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​​​.
 

Mar 19 (Thu) - Winter Ramble: Willamette Greenway & East Bank Esplanade (PDX/Valley)
Leaders: Anne S., Yvonne J.
5 mi., elev. gain 104 ft.
Late March should be the perfect time to see Portland's cherry blossoms at their peak. From our parking spot on SE Caruthers St, we will take the Tilikum Crossing across the Willamette River and proceed North up the West side of the river. We will then cross back on the Steel Bridge, walk South along the Vera Katz East-bank Esplanade, pass under the Hawthorne Bridge, and continue on the Esplanade. We will see several interpretive signs that explain the effort to restore the river habitat and the history of Portland's bridges. Don't miss the life-size, bronze statue of Vera sitting on a wall along the path. Restrooms are available inside OMSI.

Anne S and Yvonne J report,
The cherry blossoms are blooming along the Willamette River and hopefully they will survive the rain and wind that is hitting Portland this week. From our parking spot on SE Caruthers St, we will pass over the Tilikum Crossing bridge and proceed North up the West bank of the river. We will then re-cross the river on the Steel Bridge, walk South along the Vera Katz East-bank Esplanade, and return to our starting point. Restrooms are available inside OMSI.
Drive: 21 mi. Leave from WP 9:00a, 2nd meeting place 9:30 am; East Tilikum Bridge, 41 SE Caruthers St, Portland ($2/$0) (2-hour on-street parking is free)

Mar 26 (Thu) - Winter Ramble: Frenchman's Bar Trail (SW Washington)
Leader: Susannah F.
6 mi., elev. gain flat
We will walk from Vancouver Lake to Frenchman's Bar Park and hope to see lots of migrating birds. Last year we saw hundreds of snow geese and sandhill cranes. Bring lunch to eat at the covered picnic area of Frenchman Bar Park. There are restrooms there and at Vancouver Lake.
Drive: 48 mi. Leave from WP 9:00a, 2nd meeting place 9:45 am; Vancouver Lake Regional Park, 6801 NW Lower River Rd., Vancouver WA ($5/$0 + $3/car parking fee)

 

Apr 02 (Thu) - Hike: Chenoweth Tableland (Columbia Gorge)
Leader: Terry M.
6 mi., elev. gain 700 ft.
The tablelands provide great views of The Dalles and surrounding hills as well as some unique rock formations. In the spring, we will hope for a profusion of wildflowers.
Drive: 190 mi. Leave from WP 8:00a, 2nd meeting place 8:30a AWHD ($19/$15)

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Apr 02 (Thu) - Ramble: Tryon Creek State Park (Portland / Valley)
LATE DEPARTURE 10:00a
Leader: Liliana M.
4 mi., elev. gain 400 ft.
We will explore the park, crossing a few bridges on our way to the Nature Center, and then take the Maple Trail to the north end of the park. During rainy season, some of the trails can be muddy, so boots and pools are recommended.
Drive: 8 mi. Leave from WP 10:00a, 2nd meeting place 10:15 am; Iron Mountain Trailhead on Andrews St ($1/$0)

 

Apr 07 (Tue) - Hike: Hamilton Mountain (Columbia Gorge)
Leaders: Don S., Gordon P.
6.4 - 7.6 mi., elev. gain 2000 ft.
The trail climbs steeply, gaining about 2000 feet of elevation and passing Rodney Falls and several cliff edge viewpoints, to the top of Hamilton Mountain. We may decide to return the same way for a round trip of 6.4 miles or take an alternate, less steep but longer route back down for a round trip of 7.6 miles. There should be good views of the Columbia Gorge, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Adams.
Drive: 104 mi. Leave from WP 8:00a, 2nd meeting place 8:30a AWHD ($10/$6) Washington Discover Pass required

 

Apr 07 (Tue) - Ramble: Oaks Bottom (Portland / Valley)
Leaders: Anne S., Yvonne J.
3 mi., elev. gain 219 ft.
In the midst of Portland, but shielded by a 100-foot cliff, the animals in this riverside wildlife refuge don't seem to realize that they're in a metropolis. As we hike the trail around these wetlands, we're almost certain to see ducks, beaver-gnawed trees, and Great Blue Herons calmly fishing for frogs. There is a portable toilet at the 7th Ave parking lot. You can bring a lunch to eat on the trail or visit one of the great Sellwood restaurants on SE 13th Ave.
Drive: 14 mi. Leave from WP 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:00 am; Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, 7720 SE 7th Ave, Portland ($1/$0)

 

Apr 09 (Thu) - Easy Hike: Garden Home (Portland / Valley)
Leader: Maureen B.
6 mi., elev. gain flat
From the Garden Home Recreation Center, we hike on a portion of the Fanno Creek Trail and then explore the Garden Home neighborhood.
Drive: 20 mi. Leave from WP 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 8:45 am; Garden Home Recreation Center, 7475 SW Oleson Rd., Portland OR ($2/$0)

 

Apr 14 (Tue) - Easy Hike: Multnomah Falls (Columbia Gorge)
LATE DEPARTURE 9:00a
Leaders: Jeanette H., Kathi N.
3 mi., elev. gain 800 ft.
A gorgeous hike for views of the Gorge. It is a rather steep climb but we are taking it easy -- up and back with switchbacks to ease the way.
Drive: 87 mi. Leave from WP 9:00a, 2nd meeting place 9:45a L&C ($9/$3 + State Park Pass (Oregon))

Apr 16 (Thu) - Hike: Angels Rest to Wahkeena Falls
(Columbia Gorge)
Leaders: Don S., Joyce B.
6.6 mi., elev. gain 1500 ft.
This will be a one-way hike from Angels Rest trailhead to Wahkeena Falls with a car shuttle. We will hike up to Angels Rest, where we will have lunch, and then continue east down the trail to Wahkeena Falls.
Drive: 80 mi. Leave from WP 8:00a, 2nd meeting place 8:45a L&C ($8/$3 + parking at L&C now requires the Oregon State Park Pass)

 

Apr 16 (Thu) - Ramble: Camassia (Portland / Valley)
Leader: Helen H.
3 mi., elev. gain 100 ft.
Enjoy a spring walk in the forest to see camas lilies and other wildflowers.
Drive: 17 mi. Leave from WP 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:15 am; Wilderness Park Trailhead, Clark St. West Linn, OR ($2/$0)

 

Apr 21 (Tue) - Hike: Silver Falls State Park (Santiam Foothills)
LATE DEPARTURE 8:30a
Leaders: Susannah F., Jan M.
5.5 - 8 mi., elev. gain 800 - 1200 ft.
This popular spring hike will take us alongside and behind many gorgeous waterfalls. We should see them in full flow at this time of year, so wear walking boots for puddles and mud! Poles are recommended for the uneven, rocky surface of the trails. We will eat snacks along the way and (depending on our speed) either lunch on the trail or back at the cozy South Falls lodge. Jan will lead the shorter hike and we plan to meet afterwards in the lodge cafe.
Drive: 102 mi. Leave from WP 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 8:45a WT ($10/$9) State Park Pass (Oregon) required

 

Apr 23 (Thu) - Easy Hike: Gnat Creek Fish Hatchery (Coast/Coast Mts)
Leader: Robina B.
5.6 mi., elev. gain 670 ft.
The trails along Gnat Creek pass through a verdant forest of Western Hemlock and Sitka Spruce. The creek itself supports runs of Steelhead, Coho, and Chinook Salmon. We'll start at the Gnat Creek Fish Hatchery (with parking and restroom), explore the fish hatchery, pass a couple of small waterfalls, and explore the Gnat Creek deep upper ravine.
Drive: 172 mi. Leave from WP 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 10.15 am; 92645 Gnat Hatchery Road, Clatskanie, OR 97016 ($17/$0)

 

Apr 28 (Tue) - Easy Hike: Crown Zellerbach via Vernonia (Coast/Coast Mts)
Leaders: Anne S., Kathi N.
6 mi., elev. gain 850 ft.
This in-and-out trail, which starts from East Knott Street in Vernonia, follows 3 miles of the historic railroad between Scappoose and Vernonia. On a clear day, there are views of Mt. Saint Helens, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Hood. The trail has both gravel and asphalt sections. We will stay to the edge of the trail, because this trail is very popular with bicyclists.
Drive: 101 mi. Leave from WP 8:30a, 2nd meeting place 9:00a SPS ($10/$8)

 

Apr 30 (Thu) - Hike: Coyote Wall (Columbia Gorge)
Leader: John M.
7 mi., elev. gain 1765 ft.
This is a rigorous, beautiful hike on the Washington side of the Columbia River. It is a Moderate to Difficult hike with some steep inclines. Enjoy spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood. Expect to see an amazing burst of spring wildflowers. The trailhead is right next to Locke Lake along Route 14.
Drive: 158 mi. Leave from WP 8:00a, 2nd meeting place 8:45a L&C ($16/$11 + $7 bridge toll; parking at L&C now requires the Oregon State Park Pass) NWFP required

Apr 30 (Thu) - Ramble: Canemah Bluff (Portland / Valley)
LATE DEPARTURE 9:30a
Leaders: Sharon & Doug H.
2.5 mi., elev. gain 300 ft.
Explore this close-in park in Oregon City with views of the Willamette River and Falls as well as possible camas blooms.
Drive: 34 mi. Leave from WP 9:30a, 2nd meeting place 10 am; Canemah Children's Park, 815 4th Ave, Oregon City 97045 ($3/$0)