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Guided Ancient "Old Growth" Forest, Columbia Gorge, Mountain Meadow Walks & Hikes
in hidden areas of Forests
Click for photo of guide Elizabeth next to old growth douglas fir
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Experience awe-inspiring "Old Growth" temperate rain forests, breathtaking alpine scenery and cascading waterfalls with naturalist guides knowledgeable about the plants and animals of the region. We combine our walks with some spectacular sightseeing on Mount Hood too! Learn why we love our forests so much in the Pacific Northwest. Easy or moderate walks -- you choose!
Full day $44.50. |
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The flagship tour of EcoTours of Oregon, walks are normally scheduled from 9 AM to 5 PM, but we're flexible! Because we travel in small groups, options are available to adjust our itinerary according to your wishes as the day progresses. Our walks are great for both first time or experienced hikers. We can do half day and after work/conference walks too! Anyone who has not seen a virgin forest in the Pacific Northwest should have the opportunity to see these magnificent trees -- some of the largest living things on the face of the earth!
Walks are scheduled with your level of fitness in mind. Easy walks are typically 1-2 miles long, with little up or down. Moderate walks are 3-4 miles long, with some climbing and descending. Strenuous hikes are 5-8 miles long, with some climbing and descending.
| 9:00 AM |
Pick up at your hotel or residence. Drive west along the Columbia River for a short while until heading south towards the Mount Hood National Forest. Stop at the Mount Hood Visitor Information Center for a rest stop before entering the National Forest. |
| 10:15 AM |
Arrive at the trailhead in the Mount Hood National Forest. As you begin your walk, your senses will be treated to the sounds of nearby rivers, the sweet smells of the forest and the sights of outstanding displays of spring and summer wildflowers. Your naturalist guide will stop along the way to describe "Old Growth" forest ecosystems and to answer any questions that you may have about the 200-300 foot tall Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock and Red Cedar trees. |
| 12 Noon |
Finding a comfortable spot, we'll stop for a relaxing lunch surrounded by cathedral forests.
Click for photo of mixture of old and young trees
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| 1:00 PM |
Feeling refreshed and well-fed, we'll continue to hike, looking for evidence of the ancient forests’ diverse creatures and examining in nature’s classroom the processes of decay and biomass conversion. We may have a chance to see wildlife such as woodpeckers, migrating salmon and small mammals. Opportunities will exist for quiet reflection in the forest before finishing the walk. Many visitors leave the old growth forest with a welcome sense of inner peace and restored tranquillity. |
| 3:45 PM |
Back at the comfort of the EcoTours deluxe minivan, we'll begin our drive through the Cascade mountains and back to Portland. |
| 5:00 PM |
Arrive back at your hotel or residence. |
Bring any of the following you have: hiking boots are best, sneakers will do, warm layered clothing (avoid cotton), rain jacket, rain pants, sunglasses, sunscreen, day pack and water bottle. EcoTours can provide day pack, water bottles, rain gear and lunch if informed ahead of time.
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| Tour options include: |
| 1. |
A quick drive up to Mount Hood an the end of the tour for a bit of sightseeing in the high country. |
| 2. |
A stop on the way home at a local winery or microbrewery. |
| 3. |
A stop on the way home for an overlook of the Columbia River Gorge. |
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The cost of this day tour is $44.50, which includes door-to-door tranportation and the interpretive naturalist services of your ecotour guide. Lunch is catered through Natures Fresh Northwest health food store for an additional $6.50 each. Your vegetarian or meat sandwich will be packed in reusable tupperware and include corn chips, a piece of organic fruit, an organic pickle, a "monster" cookie and a reusable cloth napkin.
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