Pre’s Trail and Hendricks Park in Rain

ByMichael Goatbells

On a rainy March morning, some times hiking can be best done umbrella in hand right from my front door. With local park walking / running paths in Pre’s Trail and Hendricks Park, a good long walk visiting neighbors can easily avoid concrete surfaces. While the weather report inferred light rain for a couple of hours … it proved to be a good hard rain for several hours (thank goodness for umbrella and waterproof shoes)

I also took a thermos of hot tea and stopped 2x at a shelter at Hendricks Park for a cup of tea … the luxury of urban hiking.

The Route

I headed out on Pre’s Trail around the Mill Race and then around the east side of UO campus to Hendricks Park and finally to Ridgeline Trail at Spring Blvd and 30th Ave.

There were few runners or walkers on the way out – only traffic were bike commuters; on the return, human traffic was higher and UO running teams were out on the trails – they were REALLY fast!

Some Neighbors

The great blue herons are starting to claim nests, and I was surprised at the number of empties. And if nest building is on the agenda, getting food can’t be far behind …

Geese every year try to scope out this little ‘island’ below Ferry Street bridge … it can be under water for days in melts / rains … they never do, however, build a nest. The island can also be over 1′ above the river.

The day before out walking along the Willamette, two bald eagles were pairing up making all kinds of racket above a city park. Today, two red-tail hawks did the same thing… but much quieter.

At Hendricks Park, one deer was nearly oblivious of my presence … not safe for the deer

Leaving no doubt spring is around the corner, the sun eventually came out and along the way flowers

Data Geek Cellar

  • Shoes: Altra Lone Peak WP Low uppers
  • Pack: North Face 24L
  • Upper Layers: 2 (base layer, med Patagonia tech)
  • Upper shell: Technical rain jacket for first 4 hours
  • Trekking Poles: No (Umbrella)
  • Approximate Times: 06:30 to 12:00
  • Carbon ratio: 0 driving, 5.25 actual – 70.8 hours banked YTD
  • Notes: Heavy rain first 3 hours walked with umbrella