Toddler-Friendly Hikes
Nikki's looking for some suggestions on hikes that even toddlers can enjoy. Do you have any suggestions?
Prior to having my son we were quite into outdoor adventures. With a toddler I feel like my in town exploring has been limited to local parks, farmers markets, trips to feed the geese... I would love to find a guide book or resource that could outline local area hiking spots appropriate for a toddler to walk along with you as well as be carried. Places that are good for a day hike and still able to get home in time for a nap! I did find a book online at Amazon "Best Hikes with Children in Western and Central Oregon", has anyone read this? Would love to hear any suggestions you can share!
Forest Park - near the north end
Sauvie Island
Oaks Bottom
Tryon Creek
...all in/around the city
for hikes that you can do in a morning and be back for nap time...
Angel's Rest & Larch Mountain Crater are both good options within 45 minutes of the city
Posted by: leslie | June 05, 2007 at 08:01 AM
Hi Nikki,
I have previously posted some ideas here as well as on the Milagros website. Here are some of the links:
Coast Hikes: http://milagrosboutique.com/?p=450
Gorge Hikes:
http://milagrosboutique.com/?p=342
The best close-in hiking (to meet your nap time goal), is right in town. We are blessed with more hiking trails than any other city.
Here are a few in-town options to hike with your son where you won't be stuck with carrying him up hill too much:
1) Macleay Park to the Audubon Society - Park at Macleay Park and hike the Lower Macleay Trail to the Wildwood Trail (the junction is at the Stone House, continue straight at that point - don’t go up the hill).
The trail stays level as it follows Balch Creek and briefly heads uphill before reaching a parking lot. Head west 1/10 mile from the parking lot to the Audubon Center which has a nature center and rescued birds on display. This scenic hike is approximately 1 1/2 miles each way.
The Audubon Center also has some easy hikes right from its parking area. They also do some guided outings all overall town:
http://www.audubonportland.org/
2) The Interlakes Trail at Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area - Be sure to explore the fun stone sculptures in the parking area as well as the unique “trees” with bird houses and bat houses. From the parking area walk a little west to access the interlakes trail.
The trail provides access to viewing blinds for both Smith and Bybee Lakes. The trail is paved and level, perfect for a family stroll. Wildlife we have seen in the area includes turtles, fish, beavers, herons, ducks, snakes, rabbits, countless dragonflies, and much more. On a clear day you also enjoy some views of Mt. Hood from one the blinds.
3) Hiking at Hoyt Arboretum - a lot of great easy hikes as well as some scheduled guided hikes.
More info: http://www.hoytarboretum.org/
4) Hiking at Tryon Creek State Park - this park has a number of easy trails that include access to a creek where salmon spawn. They also have a nice nature center and guided family hikes including the fun "Story and Stroll" events.
More info: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_144.php
5) Oaks Bottom Wildlife Area - Park at the main trail head or access it from Sellwood Riverfront Park by heading north on the bike path until you reach the pedestrian underpass that allows you to cross the rail tracks.
Happy Trails!
Posted by: Milagros | June 05, 2007 at 08:40 AM
And the best-kept-secret in-town hike spot: Marquam Trail. There's a little network of trails that web out from the Marquam Shelter and parking area at the base of Pill Hill (Sam Jackson Parkway). Short loops and longer hills -- you can climb all the way up to Council Crest -- and such pretty wooded trails you can't believe you're so close to downtown.
Posted by: christinadw | June 05, 2007 at 09:37 AM
Though it's not very rugged, the Fanno Creek Trail runs a huge distance from Garden Home to Tigard and there's lots of parks along the way. It's great for a bit of in-the-city outdoor time, or a quick walk/jog/bike. It's away from main roads, meandering along Fanno Creek so there's no worry about traffic. Again, it's not rugged, but it's quick and my toddler really enjoys it.
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