In the Cubmaster Hike post awhile ago, I talked about getting this started. Well, it’s on the calendar and I have told the Pack about it. So, I need to prepare myself for these upcoming hikes. I went to the Woods Memorial Park and was pleasantly surprised. It is right next to a larger park and community center. I drove by it all the time. I did a quick walk from one trail head to another. It was down a paved road that is blocked off. I calculated the trails and it is just under a mile. Ok, that’s good for the first time out. It’s close to where we meet and we can get a test hike in.
Yesterday I went to Smith and Bybee Natural Area in North Portland, right along the Columbia & Williamette River. It was not where I had thought it was. Again, it’s pretty easy to get to. It’s very early spring here in Portland and a lot of rain has fallen. All the rivers are very high. So high that this area is totally flooded. I could not even get down 30 feet down the trail from the road.
With that in mind, I need to find a replacement just to be safe. I want to make it along the same lines. So, I found Elk Rock Island. With all the information about the seven different habitats on such a small area, is really amazing. Here is the Google Maps/Earth location. Again, this island is very close to where I live and I drive by it for work a lot. I never knew it was there.
So, I will need to check back towards the end of the month and see how the swampy hike will be.
