3rd Saturday Walk – May 16th

Name: Marshall and Tryon Parks HI-LO Link
Leader: Bonnie Birch, Deb Small
Start Location:  SW 18th St. Parking Lot
Start Time: 9 am (arrive15 min. early so we can start promptly at 9am)
Distance:  3.6 miles
Elevation Change:  less than 100 ft.
Average Pace:  2 mph
Bus Information:  Due to schedule changes, check Tri Met for bus information
Special Notes:  The route may have damp spots and certainly has roots, rocks, etc.  Walking sticks are recommended for those that need them.

We will meet in the small parking lot on 18th Pl., which is south of Taylor’s Ferry Rd.  If the lot is full, there is street parking on Collins Ct., just south of the park entrance on the other side of the road.

This out-and-back trek will continue our exploration of the new HI-LO Trail that we did last month.  It will take us on the portion that connects Marshall Park to Tryon Creek State Park. We’ll walk through idyllic Marshall Park, past the playground and over the stone bridge.  Crossing Maplecrest Dr, we continue on the trail through the southern part of Marshall Park, past the treehouse, and into the quiet, forested neighborhood on 11th Drive. We’ll wind our way down 11th, turn left at Arnold St. and proceed down the steps to go under the Boones Ferry Bridge. (If steps are a problem for anyone, crossing can also be done by just continuing on Arnold and crossing Boones Ferry (with care!) to meet up with the group on the other side of the road). We then walk a short distance on Boones Ferry to the entrance of Tryon Creek SP at the North Creek Trailhead. We’ll dip about 1/2 mile into the state park, and then return the way we came.  Be aware, some portions on this section are quite steep.

Bring a snack, water, good footwear, and dress appropriately for the weather (raingear? sunglasses?). Note that smoking on our walks is not permitted for health reasons. Kids and well-behaved pets on leash are welcome. Restrooms are at times hard to come by but we will try and find one along the way.  Check the weather before you walk.  Right now rain is predicted for Saturday and cooler than it has been.