SWTrails Monthly Hike Saturday, December 14

SWTrails’ December walk will be led by Ben and Sue Donora. This month’s hike will be approximately 5.5 miles with 400 ft. in elevation gain. Our walk will take us over three large recently completed trail bridges; we’ll explore the neighborhoods of West Portland Park, Quail Park and Marshall Park, and hike the wooded trails of Marshall and Maricara Parks.

We will meet behind the bleachers at Wilson High School (SW Sunset Blvd. and Capitol Highway) and be ready to go by 9:00 am.  We’ll carpool to the Barbur Blvd Transit Center (or you can meet us at the BBTC at 9:15am). From there, we’ll walk over I-5 into West Portland Park via SW Trail #5, through the unique Quail Park development, and into the Foley Balmer Natural Area and over the first new bridge. We’ll continue on to Marshall Park, where we’ll connect to SW Trail #6 and walk over the two new Owl Creek bridges. After that, we’ll connect with Trail #5 to 14th Drive and hike through the gorgeous woods of the Maricara Natural Area. We’ll pass by Jackson Middle School to return to the Transit Center and carpool back to Wilson High School. It’s December so be prepared for all kinds of weather.

Bring a snack, water, good footwear, sunglasses and dress for the weather.  Well-behaved dogs are allowed, but must be on leash. For health reasons, there is no smoking on SWTrails walks. For more information or to volunteer to lead a future walk in your neighborhood, contact Britta Gordon (swtrailsbritta@gmail.com). Co-sponsored by SWTrails PDX and Hillsdale Neighborhood Association.