EXCURSIONS | Meet us there

Instructor: Tia Ho

Forest Bathing

Experience the restorative and healing power of slowing down and spending time in the natural world through Forest Bathing. Research indicates that two to three hours of intentional time in a forested environment can boost immune response, reduce anxious thinking, and settle the nervous system. To reconnect to the natural world and cultivate calm, we will explore sensory practices informed by Japanese shinrin yoku, or literally a forest bath (with clothes on and not getting wet). Walks are at a slow pace on flat paths. However, there may be uneven ground to navigate.

Meet at: Laurelhurst Park

F 10/6 9:00–11:00am

$30 1158090

Meet at: Whitaker Ponds Nature Park, 7040 NE 47th Ave.

F 10/13 9:00–11:00am

$30 1158091

Meet at: Sellwood Riverfront Park, SE Oaks Park Way and SE Spokane

F 11/3 9:00–11:00am

$30 1158092

Instructor: Peter Chausse

Oregon City Walking Tour

On this 2.5 mile Oregon City excursion, we will explore both the upper and lower levels of Oregon's oldest incorporated city. Along the way, we will discover beautiful murals, historic architecture and lots of impressive trees. As part of the walk, we will also experience an historic grand staircase, the Oregon City- West Linn Arch Bridge, and the historic municipal elevator. The last part of the walk will take us along the Promenade to Willamette Falls, and back to our starting point through the historic district. Meet at: Oregon City, on Center St. between 6th and 7th St.

Su 10/8 1:00–4:00pm $15

1158099

Lake Oswego: Old Town and New Town

This walk will explore the former "Irontown," also known as the "Pittsburgh of the West," as we tour George Rogers Park and the banks of the Willamette River. We will also tour the modern Lake Oswego and the "Gallery Without Walls," where we will see more than two dozen sculptures. Walking distance: about two miles.

Meet at: Starbucks, 47 North State Street, Lake Oswego

Tu 10/17 9:30am–1:00pm $15

1158100

Peter is a walking encyclopedia. I learn so much on his tours! He can answer every question!

—Participant, Walking Tour

Vancouver WA Loop Walk

On this 3.5 mile loop tour, we will venture through many of Vancouver's most impressive urban parks, and we will discover much of the city's art and architecture. The walk will take us through Downtown Vancouver, and to the city's renovated waterfront and amazing new fountain. We will conclude with a walk over the Vancouver Land Bridge, an impressive cultural landmark, that is part of the Lewis and Clark Confluence Project. Note: This walk does not include a visit to Fort Vancouver.

Meet at: Ft. Vancouver Visitors Center Parking Lot, 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver

Th 11/9 9:30am–12:30pm $15

1158094

Trees of Laurelhurst Park

On this leisurely two mile loop walk through Laurelhurst Park and the adjacent neighborhood, we will stop to identify more than two dozen tree species, many of which will be dressed in their fall colors. We will also discuss the history of Laurelhurst Park and the neighborhood.

Meet at: Laurelhurst Park

Tu 11/7 9:30am–12:30pm $15

1158093

PDX Bridges South Walk and Christmas Ships

Combine a guided sunset walking tour of Portland's Southern bridges with a festive viewing of the decorated fleet of Christmas Ships in the Willamette River. This waterfront loop will take us from the Yamhill Historic District to the historic Hawthorne Bridge. After crossing the Hawthorne Bridge on foot, we will explore the east bank of the Willamette River, passing OMSI's Riverwalk exhibit, to the Tilikum Crossing Bridge. After crossing the Tilikum Crossing Bridge, there is an option to return to our starting point via MAX or by walking along the west bank. Walking distance: 2–3 miles.

Meet at: Pioneer Courthouse Square, Umbrella Man Statue

F 12/8 5:00–8:00pm $15

1158095

Instructor: Peter Chausse

Downtown Holiday Hotel Loop

Walking Tour

This festive tour will include visits to historic Portland hotel lobbies, each dressed in holiday style. Along the way, you will learn the history of each hotel and the adjacent buildings. The tour concludes atop the Nines Hotel, on the rooftop terrace, where you can experience the brilliance of Downtown Portland, fully illuminated. Walking distance: 1.5 miles.

Meet at: Pioneer Courthouse Square at Umbrella Man statue

W 12/13 1:30–4:30pm $15 1158096

Th 12/14 1:30–4:30pm $15 1158097

Downtown Gresham Loop Walk

This loop walk will take participants through historic Main City Park and the newly renovated Tsuru Japanese Garden. We will also walk a portion of the Springwater Trail Corridor, we will visit an historic pioneer cemetery, and we'll tour Downtown Gresham on foot, where we will discover a variety of outstanding artwork and historic architecture. Walking distance: about two miles.

Meet at: The Jazzy Bagel, Gresham; 5 Powell Blvd.

Th 12/21 10:00am–1:00pm $15 1158098

Great trip today! We saw lots of birds. Elaine is an excellent guide.

—Participant, Bird Walk

Instructor: Elaine Murphy

Bird Walk— Crystal Springs Garden

Birding instructor Elaine Murphy will bring her spotting scope to help us identify and get a closer look at the birds we find. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Meet at: Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, 5801 SE 28th Ave.

Tu 12/12 10:00am–12:30pm $15 1158101