Hikes, Outings, Friends of the Columbia GorgeHikers at Lyle Cherry Orchard. Photo: Debbie Asakawa & Stewardship

Hikes, Outings, & StewardshipFall 2016 All photos: Debbie Asakawa

Friends of the Caretakers of the Gorge

Columbia Gorge Whether hiking with Friends or on your own, we’re all Working to ensure that the caretakers of the Gorge, and we encourage responsible beautiful and wild Columbia hiking. Stay on the trail, use a Gorge remains a place apart, trailhead boot brush, and carry an unspoiled treasure for out all trash. Leave no traces, take generations to come. only memories – and photos!

Friends members enjoy early registration for all hikes and outings! Member registration is open now. General registration opens September 1. Register at www.gorgefriends.org/hikes. Wednesday, September 14 Hardy Creek Dog Hike, WA Mod/stren: 7.75 miles, 1330-ft elev. gain Fall 2016 Icons Fall Outings Members Only Friday, September 9 Dogs are welcome on this hike with leader Lend-a-Hand Stewardship Jean Akers at Hardy Creek. Enjoy gorgeous Hike Challenge 9/24–10/31: Lyle Cherry Orchard, WA views on this dog-friendly climb to the Historic Highway Bingo! Kick off the fall hiking season with Steward- saddle behind Hamilton Mountain. Special Focus ship Coordinator Sara Woods. We’ll install two boot brushes to help reduce the spread of Friday, September 16 Stewardship invasive weeds on this beautiful property. No Bridal Veil Falls and Loop, OR Family Friendly experience necessary. Easy: 1.2 miles, 70-ft elev. gain. Dog Friendly Hear history and tales of Bridal Veil Falls Saturday, September 10 State Park as we hike with State Trails to Ales Hike & Pub Visit Mosier Twin Tunnels Bike Ride, OR Park Ranger Dorothy Brown-Kwaiser, from Wiking Hike & Wine Tasting 24 miles, 1200-ft elev. gain its timber-company past up to today. Ride from Hood River to Rowena Crest with Kim Owen on the Historic Highway, through Saturday, September 17 Tuesday, September 20 the car-free Mosier Twin Tunnels, past Larch Mtn. to Franklin Ridge, OR Gibbons Creek Wildlife Walk, WA vineyards, orchards, and river views. Strenuous: 8 miles, 2000-ft elev. gain Easy: 2.75 miles, no elev. gain Learn forest ecology, tree identification, Learn about birds and trail plans on this easy Mona Bell Hill and and characteristics of wilderness on this hike through Steigerwald Wildlife Refuge with Tales of Tooth Rock, OR hike with U.S. Forest Service Ranger Jon Gorge Towns to Trails Program Manger Renee Easy: 2 miles, little elev. gain Erickson through old-growth forest in the Tkach. Later, enjoy a visit to 54-40 Brewery. Walk with John Harrison, author of A Woman Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. Alone, along a section of Sam Hill’s Columbia Wednesday, September 21 River Highway and learn about Hill’s consort, Pierce National Wildlife Refuge, WA Nick Eaton Ridge, OR Mona Bell. An Oregon State Park Ranger will Easy: 3 miles, little elev. gain Strenuous: 10.2 miles, 3100-ft elev. gain share native and pioneer history and describe Join birder Randy Fortish for a leisurely Climb the rugged Herman Creek trail with Samuel Lancaster’s connection to the region. hike through this beautiful wetland area Field Representative Peter Cornelison to great with oak woodlands and open fields. Gorge views, as we learn current conservation

American pika. Photo: Sevenstar, courtesy of Wikimedia challenges facing the Gorge. Volcano Ridge Vineyard, OR See hike on Easy: 2 miles, 600-ft elev. gain Friday, September 23 October 22. Enjoy this native white oak, ponderosa Petroglyphs and Dancing Rock, WA pine, and bunchgrass habitat, as Easy: 2-3 miles, little elev. gain Volcano Ridge Vineyard owner Alan Friends board member Jim Chase will lead Busacca describes the grape harvest and us to ancient petroglyphs and rock images, environmental practices. Followed by including “She Who Watches,” and to traces wine tasting. $20 fee. of the Ice Age Floods at Dancing Rock Land Trust property. Optional wine tasting later at Sunday, September 18 Jacob Williams Winery. Pool of the Winds Falls Sunday, September 11 and Little Beacon Rock, WA Saturday, September 24 Mosier Plateau, OR Easy: 2.5 miles, 500-ft elev. gain Herman Creek Ancient Cedars, OR Easy: 3.5 miles, 600-ft elev. gain This hike to Pool of the Winds and Little Expert: 15 miles, 2600-ft elev. gain Enjoy panoramic views from the Mosier Beacon Rock features an educational Hike past sparkling waterfalls and through Plateau with Outreach Manager Maegan scavenger hunt with environmental towering stands of noble fir, hemlock, and Jossy, and learn about this land trust property educator Roland Begin. Learn botany, Douglas fir with Jim Chase, to a stunning trail. Optional wine tasting and tour later at geology, and history as we hike. Great for grove of ancient red cedar. Analemma Winery. the whole family. Sunday, September 25 White Salmon Rafting, WA Catherine Creek Picnic Watercolor Workshop This full-day guided raft trip on the White and Botanical Talk, WA at Beacon Rock State Park, WA Salmon River with Wet Planet Whitewater Easy: 1 mile, 200-ft elev. gain Learn watercolor techniques at Beacon Rock will wind through deep canyons where Condit As we stroll to the natural rock arch, in this day-long class with environmental Dam once blocked the river, then pass through botanist Pappy Corbitt will describe scientist and artist Heather Brunelle. Narrows Canyon and down to the Columbia medicinal properties of local plants. Wine Beginners or advanced painters welcome. River. Cost: $130 incl. gear and lunch. tasting later at a Syncline Winery. $10 fee. No hiking involved. Tuesday, October 18 Monday, September 26 Sandy River Delta Hike, OR Horsetail, Ponytail, and Triple Falls, OR Easy: 4 miles, no elev. gain Waterfall Photography Moderate: 4.4 miles, 680-ft elev. gain Enjoy an easy hike at the Sandy River Delta at , OR Easy: 2 miles, 380-ft elev. gain Leader Billie Anger will lead this classic with Bill Weiler of the Sandy River Basin Gorge hike to three waterfalls, including one Watershed Council, Jeff Schuh of Friends of Beginner photographers will learn basics of slow- we’ll walk behind. Learn local history amid the Sandy River Delta, and Courtney Yilk of shutter waterfall photography using their dSLR or early autumn beauty on this comfortably- Confluence. Learn geology, land ethics, and similar digital camera. We’ll stop often to learn paced hike. cultural history as we visit architect Maya tricks and techniques with photographers Tom Lin’s Bird Blind. A dog-friendly outing. Kloster and Brian Chambers. Wednesday, September 28 Saturday, October 22 Maple Tree Hike, OR Thursday, October 13 Two Klickitat River Rail-Trail Hikes, WA: Moderate: 4 miles, 600-ft elev. gain Swale Canyon Bike Ride, WA Lyle to Fisher Hill Bridge On this hike up the and Upper Moderate: 28.5 miles, 1417-ft elev. loss McCord Falls trails with Tom Kloster, we’ll Ride the old railbed along Swale Creek with Easy: 4 miles, 100-ft elev. gain learn to identify three species of maple trees Field Representative Peter Cornelison. This that are native to the Gorge. one-way ride from Harms Road down to Lyle Pitt to Fisher Hill Bridge crosses some rough railroad rock and offers Mod/Stren: 9 miles, 100-ft elev. gain Friday, September 30 great views of massive rocks, arid landscape, Celebrate Klickitat Trail Conservancy’s Larch Mountain Crater Loop, OR and wildlife habitat. Involves a car shuttle. 14th anniversary along the Wild and Scenic Mod/stren: 6 miles, 1100-ft elev. gain Klickitat River. Choose either the easy, short Hike an enchanted old-growth forest with FRIDAY, October 14 hike, or the longer, more strenuous hike. leader Ruth Johnson, out to Sherrard Point, Petroglyph Tour where we’ll enjoy views of the at Columbia Hills State Park, WA Saturday, October 22 and five major volcanic peaks. Easy: .5 mile, 50-ft elev. gain Pika Hike, OR A quiet walk on Yakama tribal land with Easy: 1 mile, 500-ft elev. gain Thursday, October 6 leader Judy Todd to view petroglyphs A Cascade Pika Watch volunteer will lead this Lyle Cherry Orchard, WA and pictographs including Tsagaglalal, hike in Gorge habitat of the American pika, Moderate: 5 miles, 1500-ft elev. gain or She Who Watches. Learn historical a small alpine creature considered a sensitive Gorge Towns to Trails Project Manager Renee perspectives and current challenges facing indicator of climate change. Citizen scientists Tkach will guide us up to the old pioneer the Gorge. are researching Columbia Gorge pika for clues cherry orchard, sharing trail plans and to ways that warming temperatures will impact stories of Sam Hill’s historic “Convict Road.” Saturday, October 15 Gorge species. Optional wine tasting later at COR Cellars. Lend-a-Hand Stewardship Lyle Cherry Orchard, WA Friday, October 7 Join Stewardship Coordinator Sara Woods to . Multnomah-Wahkeena Falls, OR remove deteriorated wood fences and posts, so See hike on October 7. Moderate: 4.8 miles, 1540-ft elev. gain wildlife can traverse this land trust property Photo: Oliver Dalton Hike this famed waterfall trail lined in fall unhindered. No experience necessary. colors with Outreach Manager Maegan Jossy, past seven cascading waterfalls. Wildlife Ecology Excursion, OR/WA Saturday, October 8 Driving Tour with Short Walks Gibbons Creek Bird Walk, WA Explore several sites featuring rare wildlife Easy: 2.5 miles, no elevation gain habitat with wildlife biologist Bill Weiler, Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards Dave discussing the threats facing these species, and Pinkernell and Jared Strawderman will habitat enhancement. $20 fee for van rental. share natural and cultural history on this hike at the Steigerwald National Wildlife Sunday, October 16 Refuge, where more than 200 avian species Sam Hill Tribute Tour, WA make their homes. Driving Tour with Short Walks Join Executive Director Kevin Gorman for Sunday, October 9 a driving tour and short hikes celebrating Wahclella Falls Salmon Hike, OR Sam Hill. We’ll visit the “Convict Road” Easy: 1.8 miles, 300-ft elev. gain (precursor to the Historic Columbia River Hike up Tanner Creek to thundering Highway), and the Maryhill Museum grounds Wahclella Falls with Mary Ann Schmidt and Stonehenge replica, and Hill’s unrealized on this educational outing to witness fall utopian community. Winetasting later at Register for all events at spawning. Wonderful as a family outing. Maryhill Winery. $20 fee for van rental. www.gorgefriends.org/hikes Sunday, October 23 Saturday, October 29 Elowah Falls and Upper McCord Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop, OR Creek Falls, OR Moderate: 4.8 miles, 1540-ft elev. gain Easy: 4 miles, 600-ft elev. gain Hike this stunning waterfall trail with Paul Hikes, Outings, An educational scavenger hunt enriches this Gerald, author of 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of hike with environmental educator Roland Portland and other guides. Paul will share the Begin. Learn local plants, animals, geology, story of Perdition Trail, wiped out in the 1996 & Stewardship and history. Great for the whole family! floods, and tales of other trails that intercon- Member Registration is Open! nect in this beautiful area. , OR Register at www.gorgefriends.org. Easy: 2.4 miles, 520-ft elev. gain Saturday, November 5 Questions? Contact Outreach Manager Hike this loop trail with leader Pappy Corbitt Lend-a-Hand Stewardship Maegan Jossy at 971-634-2028 or [email protected]. to lower and upper Latourell Falls. Learn Mosier Plateau, OR about unique floral niches formed by millions Join Stewardship Coordinator Sara Woods for of years of geologic activity, tectonic shifts, trail work at the Mosier Plateau, installing General Information and the Missoula floods. directional signs, spreading gravel, and reseed- • Hike distances listed are round-trip. ing along the trail. No experience necessary. • Please note difficulty levels when choosing hikes: January/February 2017 Easy: Up to 3 miles, less than 700 ft. elev. Winter Bald Eagle Viewing gain Easy: 1 mile, 170-ft elev. gain Moderate: Up to 5 miles, less than 1500 ft. This is a prime opportunity to watch bald eagles in the elev. gain Strenuous: Up to 10 miles, up to 2500 ft. Columbia Gorge. A wildlife biologist will describe habits of elev. gain this iconic species as we view them through spotting scopes. Expert: More than 10 miles, steep trail, Date and details announced in January. more than 2500 ft. elev. gain Bald eagle near the Columbia River. • Our outings are very popular, so as a Photo: Debbie Asakawa courtesy to other hikers, please only register if you’re sure you will attend.

Photo: Postcard, circa 1920. • Upon registration, you’ll receive a Historic Highway Bingo Horsetail Falls, confirmation email with details specific to your outing. Explore the Highway like along the original never before! Columbia River • Children are welcome with a parent Highway. or guardian. Please choose hikes Friends’ 2016 hike challenge, September appropriate for child’s age and ability. 24–October 31, celebrates the 100th • Participants are responsible for their anniversary of the Historic Columbia River own safety. Highway. Register now and we’ll send you your own bingo booklet. • Dogs are only allowed on hikes with www.gorgefriends.org/gorgebingo the “dog-friendly” icon; otherwise, please leave pets at home. • Leave no traces, take only memories – The Gorge Needs and photos! Best Friends! Carpool Informationjfolaw.com Protect the Gorge trails you love every • All outings have carpools from Gateway month of the year by becoming a Transit Center (NE Portland), usually monthly donor with a gift of $10 between 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Details per or more. Keep your membership hike provided upon registration. current, be a friend to the • Suggested carpool donation is $7-$12 environment, and receive a free per rider, depending on the outing waterproof National Geographic and distance. Columbia Gorge trail map! Visit www.gorgefriends. org/bestfriends to start Our hiking program is sponsored by your monthly donation and receive your special gift.

Participants in our Great Gorge Photo: Julia Ford Wahoo program, out on the trail.