Our Tuesday and Thursday Series of Day Hikes and Rambles, Most Within Two Hours of Lake Oswego

Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation Hikes and Rambles Spring/Summer 2015 Calendar of Hikes/Rambles/Walks

Welcome to our Tuesday and Thursday series of day hikes and rambles, most within two hours of Lake Oswego. Information is also available at LO Park & Rec Activities Catalog . To recieve weekly News email send your request to [email protected].

Hikes are for hikers of intermediate ability. Hiking distance is usually between 6 - 10 miles, and usually with an elevation gain/loss between 800 - 2000 ft. Longer hikes, greater elevation gains or unusual trail conditions will be noted in the hike description. Hikes leave at 8:00 a.m., unless otherwise indicated. Rambles are typically shorter, less rugged, and more leisurely paced -- perfect for beginners. Outings are usually 5-7 miles with comfortable elevation gains and good trail conditions. Leaves promptly at 8:30a unless otherwise noted. Meeting Places All hikes and rambles leave from the City of Lake Oswego West End Building (WEB), 4101 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego. Park in the lower parking lot (behind the building) off of Kruse Way. Individual hike or ramble descriptions may include second pickup times and places. (See included places table.) for legend. All mileages indicated are roundtrip. Second Meeting Places Code Meeting Place AWHD Airport Way Home Depot, Exit 24-B off I-205, SW corner of parking lot CFM Clackamas Fred Meyer, Exit 12-A off I-205, north lot near Elmer's End of the Oregon Trail Interpretative Center, Exit 10 off I-205, right on Washington Street to EOT parking lot by covered wagons Jantzen Beach Target,Exit 308 off I-5, left on N Hayden Island, left on N Parker, SE corner JBT Target parking lot L&C Lewis and Clark State Park. I-84 exit 18. SPS Sunset Plaza Safeway, Exit 67 off US 26W, NW Murrary Rd. at Cornell, SE corner of parking lot WT Wilsonville Target, I-5 Exit 286/Elligsen Rd east, NW corner Target parking lot. CLICK For a map of meeting places, WEB and Second Meeting Places.

HERE Meeting times Hikes leave at 8:00a (unless otherwise noted). Rambles leave promptly at 8:30a (unless otherwise noted). New participants arrive 15 minutes early. Return time depends on hiking and driving distance. During the Winter walk schedule, if Lake Oswego schools are closed due to inclement weather, winter walks are cancelled. What to Wear Clothes suitable for weather conditions. Sturdy, lug-soled, waterproof walking shoes/boots, sun protection. What to Bring Daypack containing lunch, sufficient water, sun protection, trail snacks, rain gear, extra clothing and personal items such as sunglasses, insect repellent, first aid kit, compact space blanket, whistle and flashlight. Ticks and poison oak may be encountered. Parks &Recreation Fee A $1 per person Parks & Rec fee payable to hike leader at 1st or 2nd meeting place. Car Pooling & Fees Arranged among participants. Driver donation noted with each hike; bridge tolls shared by all. All mileage shown is roundtrip. Park Passes Northwest Forest Park Pass (NWFP) may be required for each vehicle at selected trailheads in National Forests. Drivers are responsible for obtaining passes prior to hike. State Park Pass (SPP) available at trailhead. General Information Hikes/rambles are not canceled due to rain. Leaders may change hike location due to hazardous driving or hiking conditions. Leaders may refuse to take anyone not properly equipped or who is judged incapable of making a specific trip. Participants accept responsibility for personal safety. No pets permitted. Hike/Ramble/Walks Calendar Month Days (select a day) JUL 2 7 9 14 16 21 23 28 30 AUG 4 6 11 13 18 20 25 27

JUL | Coordinators: Tuesday Barbara Manildi,Becky Richardson, Thursday Connie Crow JUL 2 - Hike Lava Canyon Changes: hike mile & elevation Leader: Liz Miner. 6.2 mi. 1500 ft. [Difficult] Sheer canyon from 1980 mud flow. Water falls. Suspension bridge. 60 ladder on basalt wall. Climb ship rock. Douglas fir, alder, & maidenhair ferns. Scout report: Liz says; 6.2 miles, 1500 ft elevation. Rating- difficult. WHAT TO BRING: lug soles for traction in some scree, poles, lots of water, hat/sunscreen, camera We'll dedicate the day to beauty of Mount St. Helen's! We will first stop at the lahar (volcanic mudslide) viewpoint for a grand view of the south side of St. Helen's and the site of that huge slice off the mountain. Then we'll drive a 4.9 mile dirt road to the Smith River end of the Lava Canyon Trail. There are a few potholes but not bad. At the beginning of our hike we will see some of the bare landscape and ancient lava cliffs exposed after the terrific mud slide caused by the 1980 volcanic eruption. We will follow the Muddy River (formed by the mudslide event) upstream. We'll hike through an area lush with ferns as we begin our difficult, but oh so rewarding, uphill trek. First to Shiprock, an island of sorts left behind by the rushing mudslide. It is a must climb! You'll want to take a photo of the waterfalls seen from atop this "ship". But you'll need to earn this view by climbing a 12 step iron ladder and scrambling to the viewpoint! Then we're off to a 40 foot perpendicular basalt wall that 2 we'll climb with the help of another iron ladder- this one has 32 steps with yet another Kodak (Th) moment. Onward uphill over some rocky trail with a couple areas of narrow trail with severe drop Calendar offs (exposure). We'll have lunch at the other end of this trail with the convenience of restrooms. After lunch we'll traverse a really fun suspension bridge on our way back to the starting point. Downhill from there...almost! Drive 180 mi. WEB 8:00a, 2nd meeting place 8:30a JBT ($18/$16)

JUL 2 - Ramble Wildcat Mountain Changes: hike miles & elevation Leader: Becky Richardson & Carolyn Knutson. 5 mi. 900 ft. [Easy] New Douglas trailhead to McIntyre trail. Stunning viewpoint with a bench. Enjoy views W of Willamette Valley, & E across Boulder Canyon to Mt Hood. Scout report: Becky says, The hike is 5 miles and 900' gain. We will be starting from a new Upper Douglas trailhead on a connector trail that was made by TKO last year. The hike is on a great trail, with view spots along the way until we reach the bench and the amazing view from McIntyre Ridge. We scouted June 4th and the bear grass was starting to bloom along with the rhodies, so we probably will miss out on the fresh blooms, but the forest and views will still be great. Drive 90 mi. WEB 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:00a CFM ($9/$7)

JUL 7 - Hike Neahkahnnie Mountain Leader: Nicole Rubel. 5.4 mi. 1450 ft. [Moderate] Ocean views. Scout report: Nicole says; The trail leads up through old-growth forest, flowers and switchbacks. We will have lunch at the top of the trail overlooking the ocean. This trail is a loop, rated as moderate to difficult. It is rocky, heavily 7 rooted and poles are recommended. We walk along Highway 101 on the last section of the trail with (Tu) beautiful views of the coast. 5.4 miles total with an accumulated elevation gain of about 1450 feet. Calendar Drive 188 mi. WEB 8:00a, 2nd meeting place 8:30a SPS ($19/$17)

JUL 7 - Ramble Lookout Mountain Changes: hike miles, drive miles, $ Leader: Jeanine Thoene. 3 mi. 600 ft. [Easy] From old lookout, see every Cascade peak from Three Sisters to Mt Rainier— plus the Columbia R Plateau & the Badger Creek Wilderness. Spectacular. Scout report: Jeanine says; Want to sit on top of the world and have a leisurely lunch?? Now's your chance for vistas of every Cascade peak from the Three Sisters to Mt. Rainier. Plus a rare panorama of the Columbia River Plateau and the Badger Creek Wilderness. Wildflowers include mountain aster, penstemon, shooting star, scarlet gilia (skyrocket?), false hellebore. We have an easy 600 ft elevation in less than a 3 mile loop. Drive 160 mi. WEB 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:00a CFM ($16/$14) NWFP required.

JUL 9 - Hike Siouxon Creek Changes: trail hike, hike mi & elevation Leader: Terry Morse. 8 mi. 700 ft. [Difficult] Scout report: Terry says; Approximately 8 miles 700 ft. elevation gain. I'll lead from the Siouxon Creek trailhead but we will not be hiking any portion of the Horseshoe Ridge trail. Instead we will walk on a well maintained trail along the wonderful fern covered Siouxon Creek to Chinook Creek Falls trail. While walking under the shade of large Douglas Firs and cedars, we will cross two bridges and enjoy the views of three delightful waterfalls. While scouting, we met the crew replacing the old closed bridge that crosses Siouxon 9 Creek. They still may be rebuilding the bridge or we may be one of the first to cross the new bridge. (Th) Drive 130 mi. WEB 8:00a, 2nd meeting place 8:30a JBT ($13/$11) Calendar JUL 9 - Ramble Old Salmon River Trail Changes: hike trail, hike miles, drive miles & $ Leader: Helen Hansen. 3 mi. 100 ft. [Easy] Scout report: Helen says,I had to change the destination of my July 9th ramble because of rock blasting near the Mirror Lake trailhead. ODOT closes the parking lot on the day that there is blasting. I am going to do "Old Salmon River Trail" instead. We will walk about 3 miles round trip with 100 feet elevation gain. Come enjoy a cool ramble along the chilly Salmon River in the shade. Drive 100 mi. WEB 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:00a CFM ($10/$8) NWFP required.

JUL 14 - Hike Ape Canyon/Plains of Abraham Leader: Diane Nowicki. 11-13 mi. 1400 ft. [Difficult] Stunning views of Mt St. Helens. Wildflowers, old growth, views of Mt Adams, Mt Rainier, and the Muddy River lahar. Drive 175 14 mi. WEB 8:00a, 2nd meeting place 8:30a JBT ($18/$16) NWFP required. (Tu) Calendar JUL 14 - Ramble University Falls Leader: Lisa & Bill Roberts. 5.6 mi. 300 ft. [Moderate] Hike a trail paralleling Elliott Creek that winds through second-growth forest. Lunch at or near University Falls. Drive 100 mi. WEB 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:00a SPS ($10/$8)

JUL 16 - Hike Upper Salmon Creek Leader: Yvonne Jacobs. 5.9 mi. 1200 ft. [Moderate] Among Douglas fir, huckleberry bushes, & rhododendrons. Drive 110 mi. WEB 8:00a, 2nd meeting place 8:30a CFM ($11/$9) NWFP 16 required. (Th) Calendar JUL 16 - Ramble Moulton Falls Leader: Meredith Millman. 5.4 mi. 260 ft. [Easy] Rails to trails grade along S side of the East Fork Lewis R. Through mixed forest. Over a high bridge. Lunch at picnic tables. Possibly visit Lucia Falls. Drive 100 mi. WEB 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:00a JBT ($10/$8) JUL 21 - Hike Lolo Pass to Bald Mountain Leader: Meredith Millman. 7.5 mi. 1200 ft. [Moderate] Pacific Crest Trail & Timberline Trail to circle Bald Mountain with its steep meadow of wildflowers & views of Mt Hood. Drive 122 mi. 21 WEB 8:00a, 2nd meeting place 8:30a CFM ($13/$11) (Tu) Calendar JUL 21 - Ramble Little Zigzag Falls & Enid Lake Leader: Linda Folkestad. 4 mi. 600 ft. [Easy] Little Zigzag Falls is lovely & surrounded by deep forest. Continue on old Pioneer Bridle Trail to Enid Lake, then back. Drive 124 mi. WEB 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:00a CFM ($13/$11) NWFP required.

JUL 23 - Hike Tom Dick & Harry Leaders: Elmer & Joan Galbi. 5.8 mi. 1710 ft. [Moderate] Trailhead on Highway 26 just before Government Camp. Fairly easy trail through wonderful old growth forest to Mirror Lake. Climb up to Tom Dick and Harry Lookout for a fantastic view of Mt Hood. Drive 125 mi. WEB 8:00a, 2nd 23 meeting place 8:30a CFM ($13/$11) NWFP required. (Th) Calendar JUL 23 - Ramble Eagle Creek to Punchbowl Leader: Vicci Martinazzi. 4.5 mi. 400 ft. [Easy] Along a lovely creek with waterfalls & basalt cliffs. Cable hand-holds along cliffs. Bring poles. Drive 100 mi. WEB 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:15a L&C ($10/$6) NWFP required.

JUL 28 - Hike Johnston Ridge to Harry's Ridge EARLY DEPARTURE 7:30a Leader: Dolores Rhodig. 8 mi. 1000 ft. [Moderate] Views of the Mt St. Helens crater, Spirit Lake, & surrounding area. $8 fee or Forest Service Senior Pass per person. Drive 240 mi. WEB 7:30a, 2nd 28 meeting place 8:00a JBT ($24/$22) (Tu) Calendar JUL 28 - Ramble Umbrella Falls Loop Leader: Barbara Manildi. 4.4 mi. 800 ft. [Easy] Through forest & meadows to Umbrella Falls for lunch, then back via Sahalie Falls. Should see some nice wildflowers. Drive 164 mi. WEB 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:00a CFM ($17/$15)

JUL 30 - Hike Newton Creek Trail Mt Hood Leader: Carolyn Knutson. 7 mi. 1400 ft. [Moderate] Elk Meadow trail to Timberline trail through woods, across small streams, and up to open rocks overlooking dramatic views of Newton Cr gorge & Gnarled Ridge. Lunch on Timberline trail or Newton Cr. Drive 130 mi. WEB 8:00a, 2nd meeting 30 place 8:30a CFM ($13/$11) NWFP required. (Th) Calendar JUL 30 - Ramble West Fork Falls Leader: Sharon Hawley. 3 mi. 400 ft. [Easy] Little-visited area on Mt Hood's S face above historic lodges. Walk on dirt road & lesser-maintained trail. Pretty waterfall. Drive 120 mi. WEB 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:00a CFM ($12/$10)

AUG | Coordinators: Tuesday Mickie Church, Thursday Kathy Bell AUG 4 - Hike Cooper Spur Leaders: Mary Clisby & Terry Morse. 8 mi. 2800 ft. [Difficult] Highest hiking trail on Mt Hood. 4 Switchbacks up Cooper Spur to Tie-In Rock, with view from Mt Rainer to Three Sisters. An (Tu) alternate hike is a 5 mile loop on the Timberline Trail. Drive 220 mi. WEB 8:00a, 2nd meeting Calendar place 8:45a L&C ($22/$18) NWFP required.

AUG 4 - Ramble Lower Twin Lake Leader: Elaine McWilliams. 4.2 mi. 660 ft. [Easy] Climb to a peaceful lakeside spot for lunch, plus lounging or wading. Optional 0.9 mile stroll around lake. May see thru-hikers on PCT. Drive 120 mi. WEB 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:00a CFM ($12/$10) NWFP required.

AUG 6 - Hike Snipes Mt Trail EARLY DEPARTURE 7:00a Leader: Dolores Rhodig. 8 mi. 1700 ft. [Moderate] Along historlc cattle trail in Mt Adams wilderness with views & wild flowers. Drive 220 mi. WEB 7:00a, 2nd meeting place 7:45a L&C 6 ($22/$18 + bridge toll) (Th) Calendar AUG 6 - Ramble Lower Salmon River Changes: hike leader Leader: Barbara Manildi 5 mi. 100 ft. [Easy] Forested trail follows beautiful Salmon R through some old growth. Trail has some rocks & roots; may return on trail or road. Drive 100 mi. WEB 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:00a CFM ($10/$8) NWFP required.

AUG 11 - Hike Rhododendron Ridge Leader: Terry Morse. 5 mi. 1000 ft. [Moderate] Enjoy a hike to former lookout on Hawk Mountain, through mixed forest and small meadows. Drive 210 mi. WEB 8:00a, 2nd meeting place 8:15a WT ($21/$20) NWFP required. 11 (Tu) AUG 11 - Ramble Chocolate Falls Calendar EARLY DEPARTURE 8:00a Leader: Maureen Becker. 3 mi. 410 ft. [Easy] Hike through cool fir forest on S side of Mt St Helens to June Lake. Be awed by 40 foot waterfall that drops off the ledge of an ancient lava field. Drive 163 mi. WEB 8:00a, 2nd meeting place 8:30a JBT ($17/$15) NWFP required.

AUG 13 - Hike McNeil Point Leader: Rich Conser. 9.6 mi. 2200 ft. [Difficult] Scenic ridge on the W side of Mt Hood to one of the greatest wildflower sites in Oregon. Drive 130 mi. WEB 8:00a, 2nd meeting place 8:30a CFM ($13/$11) NWFP required. 13 (Th) AUG 13 - Ramble Oxbow Regional Park Calendar Leader: Sandra Jackson. 5.5 mi. 500 ft. [Easy] Explore the Sandy River delta (south of I-84, W of the river). Feel miles away from nearby civilization. Damage from the most recent flood (2012) shows why Lewis & Clark called this area "sandy." Drive 52 mi. WEB 8:30a, No 2nd meeting place ($6) SPP required.

AUG 18 - Hike Bird Creek Meadows Loop EARLY DEPARTURE 7:30a Leader: Diane Nowicki. 6.2 mi. 1000 ft. [Moderate] Views of Mt Adams, wildflowers, & waterfalls. Drive 227 mi. WEB 7:30a, 2nd meeting place 8:15a L&C *Please note that the last 11.5 miles of the drive are on gravel and badly rutted dirt road requiring a high-clearance vehicle. $5 Yakama 18 Nation parking fee. ($23/$19 + bridge toll) (Tu) Calendar AUG 18 - Ramble Little Crater Lake to Timothy Lake Leader: Jaska Thompson. 5.1 mi. 150 ft. [Easy] Annual Little Crater to Timothy Lake ramble. Mostly follows PCT thru woods with lake views. May see thru-hikers. Car Shuttle. Drive 140 mi. WEB 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:00a CFM ($14/$12) $5 campground parking fee for shuttle drivers. AUG 20 - Hike Burnt Lake Trail Leaders: Nicole Rubel & Anneliese Einwaller. 8 mi. 1500-2370 ft. [Difficult] Wildflowers & views above tree line. Drive 118 mi. WEB 8:00a, 2nd meeting place 8:30a CFM ($12/$10) NWFP 20 required. (Th) Calendar AUG 20 - Ramble Pioneer Bridal Trail & Laurel Hill Leader: Sharon Hawley. 5.2 mi. 200 ft. [Moderate] Pleasant path through history from near Enid Lake to Road 30. Side trip crosses Hwy 26 to Laurel Hill, where pioneers had to winch their wagons. Car Shuttle. Drive 110 mi. WEB 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:00a CFM ($11/$9)

AUG 25 - Hike Barlow Pass to Timberline Lodge Leader: Rich Conser. 11.8 mi. 1800 ft. [Difficult] Start at Barlow Road & follow PCT up a ridge above White R to Timberline Lodge and back. Great views. Drive 130 mi. WEB 8:00a, 2nd meeting 25 place 8:30a CFM ($13/$11) NWFP required. (Tu) AUG 25 - Ramble Frog Lake Calendar Leader: Vicci Martinazzi. 5 mi. 500 ft. [Easy] Walk mossy forest paths E of Mt Hood to visit Frog Lake Campground & beautiful Frog Lake. Drive 130 mi. WEB 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:00a CFM ($13/$11) NWFP required.

AUG 27 - Hike Indian Mountain Leader: Lu Pinson. 9 mi. 1500-2370 ft. [Difficult] Fields of gentian and huckleberries along PCT from Wahtum Lake up to the old lookout. Views along the way & on top Drive 190 mi. WEB 27 8:00a, 2nd meeting place 8:45a L&C ($19/$15) (Th) Calendar AUG 27 - Ramble Timberline Lodge to Zig Zag overlook Leaders: Jim & Gretchen Young. 4.4 mi. 500 ft. [Easy] Nice Ramble along part of PCT from Timberline Lodge. Ends looking over Zig Zag Canyon with views of Mt Hood. Drive 136 mi. WEB 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:00a CFM ($14/$12) NWFP required.