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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CANCELLED
7/21 (Tue) - Easy Hike: Dry Creek Falls (Columbia Gorge)
The Easy Hike to Dry Creek Falls scheduled for July 21, 2026 has been cancelled because of extreme heat warnings.  Stay cool & safe!

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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.    
Grier W reports,

This is a gradually ascending forest hike to Burnt Lake.  There are a few small streams to cross and a large rock to climb over.  At the lake, there will be the option of continuing a steep climb for almost a mile to the Zigzag overlook, where there is a spectacular view of Mt Hood and three other mountains on a clear day.  Lunch will be either at the lake or at the overlook.  Those who choose to stay at the lake for lunch will have the option of walking around the lake, which is about half a mile.  This hike is longer than some and lunch will be a bit later than usual.  Our return time will also be later.  Boots and hiking poles are recommended.  There is a clean porta-potty at the trailhead, but we will stop for the bathrooms at the Zigzag Ranger Station on our way to the trailhead.  The road to the trailhead is in poor condition and high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended.

Drive 120 miles round trip. Leave from WP at 8:00 am. Leave from the second meeting place, CFM, at 8:30 am. ($12/$8) A NWFP or America the Beautiful pass is required.

 

7/23 (Thu) - Ramble: Timothy Lake (Mt Hood-East)
Leader: Anne S
5 miles, elev. gain 60 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.
Anne S, Helen M report,

Because the boardwalk between Little Crater Lake and the PCT has been closed for repair, we will not visit (beautiful) Little Crater Lake this year. Instead, we will start at the North Arm (Timothy Lake) Campground and follow the Timothy Lake Trail east to the PCT before continuing south along the lake shore. We will have lunch at one of the lakeside campsites before retracing our steps. Most of the flowers have gone, but butterflies and dragonflies are abundant. The trail is wide and well-kept. There are toilets at the North Arm Campground.

Drive 162 miles roundtrip. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from the second meeting place, CFM, at 9:00 am. ($16/$13) A NWFP or America the Beautiful pass is required to park at North Arm Campground.

 

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.
Susannah F reports,
Mt Hood Meadows trails are well-maintained and comfortable underfoot. We walked through meadows and cool forests, which felt great on a hot day. There are spectacular views of Mt Hood and Mt Jefferson, and beautiful flowers are abundant. We'll have a snack stop, and a lunch stop along the way. Bring poles if you use them and boots that are good for small stream crossings. Bring plenty of water! We will stop for the bathrooms at Government Camp on the way.
Drive 146 miles, round trip. Leave from WP at 8:00 am. Leave from the second meeting place, CFM, at 8:30 am. ($15/$11)
 

 
7/28 (Tue) - Ramble: Reed College Canyon, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden 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.
Linda F reports, 
Due to parking difficulties and safety concerns, the Ramble will start at Westmoreland Park, proceed to Reed College Canyon, and return to visit the trails at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. A nice highlight of the walk is a water feature in each park area that attracts many birds. At Reed College Canyon we will walk along Crystal Springs Creek but will not visit the Crystal Springs source. (The trailhead is the parking area that is marked by blue dots in the map of Westmoreland Park below.)
Drive 16 miles, roundtrip. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Arrive at the parking area (7530 SE 22nd Ave, Portland) at 9:00 am. ($2/$0 + a Rhododendron Garden entrance fee of $8 for seniors, $9 for general admission, or a Cultural Pass)
 

 

HIKE CHANGE- 7/30 (Thu) - Sitka Sedge Natural Area State Park IS CANCELLED

New Easy Hike- 7/30 (Thu) - Bayocean Spit Easy Hike (Coastal Mountains)

Leaders: Linda F

5 miles, 100-ft elevation gain

Linda F reports,
This is an in-and-out hike along the beach plus a half mile walk from the trailhead parking lot.  The sand spit was once the site of the City of Bay Ocean Park, a residential development constructed in 1906 and then gradually lost to the ocean after the US Army Corps built the North Jetty at Barview in 1917.  It is a lovely and easy walk.  There are toilets at the trailhead.
Drive 167 miles round trip.  Leave from WP at 8:30 am.  Leave from the second meeting place, SPS, at 9:00 am.  ($17/$15) There is a $10 Tillamook County parking fee that can be paid at the trailhead (Bayocean Peninsula Park, North Hwy 131, Tillamook, OR).
 

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: Anne S
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: Joyce B

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) Ramble: Swan Island Dahlias and Canby Loop (Portland/Valley)

LATE DEPARTURE 9:30 am

Leader: Nicole R

4.5-5 miles, Flat

We'll enjoy this stunning walk through the Dahlia fields as well as the adjacent Canby neighborhood. After you park, meet the group near the porta potties at Swan Island Dahlias (995 NW 22nd Ave, Canby, Oregon). After the walk, you can have lunch either at the concessions, on your own, or at the Thai Dish Cuisine, 108 N. Ivy Street, Canby, Oregon. 

Drive 32 miles, round trip.  Leave from WP at 9:30 am (late departure). Leave from the second meeting place, WT, at 9:45 am.  ($3/$2)

 

8/18 (Tue) - Easy Hike: Little Zigzag Falls area (Mt Hood-West)
Leader: Sharon H
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

 

HIKE CHANGE. No longer- Beach & Marsh Trail Loop

NEW 8/20 (Thu) - Ramble: Two River Trail (Coast/Coastal Mountains)

Leader: Anne S

2.7 miles, elev. gain 341 ft.

This trail winds through gorgeous woodland in Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The well-marked path is shaded and has several benches along the trail where hikers can sit and take a break. Two Rivers Viewpoint provides gorgeous vistas of the Nestucca River and Little Nestucca River. There's plenty of wildlife to see as you navigate the trail. Look for deer, eagles, and other species of birds. Parking and restrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring /wear insect repellant!

Drive: 165 mi. Leave from WP at 8:30 am. Leave from NS at 9:00 am. ($17/$14) No parking permit is 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