As the weather warms up and the clouds dissipate, Pacers get ready to participate in outdoor activities like hiking, biking and swimming. In a state with natural areas and state parks galore, finding a spot to spend the day can cause some decision paralysis. Thankfully, many Pacers have recommendations of the best places to hike.
“My favorite hike is Ramona Falls near Mt. Hood, me and my sister went backpacking there together so it is sentimental to me, and it is also really beautiful,” said senior Lexi Jett.
Ramona Falls sits on the banks of the Sandy River on the west side of Mt. Hood. The trail is around seven miles round trip and features a log crossing over the Sandy River, which can flood in high water, so checking the weather before hiking is imperative. The trail ends in view of Ramona Falls, a 120 foot waterfall, which cascades down a cliff to make its famous lace-like formation.
For people looking for a more adventurous hike, Goat Rock Spine in the south-central Washington section of the Cascades, a three hour drive from Lake Oswego. This hike is known as one of the most scenic sections of the Pacific Crest Trail and makes for a great stand alone hike or as a backpacking trip to visit multiple lakes and peaks along the Cascade Range.
“My favorite hike is Goat Rock Spine because it is far away from everything else and not many people go there,” said junior Cameron Kemble.
If you are looking for something a little closer to home, Forest Park, located in Portland, is a good option. The area features hiking and biking trails, with many accessible trails and loops. Forest Park also serves as an important habitat for wildlife in Portland, which makes it a fantastic spot for bird watching and wildlife photography.
“I like Forest Park because it’s close and I can feel like I am far out of the city but not actually going far,” said Micah Malone, art teacher.
Other options for hikes close to Lake Oswego include Mary S. Young Park in West Linn, Iron Mountain Park in the Lake Grove neighborhood of Lake Oswego and Hazelia Farms across from LHS. Whether you like long hikes or short loops, there are many options for outdoor exercise in and outside of Lake Oswego.
