Journalist By Nature: Plio-Pleistocene Portland

Most Portland residents are likely unaware they are living in one of the few U.S. continental cities containing extinct volcanoes. These ancient eruptions are part of a vast collection of lava vents formed thousands of years ago on the eastern side of Portland's geography. Partially because of their altitudes which afford stunning vistas, best enjoyed on a clear day, these grass and tree-covered mounds have been turned into public parks. Powell Butte is one such example in southeast Portland, the second largest park after Forest Park and is comprised of over 600 acres. Mistaken in our assumption that our visit would be a mere trudge to the top for a panoramic view, we were to discover we had vastly underestimated this park's offerings.

Powell Butte Nature Park is the site of an old dairy farm, originally purchased by the Portland Water Bureau but leased to the dairyman until a 50 million gallon water reservoir was built on the site. In a joint effort between the Water Bureau, Portland Parks and Friends of Powell Butte a new visitor's center has been recently built and a nine-mile system of nature trails established. There is paved parking, restrooms, a water bubbler, signage and free access. The trails are open to foot traffic, horseback riders, mountain bikers and tour groups such as Volcano Lands Nature Tours. Trails are marked by bright yellow steel plates with laser-cutout trail names and directions. Some of the trails are still under construction, some are paved, others are compressed dirt. There is a .6-mile asphalt-paved stretch to a view point that is wheelchair accessible. One trail connects to the 40-mile Springwater Corridor trail that runs from the Portland waterfront to Gresham.

The theme of water pipe diameters inspires the stainless steel cylinder decor as well as circular inlaid pieces at various viewpoints directing your attention to the display of snow-capped mountains that comprise the Cascade Range. A broad variety of flora and fauna inhabit this park in addition to the busy stream of human and leashed canine visitors. The keen eye can spot various birds, deer, and raccoons amid the bursting blooms of hawthorne trees and wonderfully scented Western red cedar. Trickling streams wander down the slopes, not very audible in this dry winter season however. Open meadows are lined with split rail fencing and the occasional picnic table beckons visitors to stop and enjoy a snack with their view.

Two hours of vigorous and continuous hiking over hills and through woodlands allowed us to round the butte and see some near views under a cloud-laden sky. On a clear day you can see beyond the belching stacks of the paper mills of Camas/Washougal, Washington and survey the peaks of Rainier, St. Helens, Adams and Hood as well as the channel of the mighty Columbia River and many of the settlements in between. Waving a cheery adieu to the project workers we headed to a nearby hiker's home for a special celebratory lunch.

In a grand kitchen designed for social gatherings we were assigned preparation tasks for a Chinese hot pot meal. Various meats and vegetables are artistically arranged on platters where diners can make selections to simmer in a giant pan of broth, add rice noodles and seasonings and enjoy a leisurely visit during the individualized cooking process. The conviviality of group meals is so enjoyable with this particular collection of women of a certain age. We laugh, tease, share life's issues and support one another in heart and soul. We're all foodies of a sort so appreciate the finer aspects of food and drink. In the Asian theme of the meal, the hostess offered sake and mochi cake to conclude the meal and this gave us an opportunity to wish her the happiest of birthdays. Great hike, great meal, great friends!