Adam Karp
With the return of academic life, getting outside can be a breath of fresh air for Lewis & Clark students. September and October are the last two months of the year with temperatures above the sixties and less than 10 days of rain — that means this is the perfect time to go for a hike. There is a huge number of outdoor activities available in the Pacific Northwest, and Oregon in particular is known for its beautiful waterfalls. Below are five great hikes that are not too far away.
One: Forest Park
Distance from campus: 20 minute drive
Forest Park spans more than 5,000 acres which makes it the largest urban park in the country. For a famous view of St. Johns Bridge, The Oregonian recommends a 6.5 mile hike that starts at the end of the Leif Erikson Drive trail. Turn left onto Ridge Trail after a little less than three miles; the view of the bridge is after another half mile. To see the view without too much of a hike, start at the pullout on Northwest Bridge Avenue near the Ridge Trail trailhead. I would also recommend the hike to Witch’s Castle (or Stone House), another hike in Forest Park. This trail is around two miles roundtrip; your destination is a mossy stone building covered in graffiti.
Two: Trail of 10 Falls
Distance from campus: One hour and 15 minute drive
This eight mile day hike is extremely popular, and features 10 waterfalls that span up to 177 feet tall. According to OregonHikers.org, mapping to South Falls Lodge Trailhead will take you to the parking area. The trail largely follows a counterclockwise loop, with a few additional short turn offs to some of the waterfalls. There are options to reduce the total distance of the hike while still seeing most of the falls. This hike is hard to parallel, and can be a little crowded. Come early in the morning or wait until the afternoon for guaranteed parking.
Three: Wilson River at Keenig Creek
Distance from campus: One hour drive
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