family friendly

Explore the Fanno Creek Trail in Tigard, combining fitness and nature in a fun-filled morning with great views of the creek as it meanders through three city parks and other natural areas. Enjoy the area's beauty and see the habitat that is home to birds, fish and other critters - and learn how Metro and its partners have worked together to bring this vision to life. Local author Laura O. Foster gets you up to speed on the creek's past, as well as efforts to preserve and protect it for decades to come. Meet at the Tigard Public Library at 8:45 a.m. Free, but registration is required. If you have questions, call 503-797-1545. You can now register and pay online for Metro activities. Go to Metro's online calendar (www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar), find your event by searching or browsing, and follow the instructions. To register by phone, call 503-797-1650 option 2.

Perched above the town of Gaston, Metro's 1,200-acre Chehalem Ridge Natural Area is a majestic place - but it's also a work in progress. Be one of the first to explore newly thinned sections of this signature natural area, where Metro is helping transition a timber crop into a diverse, mature forest. Along the way, you might hear bird calls or spot a glistening Cascade peak in the distance. Be prepared to walk three miles at a moderate pace, including uneven terrain off the main path. Free, but registration is required. Details will follow registration. If you have questions, call 503-797-1545. You can now register and pay online for Metro activities. Go to Metro's online calendar (www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar), find your event by searching or browsing, and follow the instructions. To register by phone, call 503-797-1650 option 2.

South of West Linn, the Willamette River flows through a stretch of cliffs and rocky islands called the Willamette Narrows - a perfect place to explore by kayak. Join Metro's science team and eNRG Kayaking on this half-day paddling expedition, which introduces you to Metro's restoration work in the Narrows. The area can feel remote; it's home to deer, coyote, frogs, osprey, owls, heron and songbirds. All minors must be accompanied by an adult (no children under 12). Expect Class 1 river conditions - moving water, riffles and no rapids. $25 per person; kayak provided with registration. Details will follow registration. If you have questions, call 503-797-1545. You can now register and pay online for Metro activities. Go to Metro's online calendar (www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar), find your event by searching or browsing, and follow the instructions. To register by phone, call 503-797-1650 option 2.

Love to snowshoe? Interested in the animals that live on Mt Hood?  Join the Wolverine Tracking Project, a volunteer survey program through Portland-based Cascadia Wild. Develop animal tracking skills while helping us survey for rare carnivores such as wolverine on Mt Hood. Season cost is $50; family friendly. First training session is on Oct 30th. Please visit our website for more information: www.cascadiawild.org. Or contact us at info@cascadiawild.org or 503-235-9533.

Join a REI Outdoor School Instructor for a guided hike to one of Portland's natural gems. We'll teach you about the 10 essentials of backcountry travel and introduce you to the 7 Leave no Trace principles. In addition, we'll share a few tips to making hiking more comfortable and help you hike at your own pace. We will cover the following material on this hike:

• Learn about Portland's best local hiking venues
• Learn about the 10 essentials
• Learn the 7 Leave no Trace principles
• Learn tips for making hiking more comfortable
• Learn a bit of natural and cultural history