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​​​.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

9/15 (Tue) - Easy Hike: Canby Logging Trail and Eco Park (Portland/Valley)
LATE DEPARTURE 9 am
Leader: Susannah F
5 miles, flat
We will walk along part of the former Molalla Forest Road, originally used by logging trucks to transport timber to the Willamette River. We'll see the river and walk through fields and forested areas. Bring snacks for the hike and afterwards. Those who wish can eat lunch in Canby.
Susannah F reports,
We will walk along part of the former Molalla Forest Road, originally used by logging trucks to transport timber to the Willamette River. We'll see the river and walk through fields and forested areas. This hike is a flat, easy-going mix of forest, fields, and paved trail. The location has been used for TV and film. There are no restrooms at the trailhead, but you may want to visit the Fred Meyer on First Avenue. Bring a snack for the hike. Afterwards, those who wish to eat lunch together will head into Canby for the Oregon Brewing Company food trucks.
Drive 38 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 9:00 am. Arrive at the destination, Eco City Park, 1314 NE Territorial Rd, Canby, at 9:40 am. ($4/$0)

 

9/17 (Thu) - Hike: Red Rock Pass to Butte Camp (Mt St Helens) (SW Washington)
Leaders: Terry M, Grier W
Upper Butte Camp - 8 miles round trip, 1,700-ft elevation gain
Lower Butte Camp- 5.2 miles round trip, 1,000-ft elevation gain
This out-and-back hike includes climbing to and crossing a lava field and hiking through a forest to a meadow with views of Mt St Helens.
Terry M Reports, 
Beginning at Red Rock Pass (3,067-ft elevation), we will cross a 1,900-year-old lava flow on a mostly gravel path into a forest of lodge-pole pine, silver fir and noble fir trees before ascending 1,000 feet to lower Butte Camp. The trail begins as sand but becomes rockier as we climb. At Lower Butte camp, we will stop briefly for a snack, or some may choose to stay here for lunch. Others will then proceed up an additional 1.5 miles (700-ft elevation gain) to Upper Butte Camp, just below the Loowit Trail. We will be hiking up switchbacks with ever increasing drop offs. The last switch back section is very narrow in sandy soil with an exposed drop off. Once past the switch backs, we will walk through relatively new trees, which are taking over the subalpine meadows. We hope for splendid views to the south and views of the south flanks of Mount St Helens. If you do not want to go all the way to Upper Butte camp, you have the option to hike to Lower Butte Camp, have lunch and then wait until the rest of the group returns. We did not see any huckleberries, but the fall color is wonderful. You are advised to use poles and wear an extra layer of clothing if you plan to have lunch at Upper Butte camp. We will stop in Cougar at public restrooms since no facilities exist at the trailhead.
Drive 160 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 8:00 am. Leave from the second meeting place, JBT, at 8:30 am ($16/$12) A NWFP is required to park at the trailhead.  Note: When coming home, 1-5 southbound will be closed from I-405 to I-84. Alternate routes back to WP are I-205 or I-405.

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9/17 (Thu) - Ramble: Graham Oaks Nature Park (Portland/Valley)
LATE DEPARTURE 9 am
Leaders: Jan M, Anneliese E
3.1 miles, flat
Metro opened the 250-acre Graham Oaks Nature Park in 2010. The park has 3 easy miles of trails to explore. The largest oak standing is known as the elder oak, which is estimated to be 150 - 200 years old and is well-protected. It is a part of the Oak Savannah. At this time, most of the other trees are saplings that may take as long as 100 years to get to maturity. There is much more to see, including hundreds of different trees, flowers, and wildlife. This ramble is one of those "it feels so good to be hiking with friends" while enjoying an early fall day in September. There are good places to eat, so bring lunch or snacks.
Jan M reports,
Your hike leaders, Jan and Anneliese, scouted the park on a warm, sunny day, and are happy to re-confirm that it is a wonderful area to explore. The 3+ miles of trails are well-maintained. There are beautiful old growth trees on the Savannah, a bird-blind, wetlands where red-legged frogs breed, and other wildlife. The trails are mostly flat and easy to navigate, so there is almost no elevation gain. Bring snacks or a lunch, as there are several places where we can stop for a break. We should all bring plenty of water! Another highlight is a nearby home with beautiful landscaping, artwork and flowers. There is also an old-fashioned, outside “telephone booth” where you just might be able to “call” someone! We will leave that as a surprise for you to discover! There are restrooms and maps in the free parking lot. We hope you can join us.
Drive 25 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 9:00 am. Leave from the second meeting place, WT, at 9:15 am. ($3/$2)

 

9/22 (Tue) - Hike: Falls Creek Falls (SW Washington)
Leader: Grier W
6.3 miles, elev. gain 1,445 ft.
Hike to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. We’ll hike along Falls Creek to the falls, then return to the connector trail and hike to two additional viewpoints before returning to the trailhead.
Drive: 160 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 8 am. Leave from L&C at 8:45 am. ($16/$11 + $6 shared bridge toll) NWFP or America the Beautiful pass required
 

9/22 (Tue) - Ramble: Cooper Mtn Loop (Portland/Valley)
Leader: Linda F
3 miles, elev. gain 300 ft.
Cooper Mountain is a loop hike starting at the Nature Center. There has been extensive work to restore the oak savannah habitat. The ramble starts at higher elevation, so be prepared for an uphill climb back. Beware that poison oak has been reported. Restrooms are available at the Nature Center.
Drive: 20 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Arrive at destination (Cooper Mtn Nature Park, 18892 SW Kemmer Rd, Beaverton) at 9 am.($2/$0)
 

9/24 (Thu) - Ramble: Washington Park (Portland/Valley)

LATE DEPARTURE 9 am

Leaders: Jeanette H, Laurie G

3-4 miles, elev. gain 120 ft.

We'll explore the sites in the east end of the park, including sculptures, views of Mt. Hood, the Holocaust Memorial, and the International Rose Test Garden. We’ll walk on paved and well-maintained dirt paths, some stairs, and a short segment of ballast pavers (which may be slippery when wet). Bring snacks to enjoy at our rest stop above the rose garden. Lunch is on your own; you can take advantage of the many restaurants nearby.

Drive: 20 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 9 am. Arrive at destination (229 SW Wright Ave, Portland) at 9:30. Assemble near the brick restroom building at the south edge of the Holocaust Memorial. There is free street parking on SW Wright Ave. and SW Park Pl.($2/$0)

 

9/29 (Tue) - Easy Hike: Tryon Creek Perimeter Loop (Portland/Valley)

Leader: Anne S

4.8 miles, elev. gain 577 ft.

Tryon Creek State Park, formed in 1970, spans both Portland and Lake Oswego and offers a network of hiking trails. The park is named after Socrates Tryon, Jr., who owned these 645 acres in the mid-19th century before selling to the Oregon Iron Company in 1874.The area was logged until the 1960s, but the 50-100-year-old tree canopy is now dense and lush. This hike is a loop that travels the outer perimeter of the park. Expect gentle inclines and moderate terrain. The Terwilliger Trail is a paved bike path that should be hiked in single file. Restrooms are available at the Nature Center.

Drive: 10.8 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Arrive at destination (11321 South Terwilliger Blvd, Portland) at 8:45 am.($1/$0) Oregon State Park Pass required
 

10/1 (Thu) - Hike: Thomas Lake to Blue Lake (SW Washington)
EARLY DEPARTURE 7:30 am.
Leader: Grier W
6.8 miles, elev. gain 900 ft.
Hike through forest and meadows and past eleven named mountain lakes as well as a number of anonymous tarns in the Indian Heaven Wilderness.
Drive: 182 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 7:30 am. Leave from L&C at 8:15 am. ($18/$13 +$6 shared bridge toll) NWFP or America the Beautiful pass required
 

10/1 (Thu) - Ramble: Estacada Artback Murals (Clackamas Foothills)
Leader: Helen H
3-4 miles, flat
Enjoy a walking tour of Estacada's art murals and a short walk in the woods.
Drive: 80 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from CFM at 9 am. ($8/$4)
 

10/2 (Fri) - MEETING: Winter-Spring 2027 Planning Meeting
Time: 8:45 AM -11:00 AM
AT: LO Adult Community Center, 505 G Ave, Lake Owego, Room TBA.
Bring your ideas to help us plan wonderful hikes and rambles for January-April 2027.
 

10/6 (Tue) - Ramble: Multnomah Village (Portland/Valley)
LATE DEPARTURE 9:30 am
Leader: Liliana M
4.5 miles, flat
Explore the iconic landmark in a former 1908 electric railway station building that now functions as a massive craft beer and wine destination. Visit Shops and Boutiques, including independent stops like Annie Bloom's Books and Thinker Toys. Step into The French Quarter, which is a dedicated outdoor food cart pod, to find roughly ten diverse food and drink carts. Make a short trek over to the 89-acre Gabriel Park via the paved neighborhood paths to see the community gardens and open green fields.
Drive: 8 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 9:30 am. Arrive at destination (Multnomah Village Cultural Center, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland) at 9:45 am. ($1/$0)
 

10/8 (Thu) - Easy Hike: Washington Park Loop (Portland/Valley)
Leader: Anne S
3.5 miles, elev. gain 410 ft.
This loop follows some of the most popular and beautiful trails in Washington Park and connects many sites and attractions within the area. We will start at the Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center before taking the Fir Trail to the Wildwood Trail, the Redwood Trail, and many others, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Trail. Hopefully, the autumn leaves will be at their peak at this time. There are restrooms at the Visitor Center and there is free parking along SW Fairview Blvd. There is also a pay-to-park lot near the Visitor Center.
Drive: 26 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Arrive at destination (4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland) at 9 am. ($3/$0)
 

10/13 (Tue) - Easy Hike: Moulton Falls via East Fork of the Lewis River Trail (SW Washington)
Leader: Grier W
5.3 miles, elev. gain 298 ft.
In Moulton Falls Regional Park, we’ll walk along the Lewis River on a paved trail, then a well-groomed forested trail to the East Fork High Bridge, which is a dazzling vantage point over the river gorge. We’ll take detours to see Lucia Falls and Big Tree (Yacolt) Falls.
Drive: 100 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from JBT at 9 am. ($10/$6)
 

10/15 (Thu) - Hike: Lewis River Falls (SW Washington)
EARLY DEPARTURE 7:30 am
Leader: Grier W
8.1 miles, elev. gain 1,240 ft.
We will hike in a shady forest along the Lewis River to see three gorgeous waterfalls before returning to the trailhead.
Drive: 200 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 7:30 am. Leave from JBT at 8 am. ($20/$16) NWFP or America the Beautiful pass required
 

10/15 (Thu) - Ramble: Lake Oswego Art Walk (Portland/Valley)
LATE DEPARTURE 9 am
Leader: Molly D
2 miles, elev. gain 100 ft.
We’ll focus on the 8 new sculptures in the Lake Oswego Gallery Without Walls. These were unveiled in September 2026 and are concentrated in the downtown area, which makes for a nice walking tour of around 2 miles, including some elevation and staircases. As well as examining the 8 new sculptures, we’ll point out some others that remain from previous years. We’ll also stop at the Art Council office and view its indoor gallery. We will finish well before lunch. Lots of opportunities to share coffee or lunch afterwards. Many restrooms are available.
Drive: 8 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 9:00 am. Arrive at destination (corner of 1st and Evergreen St. in downtown Lake Oswego) at 9:15 am.($1/$0) Park and meet at the fountain in Millennium Park

 

SUBSTITUTED HIKE: 10/20 (Tue) Easy Hike: Sandy River Delta

Leader: Anne S

4 miles, elev. gain 55 ft

This trail through the Sandy River Delta offers a variety of landscapes, including meadows, wetlands and wooded areas.  We will start from the Sandy River Parking Area and proceed northeast along the boundary trail to the Columbia River and the Maya Lin Sandy River Confluence Bird Blind. The bird blind is an open-air oval composed of 10-foot-tall vertical slats made from locally sourced (invasive) black locust trees. The slats are engraved with the names and conservation statuses of 134 animal species recorded by Lewis & Clark.  From there we will walk west along the East Channel before returning to the parking area. Restrooms are available at the parking area and picnic tables are scattered throughout the park. 

Drive: 53 miles round trip.  Leave from WP at 8:30 am.  Leave from L&C at 9:15 am. ($5/$0) A NWFP is required to park in the Sandy River Parking Area.  An OSPP is required to park at L&C.

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10/20 (Tue) - Ramble: Champoeg State Park (Portland/Valley)
LATE DEPARTURE 9 am
Leader: Liliana M
4 - 5 miles, flat
Champoeg features a unique combination of history, nature, and recreation. This is the site where Oregon’s first provisional government was formed by a historical vote in 1843. It is situated on the south bank of the scenic Willamette River.
Drive: 40 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 9 am. Leave from WT at 9:15 am. ($4/$3)
Oregon State Park Pass required
 

10/22 (Thu) - Easy Hike: L L Stub Stewart Park Loop (Coast/Coastal Mountains)
Leader: Anne S
4.3 miles, elev. gain 561 ft.
L.L. "Stub" Stewart Memorial State Park is a1,654-acre Oregon State Park in Washington County near the community of Buxton. When the park opened in 2007, it was the first new full-service state park in Oregon since 1972.Our loop trail is generally considered to be a moderately challenging route and is a popular trail for birding. We will start the hike from the parking lot near the Welcome Center, where there are restrooms.
Drive: 76 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from SPS at 9 am. ($8/$6) Oregon State Park Pass required
 

10/27 (Tue) - Easy Hike: Silver Falls (Santiam Foothills)
Leader: Susannah F
5.5 miles, elev. gain 800 ft.
A fall favorite enjoying waterfalls, trees, and good company! We will most likely walk the winter falls loop but will make a final decision when we see the weather and conditions. Sturdy boots and poles (for those who use them) are highly recommended.
Drive: 102 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 8.30 am. Leave from WT at 9 am. ($10/$9) Oregon State Park Pass required

10/29 (Thu) - Ramble: Bauman's Harvest Festival Pumpkin Patch (Portland/Valley)
LATE DEPARTURE 9 am.
Leader: Nicole R
2-3 miles, flat
We can walk through two or three corn mazesand around the festival grounds.
Drive: 50 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 9am. Leave from WT at 9:30 am. ($5/$4)
There is no fee to shop at Bauman Store, but $15.00 for seniors to enter the Harvest Festival(subject to change).
 

11/3 (Tue) - Ramble: Nob Hill Nature Park (Portland/Valley)
Leaders: Yvonne J, Anneliese E
3-4 miles, elev. gain 200 ft.
We will explore a lovely little park near St.Helens, walking along the banks of the Columbia River and then a short walk into the town of St. Helens.
Drive: 76 miles round trip. Leave from WP at8:30 am. Arrive at destination (Nob Hill Nature Park, S 6th St, St Helens, OR) at 9:30 am.($8/$0)
 

11/5 (Thu) - Ramble: Mary S Young Park (Portland/Valley)
LATE DEPARTURE 9 am
Leader: Kathi N
4-5 miles, mostly flat
Enjoy this 128-acre forested park along the Willamette River. Trails are both paved and natural. Restrooms are available in the park.
Drive: 15 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 9am. Arrive at destination (19900 Willamette Dr, West Linn) at 9:20 am. ($2/$0)
 

11/10 (Tue) - Ramble: Willamette River Greenway Trail (Portland/Valley)
Leader: Molly D
4 miles, flat
This will be the inaugural ramble on the newly completed section of the Willamette River Greenway Trail that connects Foothills Park, Roehr Park, and George Rogers Park. We will start at Foothills Park, rambling south to George Rogers Park, and return to Foothills Park. The short connecting stretch of this path has been long awaited. The trail is completely along the Willamette River.
Drive: 9 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Arrive at destination (Group Picnic Pavilion, 199 Foothills Dr., Lake Oswego) at 8:45 am. ($1/$0)
 

11/12 (Thu) - Ramble: George Rogers Park to Cedaroak Boat Ramp (Portland/Valley)
LATE DEPARTURE 9 am
Leader: Terry M
5 miles, flat
This is a popular fall ramble along the Willamette River with fall foliage colors. We will walk on a tarmac path and streets. Dress warmly and appropriately for possible rainy weather. We will turn around at the boat ramp at Cedar Oak Drive, weather permitting.
Drive: 28 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 9 am. Arrive at destination (Lower parking lot at George Rogers Park, 611 S. State St Lake Oswego) at 9:15 am. ($3/$0)
 

11/17 (Tue) - MEETING: ANNUAL POTLUCK
Visit Christ Church Parish Located at 1060 Chandler Road. Time and event details TBD.