Cold fog for urban parks

ByMichael Goatbells

I so wanted to hike Mary’s Peak, or even North Fork Middle Fork Willamette, but once again the weather wouldn’t cooperate – freezing fog, 30 degrees and no sun … My backup hike was ice too (if starting early). Second backup was to just walk out the front door and hike as much as possible on walking paths in city parks.

A cold, foggy day … perfect for an urban hike (>10 miles with a pack)

The Route

Basically, started and ended at Oakway Shopping – Trader Joes. Covered Pre’s Trails to maximize bark dust walking – did the large loop 2x; then went through UofO campus to Hendricks Park and onto the Ridgeway Trail system and then back.

Traffic noise was no worse than Mt Pisgah and the structural landscape bombs less (except the section through University). The fog helped keep things quieter, and human traffic on any of the trails was miminum.

Friends along the way

After taking an urban hike rather than wilderness, sometimes friends show up regardless. I met a family of 3 deer who were not concerned at all about a human. A pileated woodpecker made itself known first with its distinctive call and then its bobbing red head. Great blue herons were thick along the mill race waterway – some hunting and some avoiding the cold water.

3 Deer

Pileated Woodpecker

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron nests are waiting …

Data Geek Corner

  • Shoes: Altra WP Max Cushion road runners (Paradigm)
  • Pack: Yar.gear Ultra 38L – full shoulder season kit
  • Upper Layers: 3 (base layer, med Patagonia tech, Far Pointe Super Cruiser)
  • Upper shell: None
  • Trekking Poles: NO
  • Approximate Times: 07:00 to 12:30
  • Carbon ratio: .0 total driving – 0 target, 5.5 actual – 119.1 banked YTD
  • Note: Terrain nearly flat; 3/4 of route was either bark dust or gravel park trails