Exploring Around Portland

Mirror Lake Hike-- September 22, 2012

There are scores of lakes in the Oregon Cascades that match Mirror Lake in size and shape, but most do not have the good fortune of filling a glacial cirque opposite Mount Hood. The reflection of the mountain in Mirror Lake has appeared in countless photographs, and the easy access to the lake from Highway 26 brings hordes of visitors, year-round. The Forest Service resorted to chicken wire fencing to attempt to protect some of the fragile shoreline in recent years, and campsites have been moved back into the trees. But as long as the famous reflection appears in its waters, the lake will continue to be a top attraction.

On this hike we had Oma as well as Aunt Katrina and her son Sam along for the day.  We were so lucky to have such gorgeous weather.  I miss those clear, blue skies:(

Julian helping Mommy over a rocky part of the trail.

Oma with the boys.  Julian hiked most of the way (3 miles round trip)!  Daddy had to carry him a bit at the end of the day but I suspect we have another Durtschi hiker on our hands.

Julian played a bit in the lake water and got very muddy, but had a great time

They don't call it "mirror lake" for nothing!

Portland-- September 27, 2012

Paige and Zach came to Portland for a very short visit.  They were driving from Alaska to California and Portland is just so conveniently located right on the route.  I had fun taking them to downtown Portland and exploring a bit.  I still don't feel like I know my way around Portland but it seems like a fun and very walkable city.

Of course we had to stop at Voodoo donuts for breakfast.  My favorite, a banana fritter with chocolate chips and peanut butter frosting drizzled over the top...mmmmmm

Portland is known as "bridgetown."  There are eight bridges crossing the Willamette river into Portland.

Banks-Vernonia Trail-- October 7, 2012

The Banks-Vernonia State Trail is the first "rails to trails" linear state park built in Oregon. The trail follows an abandoned railroad bed that stretches 21 miles between the cities of Banks and Vernonia.
Most of the route consists of an eight-foot wide hiking and bicycle trail paralleled by a four-foot wide horse trail. The gentle grade in all but one area allows hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and people of all abilities to enjoy the scenic mountains, fields and forests of Washington and Columbia counties. 

 Townsend and Mommy on the bike trail.

Emerson enjoying the beautiful bike trail.

Portland Children's Museum-- October 12, 2012

This museum is really geared towards younger kids so my boys were kind of bored...until they found the clay sculpting room.  They spent about an hour playing with the clay and sculpting different creations.  Emerson ended up sculpting a dog and Townsend made a clay pot.  I was glad they found something to interest them while I played with Julian at the train table. 

 Emerson and Townsend in their creative zone

 Julian made a great tower out of these cool shapes.

Tualitin Valley Nature Preserve-- October 13, 2012

The Tualatin Hills Nature Park is a 220-acre wildlife reserve in the heart of Beaverton, Oregon. It is made up of evergreen and deciduous forests, creeks, wetlands, ponds and meadows. There are approximately 5 miles of trails. 

 This was such a peaceful place to come and explore.  We loved all the trails.  Not all the trails are paved so we had fun walking on small dirt trails through the forest.  

Julian found three snakes while on our walk.  We also saw different beetles and we heard some frogs but didn't see any.  This is a great place for bird watching but most birds had flown south already when we were walking around so we'll have to come back in the Spring and see what kinds of birds we discover.

The boys walking on one of the many boardwalks.