Journalist By Nature: Just A Walk In The Park

Our six mile hike today began at the Oregon Zoo and nearby Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This area can be conveniently reached by the MAX railway line. Gathering in the morning dampness that followed a night of rain, we solemnly walked the paved spiral pathway of the memorial. Names of deceased veterans are carved in silent black granite walls along the route, giving quiet homage to the men and women who have given their lives for their country. It is a sobering reminder of the human cost of war. An allee of Hawthorne trees line the entry to the memorial where a granite pool gives pause for reflection. A red rose left at the base of one wall suggested a lost love; a note tucked in an envelope perhaps left thoughts too painful to declare out loud.

Rising to the trailhead, we entered Portland's premier 5,000 acre municipal Forest Park, situated along seven miles of the western hills of the city and offering over 70 miles of trails and fire lanes to hikers, joggers, mountain bikers, birders and general nature enthusiasts. Over 100 species of birds can be located within the park as well as a menagerie of creatures large and small. 40 miles of the trails encircle the city and have entries at all compass points. See these articles for more details.

This area of the park is part of the city's lavish arboretum, a vast collection of specimen trees and shrubs, often labeled with botanical and common names. Some of the trees are original old growth, while many others are second growth and aging nicely in place. The Wildwood Trail, highly popular with joggers and dog walkers, winds through the forest in switchbacks, over foot bridges, up and down the terrain and intersects with a number of other named trails. It extends 27 miles through the park. Years of leaf and needle drop coat the trail, making it soft under foot and quiet so that it masks the rhythmic tread of runners overtaking hikers. Passing on the left!

Elevation gains and losses are frequent on this trail, providing a nice workout for slow and quick travelers alike. Because this is a forest preserve, it mimics the forests of the Mt. Hood and Gifford Pinchot National Forests in its density, variety and layering yet remains within the boundaries of city. Ferns and wildflowers weave through the undergrowth, more sparse in the drier areas and plentiful near moist patches where tiny water flows follow the geography down to join major river tributaries. Various bird calls filter through the treetops, providing a kind of background music. Beads of leftover rain stud the leaves and fronds of low lying fauna. Curious examples of tree roots and ancient-armed evergreens mingle with flowering shrubs as they all reach high for their share of sunlight.

Carefully crossing busy Burnside Street we entered the final steep climb to our destination for the day: the Pittock Mansion, home of city mogul and Oregon pioneer Henry Pittock and his wife Georgiana. Open to the public, this museum-like mansion sits overlooking Portland's downtown area. It has large landscaped grounds surrounding the main house, a gate house and a gardener's house turned gift shop. The house is decorated inside for various holidays and can be reserved for social events in the basement. As a wedding photo venue, it offers spectacular backdrop views of the city and mountains beyond, especially on a clear day.

A picnic at the Pittock was our contribution to the social scene at the mansion on this day. Each hiker toted goodies along to share with the group, making lunch a banquet of taste treats such as homemade hummus and garden-fresh salsa, rhubarb chutney with cream cheese and apricots atop crackers, white stilton cheese with mango and ginger, almond roca and chocolate hazelnut tarts. A thoughtful addition of fancy paper plates punctuated the sophistication of the event. Other visitors to the mansion lounged on benches or sat on the lawn to take in the vistas, perhaps wishing they could join our happy foodie group.

The return trip to various vehicles took a shorter route and passed by an oddly exposed tree root, a yellow flowering tree and more citizenry enjoying their park. Because this park belongs to all Portland and vicinity residents, plan a day to explore (with a map please!) and enjoy this crown jewel of the Northwest. You'll be amazed at what you discover.