SE ~ Mount Tabor

Date visited: March 24, 2009, bird species count-- 20
Agency: Portland Parks and Recreation
Path Surface: Gravel, dirt and pavement
Elevation gain/loss: 200 feet
Distance: Three miles as described
Ratings: Setting +++ Calorie-burning ++++
Directions: From SE 60th Ave. in southeast Portland, turn east off SE Salmon St. Turn left at Mt. Tabor Park Road to the first parking lot, across from picnic area A. On Wednesdays when the park is closed to vehicles, follow Belmont to turn south on SE 69th for parking near the entrance.

One of the eastside buttes, Tabor is a multi-use and lovely city park. Expect many people (and dogs) on most every day.

Trails crisscross through the park, but the Friends of Mt Tabor Park have marked some routes for nice overviews of all the park has to offer. This trail guide was available (today) at the kiosk at the edge of the parking lot. We took the “Blue Trail,” which involves some climbing, stairs and, right now, circling around construction.

Start out down the road to the right from the kiosk 50 yards until you see a blue topped post. Turn downhill onto the footpath here. Turns and intersections are marked with these posts, and some blue arrows stuck in various places here and there. Although the trail is marked, the trail guide is helpful for detours, like the current construction area near Reservoir 5. You'll see woodsy and open areas, reservior views and wonderful Portland skyline shots. A few wildflowers are blooming even now; undoubtedly more to come.

The park is closed to all public vehicle traffic on Wednesdays, but it's only a hop, skip and jump to the entrance from your car on 69th St. The absence of most vehicles (maintenance trucks rumble through) makes the park all the better. Morning bird song walks take place here on Wednesday during the spring as well.

Trail map without the Friends' route highlighting.

NE ~ Lacamas and Round Lakes

Date visited: Several, photo shot in fall
Agency: Cities of Vancouver and Camas, Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation
Distance: Up to you
Ratings: Setting ++++ Calorie-burning ++++
Directions: One way to get there is to take the 192nd exit from SR 14 to SE 1st St where you will turn right. 1st St turns into NW Lake Lake Rd. Near the bottom of a hill, look for the driveway to the boat launch.

As the weather turns nice, it's easier to think of paddling. The truth is, these two lakes are a treat anytime, even on a nice winter day when waterfowl are at their peak.

Round Lake is cozier, surrounded by trees and motorized boats are prohibited. Lacamas Lake, on the other hand, has a boat ramp and easier boat access. It's possible to travel from one to the other in a kayak, but see this cautionary tale before you decide if you want to give that a try.

NW ~ Wildwood-Springville Rd South

Date visited: March 6, 2009
Agency: City of Portland
Path Surface: Mud right now, dirt eventually
Elevation gain/loss: 360 feet
Distance: 5 mile loop, as described
Ratings: Setting ++++ Calorie-burning +++
Directions: On Skyline Blvd northeast of Portland city center, drive .9 mile south from the Germantown Rd intersection or 3.9 miles north of Cornell Rd., turn east on gravel Springville Rd. (pass the first Springville Rd sign when coming from the south). Follow this short section of Springville Rd to the trailhead.

Right out of the car we spotted a pileated woodpecker 50 yards away from the parking lot. Bird activity is normally hottest in the morning, but if you just want a nice quiet walk in the woods, this is a good option any time of day.

From the parking lot, start out on Firelane 7, then veer left (downhill) at the first intersection on a long-closed section of Springville Road. After a bit more than .3 mile, turn right on the Wildwood Trail.

The distant sounds of industry mix with the notes of chestnut backed chickadees, winter wrens and towhees. We spotted a varied thrush here mixing with a few robins and had a good look at a downy woodpecker. Red breasted nuthatches nyah-nyah-nyah from the trees. Red catkins dangling from the alders and tiny, vivid-green leaf shoots from the osoberry (Oemleria cerasiformis) herald spring.

The trail, nearly level for 4.3 miles, passes intersections with the Hardesty Trail, Ridge Trail, Firelane 7/Gas Line Rd, and Oil Line Rd. After mile marker 18 ¾ (look on the trees marked with a blue diamond), walk over two wooden bridges. Immediately before the third bridge, turn uphill on the unmarked Trillium Trail on the right. Climb steeply .25 miles, then turn left on Firelane 7. Follow the Firelane back to your car.

Find a rough map here.
Thanks to Doug Lorain for describing this hike. Afoot & Afield Portland/Vancouver: A Comprehensive Hiking Guide

SW ~ Sherwood Wetlands

Date of visit: March 5 and 10, 2009
Agency: City of Sherwood
Path Surface: Paved, boardwalk
Elevation gain/loss: 100 feet
Distance: Three miles
Ratings: Setting +++ Calorie-burning +++
Directions: From Hwy 99W (Pacific Highway), turn southeast on Sunset Blvd near the Sherwood YMCA, 23000 SW Pacific Highway. Take the next left at Woodhaven Dr. Drive past Fitch Dr. and park at the right curb near the paved path.

This path is surprisingly “birdy” considering its neighborhood location (30 species seen or heard on our visits). Water along the way and feeders near the beginning of the path draw several bird species to watch for, and you might see rabbits, squirrels and nutria as well, or just enjoy a nice walk or short bike ride.

Start out generally eastbound on the path (the westbound section ends quickly at the highway). Cross Pinehurst Dr. and continue to a T intersection in a woodsy section of the path, where you turn right to continue on the main path. Follow the path to Stellar St (not marked here), turn right, then turn right again on West Villa St. Pick up the path again, follow it downhill to a boardwalk, around 1 1/4 miles from the start. Follow the boardwalk through wetlands, where we had a fun look at some ruby crowned kinglets.
The boardwalk turns into a concrete path leading to a picnic area in Stella Olsen Park, a good place to turn around for your return trip. If this isn't enough exercise for you, the neighborhood streets nearby provide more room to roam!

For more information about this area, see here.