Outdoor Adventures in Portland Archives

OREGON’S BIGFOOT FESTIVAL

Wendy August 16, 2018 Comments Off

“LOOKING FOR BIGFOOT”

OREGON’S BIGFOOT FESTIVAL

*”The second annual, “Oregon Bigfoot Festival” will be held Saturday, August 18th 2018 at beautiful Glenn Otto Park in the wonderful city of Troutdale Oregon. The festival hours are 10am-6pm.

We ask a $5 suggested donation admission for adults and $2 for kids 12 and under.

IN ADDITION TO THE FESTIVAL, CLIFF BARACKMAN CONFERENCE TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE.

“BIGFOOT”, Actor Jerry Bell Jr will make an appearance from 10am-2pm. Please, no pets allowed or outside food and drinks.

Please read our parking page. Cancellations may occur without notice.” (*content from Festival page)

Don’t miss out on all the fun!

Japanese Garden: Top Sights in Portland

Wendy July 8, 2018 Comments Off

Brings out a bit of tradition and beauty in everyday life.

Portland’s Japanese Garden: Top sights in Portland

“Portland’s own Japanese Garden is proclaimed the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan, the Portland Japanese Garden is a 12.4-acre haven of tranquil beauty nestled in the scenic west hills of Portland.” travelportland.com

“When His Excellency Nobuo Matsunaga, the former Ambassador of Japan to the United States, visited the Portland Japanese Garden, he proclaimed it to be “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan.”

The Garden sits nestled in the West Hills of Portland, Oregon overlooking the city and providing a tranquil, urban oasis for locals and travelers alike. Designed in 1963, it encompasses 12 acres with eight separate garden styles, and includes an authentic Japanese Tea House, meandering streams, intimate walkways, and a spectacular view of Mt. Hood. This is a place to discard worldly thoughts and concerns and see oneself as a small but integral part of the universe.

Born out of a hope that the experience of peace can contribute to a long lasting peace. Born out of a belief in the power of cultural exchange. Born out of a belief in the excellence of craft, evidence in the Garden itself and the activities that come from it. Born out of a realization that all of these things are made more real and possible if we honor our connection to nature.”( japanesegarden.org)

We are so fortunate to have such an inspiration of serenity, beauty and tranquility right here in the heart of the City of Portland; with over 350,000 visitors annually.

If you visited the Japanese Garden before early 2017 or have never visited the gardens, it is time for you to experience the garden now that a 33.5 million expansion has been completed. The expansion added a larger footprint for education facilities and event spaces for people interested in Japanese gardening and culture, the parking lot was replaced with a Welcome Center that is landscaped by a water terrace, cascading ponds. and thousands of trees and shrubs have been added to walkways and paths, and there are three distinct new landscapes: a moss hillside garden, bonsai terrace and chabana (tea flower) garden. Also a new, hilltop Culture Crossing Village near the shuttle stop to the main garden and much, much more.

NOW PLAN YOUR VISIT.

The Fulton House Bed & Breakfast have been inspired by the Japanese Garden as well. Not only have I personally visited the garden a pleura of times; hundreds of our guests at the Fulton House Bed & Breakfast visit the Japanese Garden each year. Having decided that our front entrance garden was under-utilized, I created an unmistakable balance of serenity and beauty by adding a rustic stone walkway and moss garden to our already gated entrance lined two Japanese Maple trees and a Persimmon tree.

Although still a work in progress, it is like creating a living work of art. I’m really draw to this interplay of nature and design. Using the book, “A Practical Guide: Create Your Own Japanese Garden” by Motomi Oguschi, it has been my guiding force as well as multiple visits to the Portland Japanese Garden.

My Work in Progress:

Theme, Layout, and Elements

A stone lantern symbolically lights the stepping stone path

Calming water sounds as you enter the backyard to our Koi Pond and stream.

Next step, refresh the Koi Pond and add new fish. Unfortunately, the raccoons in the neighborhood enjoyed our tasty Koi and we are down to none. I look forward to my continued adventures of expanding our Japanese Garden theme; “no matter how small, gardens bring their owners into intimate contact with nature, even in the midst of urban sprawl.”

Koi Pond

Alternative Gorge Hikes

Wendy June 5, 2018 Comments Off

As a member of the Mazama’s Hiking & Climbing Club for over 20 years, here are some Alternatives to the “Closed Gorge Trails” found in our members’ Bulletin (May 2018 Volume 100 No. 5) that could prove very helpful in planning your trips this Spring & Summer to the Gorge.

Here is the link to the some of the more popular Gorge Trails, and their rough equivalents within day-trip range.

The website also provides other valuable hiking and climbing opportunities and its updated regularly.

Happy Hiking & Climbing!

Your Guide to Fall in Portland

Kevin October 21, 2017 Comments Off

Fall Hiking and Events in Portland, Oregon For most people, the ideal times to visit Portland are late spring and throughout the summer. However, we’d argue that there’s something simply magical about fall in Portland. It’s certainly worthy of being at the top of your list of getaway destinations this October and November. As the weather cools and settles into it’s typical fall pattern, Portland’s calendar fills up with a wonderful variety of cultural, wine, and holiday events worthy of your time. Whether you’re ideal fall getaway means time spent outdoors amidst the beautiful hues of fall, or whether you’d rather focus on fall events and activities around the area, there’s something for everyone in Portland this fall. Come stay at the Fulton House Bed and Breakfast, Portland’s premiere Bed and Breakfast, and let us help you create a fall getaway to remember. Continue reading

Portland Parks Summer Entertainment

Kevin June 1, 2017 Comments Off

Portland Parks Summer Concert Series

https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/61921

Willamette Park concerts are on Wednesday evenings and the park

is located one block from The Fulton House!

Black-throat Blue Warbler Stakeout

Kevin January 10, 2017 Comments Off

One block from Fulton House Bed and Breakfast is a stakeout for a sighting of the Black-throat Blue Warbler!

http://ebird.ca/sightings.jsp?country=US&back=21&prov=OR

Click on link for map and info.

TRAVEL OREGON

Wendy September 7, 2016 Comments Off

Columbia River Gorge

Check out travel Oregon when planning your next trip to Portland and surroundings.

April is Hood River Valley Blossom Time!

Kevin March 1, 2016 Comments Off

Hood River Valley Blossom Time!

Hood River Valley Blossom Time

Date: April 2016

Starting in early April, the cherry, apple and pear trees in the Hood River valley welcome spring’s return by releasing vibrant pink and white flowers. They start in the lower elevations and, like a domino effect, move up the valley creating a patchwork of color.

The area celebrates spring with the annual Hood River Valley Blossom Time, which takes place throughout April. Visit Hood River in April and enjoy family-friendly farm events, craft shows, culinary treats, wine and cider tasting, and the Hood River County Hard- Pressed Cider Fest.

One of the best ways to enjoy Blossom Time is to drive the Hood River County Fruit Loop, a gorgeous 35-mile drive that follows the county’s Scenic Tour Route and passes the valley’s plethora of orchards, wineries and farms.

Stop along the way to pick up baked goods, preserves, yarn, fresh produce, wine, cider and more. Download The Blossom Time event guide at hoodriver.org — you’ll see there’s something for everyone.

Here are a few of the 2016 Blossom Time events:

Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Now in its third year, the Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest gives seasoned and novice cider drinkers alike the chance to sample cider from Hood River County’s very own cider makers, as well as a variety of additional Northwest cideries. More than 20 cideries participate, with more than 38 ciders on tap. The daylong event also features local food trucks, a kids area and a line-up of local music, from bluegrass to classic rock – guaranteeing a great time for the whole family.

Passport Gorge Grapes Weekend

Explore the essence of what makes the Columbia Gorge Wine Region “a world of wine in 40 miles.” With so much diversity of climate and soil, the Gorge has the ability to grow many unique varietals, from the familiar to the obscure. Purchase a Passport and use it throughout the month of April to take advantage of exclusive offers, incredible discounts and unique experiences at 24 Gorge wineries. Your passport will also allow you to access three very special, wine-focused weekend events at participating wineries.

Gorge Artists Open Studios

Now in its tenth year, Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour provides opportunities for the public to experience and enjoy art in the Columbia River Gorge. The tour is free and self-guided. Detailed maps are available online and at the Hood River County Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. The artist roster for 2016 features a variety of work including painting, drawing, jewelry, glass, sculpture photography, textiles, fiber. Artists’ studios are located throughout the mid-Columbia from Cascade Locks to The Dalles and from Parkdale, Oregon to Trout Lake, Washington. April 22-24, 2016 gorgeartists.org

Hood River County Fair Blossom Craft Show

Hood River Fairgrounds, 3020 WyEast Rd., Hood River

This annual craft show and plant sale at the Hood River Fairgrounds includes more than 125 vendors selling jewelry, plants, clothing, baked goods, photos, paintings, metal art, garden art, and wine tastings. The annual quilt show includes more than 100 beautiful quilts. With lots more to see and do, you won’t want to miss this annual celebration of local art and craft.

Rain or Shine, Portland Offers Plenty of Opportunities to Get Wet!

Wendy June 18, 2014 Comments Off

Oregon Coast by Michael Tillotson

Summer time in Portland really can’t be beat. For a few short months the infamous rain showers (usually) take a vacation, letting the sun shine hot and bright and opening up a whole new set of opportunities for Portlanders to get wet! This city is surrounded in every direction by beautiful water features — endlessly flowing rivers and waterfalls, serene lakes and even the ocean are all easily accessible to the city and they are just waiting to be enjoyed. While the shopping, dining and drinking in Portland shouldn’t be overlooked, make sure you set aside some time in your visit to enjoy some of the natural places that make the Pacific Northwest such a wonderful place to be!

With the official start of summer just days away, here are a few ideas of water-focused excursions that are sure to cool you off on a hot summer day in and around the Rose City.

Ocean

Ecola State Park photo by Carrie Lipps

The drive to the Pacific Ocean is only one and a half hours from Portland, making a day on the beach an easy trip from the Fulton House. Cannon Beach is a popular tourist destination where you can find easily accessible beaches and lots of shops and restaurants. Haystack rock is Cannon Beach’s iconic monolith, (giant rock) that harbors tide pools teeming with sea life. This is a popular spot so if crowds aren’t your cup of tea, you might opt to head either north or south to a few other less crowded beach destinations.

Ecola State Park lies just north of Cannon Beach off highway 101. The views of the coast from this park are breathtaking and always changing so a trip up here never gets old. There are several trails to take within the park that lead to secluded beaches and scenic viewpoints. The beaches are ideal for walking, with compacted sand, tons of rocks, shells, driftwood, tide pools, sea creatures and sea birds to discover –You may even spot a bald eagle or even a whales from one of the lookouts. Although the water stays pretty cold year round, many people find its briskness refreshing on a hot summer day! There are several picnic areas with barbecues, as well as restrooms available for day use. And if you feel like you just can’t go all the way to the coast without seeing the landmark Haystack Rock, you’re in luck! Because the view of Haystack and “the needles” from Ecola State really Park can’t be beat.

Just 10 miles south of Cannon Beach on highway 101 lies a hidden gem of a beach: Oswald West State Park. A short hike through lush rainforest leads you to half-moon shaped Short Sands Beach- a secluded spot where locals come to surf, windsurf, boogie board and swim in the ocean (most people choose to don wetsuits, it’s cold!) Oswald West State Park encompasses 2,474 acres with majestic views of Cape Falcon, Neahkahnie Mountain, Arch Cape and Smuggler’s Cove, so you can choose to head straight for the beach or pick a trail, each provides breathtaking coastal views.

Lakes

Lost Lake by Mike Prine

If you’re up for a bit of an adventure and you don’t mind the drive, point the car towards Mt. Hood and head up to Lost Lake. Sitting 3,100 feet up on the slopes of Mt. Hood, Lost Lake is an ideal introduction to the Oregon outdoors. There’s an easy loop hike that takes you through ancient forests and wetlands and lots of places to dip your feet in to the 175 feet of icy blue (average water temperatures in the summer are around 65 degrees). Rowboats and canoes can be rented at the lodge and there are several excellent swimming spots along the lakeshore. The view of Mt. Hood’s northwest face is perhaps the crowning glory of this spot. You don’t want to miss it.

If you’re looking for a place to catch some fish, head out the Columbia Gorge to Benson Lake. The lake is stocked with trout, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and bullhead and has good bank access. There is no boat ramp but fishers are encouraged to float in tubes and rafts. Take I-84 E to exit 30 just before Multnomah Falls but be sure you read the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations before you go.

Rivers

Floaters on the Clackamas River, Oregon Live

FLOATING! A favorite summertime activity in Portland is to float down one of the regions many rivers. Think amusement park “Lazy River” rather than class 5 rapids. The Sandy and Clackamas rivers are ideal for summer floats, the former perhaps a little warmer than the latter. There really isn’t much that’s better than gliding merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, gently down the stream with a cold drink and your closest friends and loved ones beside you. You can dunk in the water if you get too hot, and there are several spots along each route to stop and swim or rest on the shore if you so desire. To float the Clackamas River you will need to bring your own innertubes (which can be bought several stores in Portland. We recommend individual tubes or the double ones with an inflatable cooler in the middle), snacks and beverages and your group will need two vehicles. Drive to Carver Park and leave one vehicle in the parking lot, then take your crew and all your gear to Barton Park and launch your rafts from there. You’ll end up floating about five miles, which usually takes about 3-4 hours with a few short stops. There are a few sections of gentle rapids, nothing scary or dangerous- just fun! A word of warning though, this section of the river is pretty popular so be prepared to join the crowd of merry floaters!

No need to venture far from the Fulton House B&B if you’re itching to get out on the water- the beautiful Willamette River is just a couple blocks from our door! You can rent kayaks or the newly popular stand up paddle boards (SUP) from Portland Kayak Company which is a short 4 block walk from the B&B, then roll your vessel another block to Willamette Park’s boat launch. From here you can paddle south towards Sellwood and check out the funky houseboats on the east side of the river or you can head north and take a loop around Ross Island. The island is uninhabited and is owned by Ross Island Sand and Gravel, which mined the area extensively from 1926-2001. You can paddle right up to the processing plant which sits on the shores of Ross Island Lagoon on the island’s east side. An occasional barge comes through, but action at the plant is pretty minimal these days. As you round the northern tip of the island, you get a pretty stellar view of Portland’s skyline and the bridges that connect the east and west sides. Boats are rented by the hour or the day at very reasonable prices and the Fulton Pub is only a block away once you get back from your trip!

For a “two rivers for the price of one” experience (actually, it’s free!) head up through North Portland to Kelley Point Park where the Willamette empties into the Columbia River. While it’s not quite as picturesque as some of the other river spots I’ve highlighted in this post, Kelly Point Park is a charming spot for an afternoon stroll or a picnic. You can choose to wander wooded trails or follow the paved paths. There’s a sandy beach by the river where you can take a dip or just walk, a big rolling lawn for picnics, games or napping, and blackberry bushes galore! Time it right and bring a few bags or Tupperware containers and you could be dining on the most delicious fresh berries you’ve ever tasted. The best part of this park is it’s so close to the city center so you don’t have to spend hours in your car to get there!

Waterfalls

Ponytail Falls by porbital

Multnomah Falls is a ubiquitous tourist landmark and it’s a sight to see for sure. Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s tallest waterfall and if you’re going to make a trip into the gorge you really have to stop and visit. You can simply view the falls from the bottom or you can hike the 2.6 miles (roundtrip) to the top and back. If you’re quick you can do it in a bout 90 minutes. It’s a lovely hike with several side trails you can take to other equally stunning waterfalls, but be prepared for crowds.

A little further east from Multnomah Falls off the Historic Columbia River Highway is another great spot for a waterfall tour. Start by following the Horsetail Falls Trail, pass through a chamber behind Ponytail Falls, and then continue on Oneonta Gorge Trail to see Oneonta Gorge, Oneonta Falls and Triple Falls. You won’t get to swim here but you can enjoy the refreshing mists and the shade that the gorge provides. This is also a popular area, so be prepared to share the trail with others.

Kayaking on the Willamette travelportland.com

If you’re lucky enough to miss out on that one kind of water Portland is (in)famous for (you know, the kind that comes from the sky), make sure you check out some of the other fabulous water features this amazing region provides. Be safe and have fun, the opportunities abound!

Outdoor Adventures in Portland