very slowly for very short distances (maybe a mile total for the day) on flat gravel, pavement, and dirt. The jetty is quite rocky and trekking poles are handy. The bugs are out, so insect repellent is recommended if you are delicious. Many of the locations are fully exposed to sun and wind, necessitating layers and a good sun hat.
Bring 10$ cash, water, binoculars/scope, camera, bug spray, trekking poles, beverages/lunch, and WEATHER appropriate clothing. Restrooms at various sites. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.
***DRIVING DIRECTIONS***
Find the Pirate's Cove Restaurant (14170 Highway 101 Ave N, Garibaldi, OR 97118) in Garibaldi and go about 200 feet past it to the west. Pull into the paved parking area for the Captain Robert Gray Historical Marker. Look for my deep blue Honda CRV.2 attendees
Past events
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