If you've always wanted to explore the Clackamas Watershed, but haven't been sure where to start, come on a CRBC hike this year!
Spend a half to full day learning about geology, local flora and fauna, and the history of the Clackamas Watershed, while experiencing incredible scenery. This is a great opportunity to visit environments close to home, often pristine ones, that emphasize the natural beauty and biodiversity the Clackamas River Basin has to offer, leaving hikers with a greater sense of appreciation and motivation to protect these valuable resources.
All tours are led by CRBC Board Member Bryon Boyce. See hike descriptions below for meeting locations. Bring plenty of water, a camera, bug spray, and a lunch. Be aware that temperatures in the upper watershed are cooler than in town so layer clothing for comfort and wear appropriate footwear. Hikes are free and participants will carpool. RSVP to attend by emailing Morgan Parks at morgan@clackamasriver.org or calling 503-303-4372 x101.
April 19th - The Natural City Tour
Our urban area is blessed with a variety of natural areas which feature remnants of diverse valley floor habitats. Some of these areas are little visited even by those active in preservation work.
This tour visits two adjacent outstanding examples. The Camassia Natural Area -- The Nature Conservancy's first preserve in Oregon -- and West Linn's Wilderness Park, home of the largest firs in the urban area. The dwarf oak savannas of Camassia are unique, and the quaking aspen pond is unusually located. This tour will catch what is probably the best flower display in the Portland urban area.
This easy hike is around 2.4 miles. There are some ups and downs and occasional rough ground. Meet at Wilderness Park at the parking lot in the SW corner of Skyline Dr. and Clark St. in West Linn, at 9 am. This is a half day hike that should end by noon.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming hikes:
- June 21st - Thunder Mountain
- July 12th - Bull of the Woods Fire Tour
- August 16th - Mount Lowe and Rhododendron Ridge