Clackamette Loop

This was a scouting of a new walk and it was a good thing I was scouting this as it had several surprises. The first came as the park I planned to park at was almost gone because of construction on the 205 bridge over the Willamette. I had a backup plan to park a Clackamas Park but I found the gate closed and my third backup spot was post with authorized vehicles only signs. I almost gave up but then I tried going to the top of the walk loop in Gladstone and had no problem finding parking in Cross Park. So I started off doing the loop in a different order then planned.

The loop follows along a paved trail along the Clackamas River. It connects through a series of small parks and green ways with some city street walking. The river was running high so I had to make some small deterrers around some spots that were flooded but over all it was good trail. I found the loop had a lot of interesting things to see and one I need to return to with a better camera to explore photographically. Of course the fog on the river help create a great visual atmosphere.

I did 4 miles in two hours. Lots stops for photos and to go explore side trails. I found the folks walking the trail this morning the friendliest I have experience on my walks.

Pittock by way of Balch Creek

A New Year morning walk to get the year going. This was a standard Ramble route that I have done many times so it felt like home. This trail gives good elevation gain but there is a lot of wild to enjoy on the route. The walk was about 6 miles in about 2 1/2 hours. I was on the trail at 7:30 am with very few folks around. By the time I was doing last section down Balch Creek the trail was loaded with folks. Lots of stopping and waiting for families to get by. A cold clear morning and a nice way to start a new year.

Graham Oaks – Tonquin Trail Walk

This was a very wet walk. I returned with Lori, Jeanette and Sylvia to show them the Graham Oaks Nature Park and Tonquin Trail that I had scouted a week earlier. This was also a chance to once again test our rain gear. We did a shorter route then I had done before because two hours in constant rain was enough.

After our walk we went to RAM Restaurant & Brewhouse for lunch.

Graham Oaks Nature Park Walk

An Exploratory walk of Graham Oaks Nature Park and the Northern part of the Tonquin Trail and South to Arrow Creek Park. I covered 7 3/4 miles in 3 hours and 45 minutes. Started out freezing cold but warmed up by the time I finished. This is the land of the labradoodle.