3rd Saturday Walk, Feb 19 2022

Name:  Woods Park Loop
Start Location: Smith School 8935 SW 52^nd Ave.
Start Time: 9 am (arrive 10-15 min. early so we can start promptly at 9am)
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation Change: 350 ft.
Average Pace:  2 mph
Participation Requirements: Fully vaccinated (including Booster), have masks
Bus Information:  3-block walk from Bus 45, SW Garden Home and 52^nd Ave. Stop

Special Notes:  Although the paths are fairly level and dry, there are a couple of short distances where walking sticks might be useful. For those using the bus, head south on SW 52nd Ave., turn left on SW Dolph then right on SW 52nd to reach Smith School.

We will start this 3-mile walk from Smith School at 8935 SW 52^nd Ave. Park in front of the school and meet on the sidewalk near the front doors. We head out on SW Marigold St, take SW 51^st up to SW Brugger and then enter Brugger Path, part of a local trails network, Ashcreek Trails, where we will walk 4 of its 16 trails.  After crossing SW 45^th we head down into Woods Park and cross the “Little Bridge” built by SW Trails about 7 years ago and then rebuilt after a vehicle destroyed the first version. We wrap around to the South trail, down to the Woods Creek trail, up to Alice Trail and stop for a bit to look at the new Bureau of Environmental Services’ storm water structure and new bridge. SWT Trail #7 merges with the Alice Trail as we head north to leave the park and head down a local right-of-way trail to SW Lobilia St before circling back to Marigold Trail and re-enter Woods Park. We will take a little diversion over to the Woods Park Mandala where every week or so the mysterious Mandala Fairy comes and decorates our park. We then return to the Marigold Trail, cross SW 45^th on a brand new crosswalk provided by PBOT, possibly the first “trail” crosswalk in Portland. Heading west and out of the park, we return to Smith School where we began.

Bring water and snacks and dress in layers for our late winter weather. Well behaved dogs on leash and all ages are welcome on our hikes, but no smoking for the health and consideration of others.

Hope to see you there.