Scheduled Hikes

Hello and welcome to the Hikes and Rambles schedule. Below are the planned hikes and details. They are subject to change due to trail conditions, weather, or leader schedules. For the most up to date news regarding schedules and plans, please subscribe to the Hikes and Rambles newsletter. 

 

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Hike names, events, and dates are in GREEN

Changes from the seasonal schedule and special departure times are in RED 

Leaders scout the hike prior to the trip, their notes in PURPLE​​​.​​

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5/19 (Tue) - Hike: Tom McCall Point (Columbia Gorge)
Leader: Christine O, Kathryn B
3-4 miles, elev. gain 1145 ft.
This hike climbs along cliffs to Tom McCall Point and returns the same way. Enjoy views of wildflowers, the Cascade peaks, and a wide swath of the rocky cliffs that line the Columbia. 
The trail begins on the south side of the paved Rowena Crest overlook loop. We’ll cross a flat area for 0.1 mile, then follow an old road to an intersection with another old road, likely the wagon road built from The Dalles to Hood River in the 1870s. The trail leaves the wagon road and after a short climb reaches meadows overlooking Rowena Plateau. There are big views west, including the arched Dry Canyon Creek Bridge and Mount Defiance. To the north, Mt. Adams appears beyond Lyle. There are switchbacks through forests of scrub oak and open grassy areas. Views of the river and plateau get better and better. At the summit, Mt. Hood caps the already fantastic views. Long sleeves and pants are recommended because there is some poison oak and ticks off the main trail. There are no restrooms at the trailhead. There is an easy 2-mile Rowena Plateau hike, with access from the same parking area. 
Drive: 170 mi. Leave from WP at 8 am. Leave from L& C at 8:45 am ($17/$12)

Christine O, Kathryn B report,
This hike climbs along cliffs to Tom McCall Point and returns the same way. Enjoy views of wildflowers, the Cascade peaks, and a wide swath of the rocky cliffs that line the Columbia. The trail begins on the south side of the paved Rowena Crest overlook loop. We’ll cross a flat area for 0.1 mile, then follow one old road to an intersection with another old road, likely the wagon road built from The Dalles to Hood River in the 1870s. The trail leaves the wagon road and, after a short climb, reaches meadows overlooking the Rowena Plateau. When we hiked on April 26, the wildflowers were at their peak. Long sleeves and pants are recommended because of poison oak and ticks off the main trail. You should plan to use the restrooms at Mosier (Exit 69 from I-84) because there are no restrooms at the trailhead. There is also an optional 2-mile Rowena Plateau hike, with access from the same parking area. 
Drive 170 miles, roundtrip. Leave from WP at 8:00 am. Leave from the second meeting point, L&C, at 8:45 am ($17/$12) Parking at L&C now requires an Oregon State Park Pass. 
 

5/21 (Thu) - Ramble: Tualatin Hills Nature Park (Portland/Valley)
Leader: Molly D.
3 miles, elev. gain 100 ft.
This 222-acre wildlife preserve in the heart of Beaverton offers an array of trails, both paved and unpaved. It is heavily forested and well shaded. There are a number of benches along the way. It has easy access and free parking, in a beautiful, forested setting.
Drive: 20 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Arrive at destination (15655 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton) at 9 am  ($2/$0)

Molly D reports,
This is a beautiful time of the year to visit this urban park. It is already dryer than expected, but with no mud, the dirt sections are easy to navigate. We noticed some wildlife; a cute bunny that posed for us, and a very quick chipmunk. We also heard some bird calls. There was no sighting of the owls that are said to be quite territorial. There is no charge for parking.
Drive: 20 miles, roundtrip. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Arrive at trailhead (15655 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton) at 9:00 am. ($2/$0) 

 

5/26 (Tue) - Easy Hike: Wilson River (Coast/Coastal Mountains)
Leaders: Liliana & John M
6.8 miles, elev. gain 575 ft.
Starting at the Jones Creek Day-Use parking lot, we will walk to the Wilson River trail. Three-quarters of a mile south, the trail passes the Tillamook Forest Center, the Region’s largest forest-based learning center. Beyond the Center, we will follow the Wilson River Trail for an additional 2.65 miles before retracing our steps. There is a pit toilet at the Day-Use parking lot and there are flush toilets at the Center. Note that there is no cell service in the area and no wi-fi at the Center. Poles and waterproof boots are recommended. Parking is free of charge at the Jones Creek Day-Use parking lot.
Drive: 109 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from SPS at 9 am. ($11/$9)
NOTE: The Tillamook Forest Center is open from 10 am until 4 pm. You are welcome to visit it after the hike. There is a $5 suggested entry fee. For more information see: tillamookforestcenter.org.

Liliana M reports,

We scouted the Wilson River Trail on Mother’s Day. The trail is well defined with spectacular sights along the river.  There were a couple of short segments with rocky grounds. Poles and waterproof boots are recommended. (Change of trailhead) We’ll start at the Smith Homestead Day Use area, not the Jones Creek Day Use area, because there are regular bathrooms there and the parking area seems safer. Because the Tillamook Forest Center does not open on Tuesdays, bathrooms will be available only at the Smith Homestead Day Use area. The Smith Homestead Day Use parking lot is the first immediate right turn after you exit Highway 6, on Jones Creek Road. We’ll see you there!

Drive 109 miles roundtrip. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from the second meeting place, SPS, at 9:00 am. ($11/$9)

 

HIKE CHANGE- Original Hike- Saddle Mountain is cancelled. Gales Creek replacing.

5/28 (Thu) - NEW Hike: Gales Creek (Coast/Coastal Mountains)
Leader: Grier W., Terry M.    
6.2 miles, elev. gain 1211 ft.
From the Gales Creek Campground, we hike through the forest about 3.6 miles to Storey Burn Loop trailhead. Have lunch there, and then return. It will be a gradually ascending walk in and out of small gullies as we follow the course of Gales Creek almost to it's source.
Drive: 84 mi. Leave from WP at 8 am. Leave from SPS at 8:30 am. ($8/$6) 

Grier W reports,

We started at the Gales Creek Campground parking area and hiked 3.25 miles west to the Storey Burn Loop trailhead. The forested trail is a good one with not many roots or rocks and is mostly shady. NOTE: There is one stream crossing at a waterfall which requires scrambling (see photos). Good hiking shoes or boots and hiking poles are recommended. This is an out-and-back route and we will eat lunch at the turnaround point. Since there are no tables or benches, a sit-mat for lunch will come in handy. There is a pit toilet at the Gales Creek trailhead. The access road to the trailhead is pretty good with few, if any, potholes.

Drive 84 miles roundtrip. Leave WP at 8:00 am. Leave from the second meeting place, SPS at 8:30am. ($8/$6)

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5/28 (Thu) - Ramble: Hosta and Peony Gardens (Portland/Valley)
LATE DEPARTURE 9:15 am
Leader: Nicole R.
3 miles, flat
We will visit Sebright Gardens in Salem as well as the nearby Adelman Peony Gardens. The walk includes grass and dirt pathways through the beautiful flower fields and country roads.    Drive: 66 mi. Leave from WP at 9:15 am. Leave from WT at 9:30 am. ($7/$6)

Nicole R reports,

We will visit the Sebright Hosta Gardens in Salem first and then the nearby Adelman Peony Gardens. The walk includes grass and dirt pathways through the beautiful flower fields and country roads. The ground could be muddy. Bring lunch to eat at the Peony Gardens. 

Drive 66 miles, roundtrip. Leave from WP at 9:15 am. Leave from the second meeting point, WT, at 9:30 am. ($7/$6)

 

6/2 (Tue) - Easy Hike: Lacamas Heritage Trail (SW Washington)
Leader: Helen H
7 miles, elev. gain flat.    
Enjoy a nature walk along Lacamas Trail. If the weather is clear, we might be able to see Mt. Hood.
Drive: 62 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from AWHD at 9 am. ($6/$2)

 

6/4 (Thu) - Easy Hike: Mosier Tunnels (Columbia Gorge)
Leader: Maureen B
6 miles, elev. gain 400 ft.
Hike on a previous road with beautiful views of the Columbia River and interesting geology. We will have our lunch after a small "waterfall."
Drive: 168 mi.    Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from L&C at 9:15 am. ($17/$12) OSPP required    

 
6/9 (Tue) - Easy Hike: Trappist Abbey (Portland/Valley)
Leader: Kathi N
4 miles, elev. gain 800 ft.
A lovely hike on forest paths through the property of the Trappist Abbey near Lafayette. We’ll enjoy views of the nearby hills, ponds, and flowers, as well as the sounds of birds. Restrooms and picnic areas are available. It can be a little mucky if it rains; otherwise, easy trails. Bring snacks or a small lunch if desired. Parking is on the property.
Drive: 49 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from NS at 9 am. ($5/$2)    

 

6/11 (Thu) - Hike: Underhill Camp to Fifteen Mile Creek (Mt Hood-East)
Leader: Terry M
5.5 miles, elev. gain 1,000 ft.
This is an in-and-out hike from Underhill camp, taking a little-known trail down through grass lands into the wild and scenic river of Fifteen Mile Creek. This unique area is considered one of the most diverse, featuring both wet west side and dry east side ecosystems, with wildflowers, grass lands, and a fast-flowing creek.
Drive: 190 mi. Leave from WP at 8 am. Leave from CFM at 8:30 am. ($19/$15)

 

6/11 (Thu) - Ramble: Newberg Historic Loop (Portland/Valley)
LATE DEPARTURE 9 am
Leader: Jeanette H.
3-4 miles, elev. gain 100 ft.
This is a loop route with trails following the Hess Creek and paved walks in and around George Fox University. After enjoying our lunch by the creek, we will end where we started, at the Hoover-Minthorn House Museum, where we will be given a tour of the only presidential house museum in the Pacific Northwest. It is here Herbert Hoover, 31st president of our nation, lived as a teenager.
Drive: 34 mi. Leave from WP at 9 am. Arrive at destination (115 S River St., Newberg, OR) at 9:30 am. ($4/$0). $7.50 museum fee per person.

 

6/16 (Tue) - Easy Hike: Willamette Mission (Portland/Valley)
LATE DEPARTURE 9:30 am
Leader: Nicole R.
5 miles, flat
We'll enjoy a relaxed exploration of this park, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Please bring lunch to have on-site.
Drive: 68 mi. Leave from WP at 9:30 am. Leave from WT at 9:45 am. ($7/$6) OSPP required

 

6/18 (Thu) - Ramble: Kelley Point Park (Portland/Valley)
Leader: Molly D.
2 miles, flat
We'll explore this peninsula bounded by the Columbia River, Columbia Slough, and Willamette River on approximately 2 miles of good trails. Ospreys are often seen, as well as some occasional ship traffic on the Columbia River.
Drive: 42 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Arrive at destination (N Kelley Point Park Rd, Portland) at 9 am. ($4/$0)

 

6/23 (Tue) - Hike: Wahkeena Falls to Multnomah Falls Loop (Columbia Gorge)
Leader: Grier W
5.5 miles, elev. gain 1,600  ft.
The Wahkeena Falls to Multnomah Falls Loop is an iconic hike which traverses between two major waterfalls and offers outstanding views of the Columbia River Gorge.
Drive: 80 mi. Leave from WP at 8 am. Leave from L&C at 8:45 am. ($8/$3)

 
6/25 (Thu) - Hike: Table Rock (Clackamas Foothills)
Leader: Don S
7.6 miles, elev. gain 1500 ft.
The first part of the trail is on an old logging road, now closed. At one point, the road was taken out by a landslide, but there is a trail around the slide. The trail climbs first through forest, then steeply through a talus boulder field to the summit plateau, which has views of the Cascade Range from Mt. St. Helens to the Three Sisters.
Drive: 117 mi. Leave from WP at 8 am. Leave from WT at 8:15 am. ($12/$11)

 

6/26 (Fri) - MEETING: Fall 2026 Planning Meeting
Time: 8:45 AM -11:00 AM  
AT: LO Adult Community Center, 505 G Ave, Lake Owego, Room TBA.  
Bring your fall hike ideas and help us plan wonderful hikes and rambles for the fall season.

 

6/30 (Tue) - Ramble: Willamette River from Cedar Oak Boat Ramp
Leader: Sharon H
4 miles, elev. gain 250 ft.
Enjoy a walk starting on the Willamette River, through residential neighborhoods, and then along the River again. It is all paved and mostly shady. Rest room at the trailhead.
Drive: 15 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Arrive at destination (Cedar Oak Boat Ramp, 4600 Elmran Dr, West Linn) at 9 am. ($2, $0)

 

7/2 (Thu) - Hike: Silver Star via Ed's Trail (SW Washington)
Leader: Terry M
6.5 miles, elev. gain 1400 ft.
With the reconstruction of the access road to Ed's Trailhead, this wonderful route to Silver Star Mountain is now available. After the Yacolt burn in 1902, many ridges were left treeless, allowing a profusion of wildflowers to thrive. Silver Star has one of the best displays in addition to views of Cascade volcanoes. Poles and boots recommended.
Drive: 125 mi. Leave from WP at 8:00 am. Leave from JBT at 9 am. ($13/$9)

 

7/7 (Tue) - Easy Hike:    Twin Lakes (Mt Hood-West)
Leaders: Denny H and Susie F
6.5 miles, elev. gain 1300 ft.
We will follow the PCT to a junction that will take us to the lower lake. We then hike up to the upper lake for lunch. We’ll enjoy nice lake views.
Drive: 130 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from CFM at 9 am. ($13/$9) NWFP required

 

7/9 (Thu) - Ramble: Tickle Creek (Portland/Valley)
Leader: Helen H
4 miles, elev. gain 150 ft.
Enjoy a walk in the woods along Tickle Creek in Sandy, OR. We will stop at Meinig Memorial Park to use the restrooms. After the walk, you can join me at Tollgate Inn for lunch.
Drive: 67 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from CFM at 9 am. ($7/$3)

 

7/14 (Tue) - Hike: Tom, Dick and Harry (Mt Hood-West)
Leaders: Joyce B and Jerrie N
6.5 miles, elev. gain 1710 ft.
This is a Memorial Hike for Elmer G. We hike to Mirror Lake and continue to the top of Tom Dick and Harry Mountain. The first couple of miles are easy, but then it is a relatively steep uphill climb. The reward is a wonderful view of Mt Hood. Poles and boots recommended.
Drive: 125 mi. Leave from WP at 8 am. Leave from CFM at 8:30 am. ($13/$9) NWFP required

 
7/14 (Tue) - Ramble: Mirror Lake (Mt Hood-West)
EARLY DEPARTURE 8 am
Leader: Diane B, Mickie C
4.5 miles, elev. gain 500 ft.
Partnering with the hike, this is a Memorial Ramble for Elmer G. We climb through a subalpine forest of rhododendrons, Douglas fir, white pine, and red cedar to a lovely lake that mirrors Mt Hood.
Drive: 125 mi. Leave from WP at 8 am. Leave from CFM at 8:30 am. ($13/$9) NWFP required

 

7/16 (Thu) - Easy Hike: Oxbow Regional Park (Portland/Valley)
Leaders: John and Lili M.
5 miles, elev. gain 200 ft.
Explore the Ancient Forest, home to ancient Douglas firs and cedars. The Sandy River is  carved along the park's distinctive oxbow shape with gentle and scenic riverside trails.
Drive: 66 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from CFM at 9 am. ($7/$3 + $5 shared parking fee)

 

7/21 (Tue) - Easy Hike: Dry Creek Falls (Columbia Gorge)
Leader: John M.
4.5 miles, elev. gain 700 ft.
We’ll walk from Toll House Park to the PCT trailhead and then follow the PCT through the woods as it meanders up and down to the bridge over Dry Creek. From there, we’ll follow a dirt road along the creek to the base of the beautiful falls. This is an out-and-back hike, so we’ll return via the same route.
Historical Notes: Water from Dry Creek was used from 1896 to 1937 to power the lock chamber gates at Cascade Locks – the locks that gave the town its name. The locks were built to circumvent the great Cascades of the Columbia, a long whitewater expanse that was a major impediment to river travel. When the creek was used to power the locks, its creek bed ran dry, hence the name Dry Creek. When Bonneville Dam became operational in 1937, the Great Cascades, along with most of the lock canal, were submerged below the rising water behind it.
Drive: 100 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from L& C at 9:15 am. ($10/$5) NWFP required

 

7/23 (Thu) - Hike: Burnt Lake with optional East Zigzag Ridge (Mt Hood-West)
Leader: Grier W
7.7 - 10 miles, elev. gain 1,400 - 2,100 ft.
Hike through Mt Hood Wilderness to Burnt Lake and around the lake. There is an optional extension to Zigzag Ridge, which has a view of several mountains.    
Drive: 120 mi. Leave from WP at 8 am. Leave from CFM at 8:30 am. ($12/$8) NWFP required    

 

7/23 (Thu) - Ramble: Little Crater Lake to Timothy Lake (Mt Hood-East)
Leader: Anne S
3.5 miles, elev. gain 42 ft.
This out-and-back trail south of Government Camp is generally considered to be an easy route. Highlights include stunning blue water, beautiful meadows, and an easy, flat trail. There are restrooms at the trailhead.
Drive: 162 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from CFM at 9 am. ($16/$12) NWFP required

 

7/28 (Tue) - Hike: Mt Hood Meadows East (Mt Hood-East)
Leaders: Susannah F, Grier W
7.5 miles, elev. gain 1070 ft.
This hike traverses the Mt Hood Meadows ski area and should be full of wildflowers at this time of the year. We'll hike along parts of the Timberline Trail, Jack's Woods Trail, and Bear Grass Trail – and visit Umbrella Falls.
Drive: 146 mi. Leave from WP at 8 am. Leave from CFM at 8:30 am. ($15/$11)

 
7/28 (Tue) - Ramble: Woodstock Park, Reed College Canyon, Crystal Springs Loop (Portland/Valley)
Leader: Linda F
4 miles, flat
This SE urban Portland loop starts and ends at Woodstock Park. We stroll through the Reed College Canyon and visit the headwaters of Crystal Springs Creek. We then visit the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. We return via the vibrant Woodstock neighborhood and shopping area.
Drive: 22 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Arrive at the 2nd meeting place (5801 SE 28th Ave, Portland) at 9 am. ($2/$0 + $9 garden entrance fee or Cultural Pass)

 

7/30 (Thu) - Easy Hike: Sitka Sedge Natural Area State Park (Coastal Mountains)
Leaders: Liliana & John M
4.5 miles, elev. gain 85 ft.
Sitka Sedge Natural Area State Park (Sandlake Rd, Cloverdale, 97112) is a 352-acre park with wetlands, tidal mudflats, forests, and coastline. (An area with nesting Snowy Plovers is restricted from March 15 to September 15). We hope to see birds and marine life as we follow a figure-eight trail that also takes us to the beach for lunch. This is a nice hike on a hot day.
Drive: 180 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from SPS at 9 am. ($18/$16) OSPP  required

 

8/4 (Tue) OPEN
Contact Terry M or Sharon H if you are interested in leading a Hike, Easy Hike, or Ramble on this date.

 

8/6 (Thu) - Easy Hike: Salmon River Trail (Mt Hood-West)
Leader: Linda F
5-6 miles, elev. gain 950 ft.
Hike up and back along the Salmon River through classic old growth rainforest. Part of the trail is within the Wilderness boundary.
Drive: 114 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from CFM at 9 am. ($12/$8) NWFP required    

 

8/6 (Thu) - Ramble: Old Salmon River (Mt Hood-West)
Leader: Kathy K.
5 miles, elev. gain 200 ft.
Ramble through a spectacular forest draped in greenery along the rushing Salmon River, with a few ups and downs along the way. Lunch near the turn-around point. Afterwards, we retrace our steps as we enjoy this forest and river!
Drive: 106 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from CFM at 9 am. ($11/$7) NWFP required

 

8/11 (Tue): Hike: Bird Creek Meadows (SW Washington)
EARLY DEPARTURE 7:30 am
Leader: Don S
6 miles, elev. gain 1200 ft.
This is a loop hike through the wildflower meadows on the south flank of Mt. Adams within the Yakama Indian Reservation. We will start at Bird Lake and climb up to the Hellroaring Viewpoint, then return via a different trail. NOTE: This hike is dependent upon the Yakima Nation opening the area to the general public.
Drive: 225 mi. Leave from WP at 7:30 am. Leave from L&C at 8:15 am. ($23/$18 + $7.00 shared bridge toll and $20/car Yakama Nation Fee)

 

8/13 (Thu) OPEN
Contact Terry M or Sharon H if you are interested in leading a Hike, Easy Hike, or Ramble on this date.

 

8/18 (Tue) - Easy Hike: Little Zigzag Falls area (Mt Hood-West)
Leader: Kathy K
4 miles, elev. gain 500 ft.
We’ll follow the forested trail along the Little Zigzag River to a lovely falls. We’ll also explore the surrounding area with its Douglas Firs, Western Hemlock, huckleberries, and rhododendrons.
Drive: 118 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from CFM at 9 am. ($12/$8) NWFP required

 

8/20 (Thu) - Ramble: Beach & Marsh Trail Loop (Coast/Coastal Mountains)
Leader: Anne S
4.9 miles, elev. gain 72 ft.
Starting at the Bob Straub State Park parking lot, we will hike to Kiwanda Beach and then complete a loop by returning via the marsh side. The walk along the coast is very sandy and can be challenging, but the views of the water justify it. There are restrooms at the parking lot.
Drive: 165 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from NS at 9 am. ($17/$14) OSPP required

 

8/25 (Tue) - Ramble: Bob & Crystal Rilee Park (Portland/Valley)
Leader: Kathi N
3.5 miles, elev. gain 200 ft.
Located on Parrott Mt near Newberg. We’ll walk on soft trails in fields and through the woods. We’ll enjoy outstanding views. There is a rest room at the trailhead. Lunch/ snack at the end of the trail. August can get warm, so remember your sunscreen. Hydration is key this time of year.
Drive: 35 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Arrive at destination (10500 Parrett Mt Rd, Newberg OR) at 9:30 am ($4/$0)

 

8/27 (Thu) - Easy Hike: Newton Creek trail (Mt Hood- East)
Leaders: Maureen B, Terry M
4.5 miles, elev. gain 800 ft.
Beginning at 4,500 ft elevation, we hike through a shaded second growth Douglas Fir forest and enter the Mt Hood Wilderness when crossing the Clark Creek bridge. We turn onto a trail that goes along the south side of Newton Creek with views of the river drainage and Mt. Hood. We will hope for ripe huckleberries.
Drive: 146 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from CFM at 9 am. ($15/$11) NWFP required