Turkeys and Bad Air

ByMichael Goatbells

Weather in the 60s with blue sky and sun in February. Close-in short hike at Mt Pisgah was the call. Left the North TH about 10:30 and headed to the north and east side of the hill. From the first time atop Pisgah, it was clear that bad air (stagnant) remains in Willamette Valley.

Coyote poo was all over the trails, especially Tr 3 as you come down the hill towards the East TH. Deer tracks were plentiful as well (large and small), but the only animals out were the turkeys. These turkeys acted differently than the “golf course” turkeys that are not scared – the Pisgah turkeys were quite skittish (would not you be if you shared your hill with a pair of hunting coyotes?).

On the far east side of the hill, frogs were making noises – loud! It felt like April, just no flowers. As I came back around the hill towards the car, a lone hunter

All so close to home …

The Route

Started at North TH and took Tr 3 around to Tr 4 then took that to the gravel road and to Pisgah summit; down Tr 6 to Tr3 past East TH and up Tr2 to summit. From there, back down to Tr 3 all the way back to North TH. 2x to top with minimal walking on Tr1.

Trail conditions were perfect! The Tr3 sticky mud was dry, the grasses were dry, the ground was soft … Humans were near 0 away from any TH. Dogs were mostly leashed as well.

Data Geek Cellar

  • hoes: Altra Lone TIMP
  • Pack: Gossamer Gear GRIT (Full foothills day hike kit)
  • Upper Layers: Lightweight base layer
  • Upper shell: none
  • Trekking Poles: Gossamer Gear
  • Approximate Times: 10:30 – 14:30
  • Carbon ratio: 2.5 hours (1.5 driving karma: 4 hiking); YTD = 22.75 hours banked
  • Miles hiked YTD: 98.60
  • Notes:
    • Photos: low
    • Speed: moderate
    • Difficulty: moderate (speed and elevation gain)
    • Weather: 50-60 mostly sun

All Trails Data