My mother in law recently asked me to come up with some easy, senior friendly walks that she could take with her visiting sister. The first thing I thought of was Latourelle Falls. It has hardly any elevation gain, it's practically paved, and you can see the waterfall without even leaving the parking lot. Nailed it.
Hiking the Wapato Greenway Loop at Sauvie Island is a great experience. It's an easy, dog-friendly hike with a covered area for picnicking and a 2.2-mile rountrip loop trail that's perfect for families. Enjoy the sounds of birds and frogs and bees as you stroll through one of the prettiest places in Oregon.
The Clackamas River Trail leading to Pup Creek Falls is a moderately difficult hike, with a few short but steep hills and a pretty long, 9-mile roundtrip loop. It's a beautiful scenic trek about 15 miles outside Estacada that leads to a 100' tall stunning waterfall. Read more about hiking to Pup Creek Falls on the Clackamas River Trail...
Ready, Set, Hike! Though you may think that going out for a day hike doesn't require many supplies, we still go with the "I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it" philosophy. Erin's recent excruciating ankle blister on our walk to Frenchman's Bar is a perfect example of wishing we had been better prepared. Really, anything can happen. Twist your ankle and need to wait for a ride in the open sun? You'll be glad you have snacks, water and even a blanket to sit on. Did the weatherman get it wrong? AGAIN? You'll be glad you have that sunscreen with you. The list goes on. And while you can't be prepared for...
We highly recommend walking from Vancouver Lake to Frenchman's Bar. This flat, paved trail is a wildflower-lover's and bird-watcher's dream. This beautiful Pacific Northwest trail winds along a quiet country road just outside Vancouver, WA. Read more about what we loved during our stroll to Frenchman's Bar.