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Let's Go Walking!
When: Thu, Dec 03, 2020 10AM-2PM |
Hiking during COVID-19 pandemic
- All participants must wear facial masks and practice social distancing during Senior Healthy Hikers group events.
- We will no longer carpool to the trailhead. Participants are responsible for their own transportation.
- Driving directions (with the beginning point at Gresham City Hall) will be distributed at least three days prior to the event.
Hike details
- Distance: 3.8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 125 feet
- Trail conditions: Rocky in places
- Round-trip travel: Approximately 40 miles
The Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a complex of wetlands, meadows, and forest, mainly fed by springs, at the base of the Willamette River bluff in Sellwood. Waterfowl can be seen at any time of the year, and beaver and nutria are active in the backwaters. We will hike the Bluff Trail, which can be muddy in spots, but includes railed boardwalks and viewing platforms. The wooded trail goes through cottonwoods, Oregon ash, and cedars, and skirts algae-covered ponds. Above the trail is a large wildlife mural on the walls of the Portland Memorial Mausoleum. At over 40,000 square feet, it is the largest hand-painted mural in the country.
We will walk for a short distance on the Springwater Trail, which gets lots of bike traffic, so we will need to go single-file and stay to the far right side of the trail to avoid bikers.
Plan to bring water and snacks. No group lunch is planned for this hike, but there are a variety of small restaurants on 13th Avenue, if anyone is interested in having lunch before returning to Gresham. Wear good hiking shoes and dress for the weather. Hiking poles are optional. Restrooms are available at the trailhead.
For more information about this hike please contact Mary Ann Buck at 971-344-1946 or buckbanter@gmail.com.
Senior Healthy Hikers asks that participants be 50 or older. A couple wishing to hike is welcome if one member of the couple is 50 or better.
Pets are not permitted on our hikes or walks.
