NE ~ Gibbons Creek Wildlife Trail

Date visited: July 28, 2009
Agency: US Fish & Wildlife
Path Surface: Gravel
Elevation gain/loss: Minimal
Distance: 2.25 miles
Ratings: Setting +++ Calorie-burning ++ to ++++
Directions: Entrance is east of Washougal on Highway 14. Look for the signs.

On a very hot day, we explored this new trail through Steigerwald Lake NWR. The path begins through open fields, crosses a tree-lined bridge, then parallels a dike on the right. On a clear day, Crown Point is visible across the Columbia River.

One lonely killdeer patrolled what little moisture remained in a small pond near the parking area. Common yellowthroats and savannah sparrows hid in the grassy fields.

Closer to the river, strips of cottonwood trees begin and bird life picks up. We saw dozens of goldfinches along with a respectable number of other species, including, to my surprise, a white breasted nuthatch without an oak in sight.

At an intersection, a sturdy bridge crosses Gibbons Creek and the path passes Redtail Lake, where even in the heat of this day, we could see a tundra swan and several mallards enjoying the water. We followed the path to its connection to the Washougal Dike Trail, where you can add several more miles to your walk.

We did not try the seasonal trail along Gibbons Creek--it was just too hot! It looks like a nice loop could be made by following the seasonal trail to the Columbia River Overlook, then turning west on the Washougal Dike Trail to rejoin the Gibbons Creek Trail at the Redtail Lake Overlook.

SW ~ West Side Regional Trail-THNP to Davis

Date visited: July 28, 2009
Agency: Tualatin Hills Parks & Rec
Path Surface: Asphalt
Elevation gain/loss: 100 feet
Distance: Six miles (out and back)
Ratings: Setting +++ Calorie-burning ++++
Directions: From Hwy 26, take the Murray Blvd exit, south on Murray 1.3 miles, west on Millikan Blvd .5 mile, parking lot on right as Millikan curves to the south. Address: 15655 SW Millikan Blvd. Information: (503) 629-6350.

Begin from the Tualatin Hills Nature Park. From the parking lot, enter the park passing the interpretive center on the paved path and veer right onto the Oak Trail. While on this forested path, listen for the happy song of the winter wren, while towhees, song sparrows and purple finches join in.

Go .4 mile to the gravel Tadpole Pond Trail. (If you are riding a bike, walk it on this short section.) As you pass the pond, turn right onto a paved bike path. After almost .9 mile, cross Millikan Blvd and continue on the path, scanning for red tailed hawks perched on the powerline towers. The path curves back to Millikan, where you must turn left onto the sidewalk to rejoin the path after crossing over the bottomlands of Beaverton Creek. Notice the nest boxes here. Tree swallows were swarming this area today.

Continue .2 miles farther on the path to the corner of TV Highway and Millikan Blvd. After crossing TV Highway, Millikan becomes 160th . Follow 160th just over a tenth of a mile to Blanton and turn left. Another tenth of a mile connects you back to the path on your right. The .4 mile stretch to Farmington Rd. is shrubby and nearly level, and on this morning, filled with blackberry pickers.

Cross Farmington to reconnect with the path, which is nearly level until you reach Division. From here, the path switchbacks up into Schuepbach Park, drops down, then zigzags up to Davis Rd., the current end of the path.

For a shorter route, bypass the section through the Nature Park. Walk from the parking lot back to Millikan, turn left to find the path. Map.