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- Alpine Wildflower Photography Tour: Timberline LodgeTimberline Lodge, Government Camp, ORUSD 5.00
Back when I was a peak bagger in the Colorado Rockies, scaling 14,000' mountains on my day off (God, I was young), I learned to look forward each year to the first sighting of Alpine Forget-me-nots.
The tundra above tree line is a soothing spa of sunshine and silence and cold air clear as glass, the sky is above AND below you. Looking for wildflowers in crevices and depressions is like mining for precious gems. There are amethyst penstemons and ruby red paintbrushes and topaz lichens but my favorite is the Alpine Forget-me-nots in a sapphire blue so deep it makes the sky jealous.
We'll meet at the base of the steps to the main entrance of the historic Timberline Lodge and very slowly walk the little maze of paved and gravel trails above it for about 2 miles total. We'll wander wherever the flowers, birds, and butterflies are good, taking whatever route looks promising. If we're feelin' it, we'll find some rocks to sit on and bask for a few minutes. Afterwards, those who want a workout can continue west on Timberline Trail to explore further.
Photographers will get stunning views of Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, Illumination Rock, and Palmer glacier as well as Trillium Lake in the rolling green valleys below. We'll also be doing a lot of macros of wildflowers, so bring ALL the lenses.
WARNING: We will be at altitude, about 6000', so the air will be thinner and you will be working harder than usual. Drink extra water, it helps. If you are on blood thinning medication or diuretics, clear this hike with your physician. I'll put extra high altitude tips that smart climbers use down in the comments. Sections of the trail are on the steep side but we will be going very slowly and stopping often for wildflower and bird photography and ID. Bring the trekking poles.
Bring $5 cash, EXTRA water, snacks, binoculars, camera equipment, trekking poles, and WEATHER appropriate clothing (it will be chilly to start). Full exposure to sun and wind. Restrooms at the day lodge (the newer concrete building just SE of Timberline Lodge). Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.
- Oregon Donkey Sanctuary Field TripOregon Donkey Sanctuary, Oregon City, ORUSD 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, ORUSD 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.
