seasonal natural interest

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.

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

How do endangered young salmon find food and refugia from floods and predators? Join Russ Plaeger from the Sandy River Basin Watershed Council to learn the science behind a side channel restoration project at Oxbow’s Happy Creek that will create deep pools, bubbling riffles and plenty of places to hide for juvenile Chinook, Coho and Steelhead. Learn about the characteristics of good habitat and get some tips on native plants and salmon-friendly practices that can be implemented where you live. Suitable for adults and children age 8 and older. Meet at Alder Shelter (group picnic area A) at 1:45 p.m. Free with a $5 parking fee per vehicle and registration is not required. Leave pets at home. For more information, call 503-797-1650 option 2.

Spicy scents of autumn trees, giant golden leaves on maples and the silvery chatter of American dippers in the river. These are the smells, sights and sounds of Oxbow Regional Park in the autumn. Witness the return of wild salmon to one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier rivers – the glacier-fed Sandy – just 45 minutes from downtown Portland.

Naturalists are on hand at the river’s edge to help spot spawning salmon and interpret their behavior and life cycle. Special salmon-viewing glasses are available on loan. Salmon viewing proceeds rain or shine. The trail is unpaved and fairly level; wear good walking shoes. Inquire at the entry booth for starting location of the salmon viewing then follow the signs to the salmon! Suitable for all ages.  Free with a $5 parking fee per vehicle and registration is not required. Leave pets at home. For more information, call 503-797-1650 option 2.

Cathlapotle Plankhouse and the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge present: Archaeology in the Northwest

Another Second Sunday event is fast approaching! This month's theme: Archaeology in the NW.At 1:00 Dr. Ken Ames, anthropology professor at PSU and one of the lead investigators of the Cathlapotle Archaeological site, will be speaking on recent findings in archeology along the lower Columbia river. A Q&A will follow the presentation.From 12-4 there will be hands on activities for aspiring archaeologists and their families, our GPS guided Geo Adventure, and of course the Plankhouse will be open for visitation.There are ways for everyone to connect to the past this Sunday!

Contact Sarah Hill at Sarah_Hill@fws.gov or call (360) 887-4106 for more info.

Directions: Exit 14 off of I-5, head west towards downtown Ridgefield. Go through Ridgefield and take a right at the light (turning onto Main Ave). Proceed north for 1 mile, the refuge entrance road is located on the left side of the road. The event is free, but there is a $3.00 per vehicle parking fee.