Monday Hiking

2023 Schedule – Newcomers Monday Hikes

Below is the list of hikes for the Monday Hikers for the 2023 season. This list could change due to unforeseen circumstances. This website will have the most up to date information.

Monday hikes are considered easy or moderate by hiking manual standards, usually 6 or less miles, with less than a 1,000 ft. elevation gain. However, the CCNC Monday Hike ratings are not necessarily the same as found in trail books. Please note the distance and elevation gain for each hike.  A good test for elevation-gain endurance is if you can climb up and down a staircase multiple times consecutively and breathing is not overly stressed. You should also be able to maintain a 20-minute mile pace on level ground.

Hikes are planned on Mondays from April into October. For general information regarding Monday hiking, to be added to or deleted from the Monday hiking roster, or to change your contact information contact Cathy Darragh.

For each individual hike, there is a designated HIKE LEADER. ALL HIKERS ARE TO RESPOND TO THE HIKE LEADER IF THEY ARE PLANNING TO HIKE. Call or email the hike leader at least a day or two before the hike to say you are hiking.  Leave your cell phone number and state where you will be meeting the group – at the carpool spot or the trailhead.  If you plan to bring any guests, you must give the Hike Leader their names. All guests must sign a disclaimer form. For safety reasons, there must be a minimum of 4 hikers signed up (including the Hike Leader) for a hike to take place.  If weather or other unforeseen circumstances cause a hike to be cancelled, the hike leader will send out an e-mail Sunday evening (the night before the hike).  

Carpooling from a local meeting point to a trailhead is an option for most hikes and driving yourself to the trailhead is always an option.

Plan to be out much of the day. Including the drive, some of our hikes can last into the late afternoon.  It is required that the passengers contribute to the driver at a rate of $.30/mile/vehicle as fuel reimbursement.  The total amount is split by all in the car including the driver.  Also, the cost of any necessary day pass to park for a hike must be shared by all in the car (i.e., Silver Falls & Beacon Rock & Vancouver Lake Park & Battle Ground Lake State Park).

In case of vandalism at a trailhead, out of consideration for the owner(s) of car(s) vandalized we hope hikers that day will contribute to defray the out-of-pocket expense incurred.

Hikers, please don’t bring extra items to leave in the vehicle at the trailhead except for an extra pair of shoes to wear after hiking.  Drivers will instruct where and how to leave your shoes.

For the safety and enjoyment of Monday Hikers, REQUIREMENTS are as follows:

  • You must respond to your Hike Leader if you intend to hike. Provide the names of any guests you may be bringing. All guests must sign a disclaimer form.  If you need to cancel, contact the Hike Leader so that we are not waiting for you!

  • Please be on time at the designated meeting place ready to carpool.  On all hikes we will either stop in route to use bathroom facilities or use them at the trailhead.

  • No dogs are permitted on the Monday hikes.

  • Check your e-mail before leaving for the hike Monday morning, in case of a last minute cancellation notice.

  • All hikers must come equipped to do the hike safely and comfortably, which means:

  • Sturdy footwear suitable for hiking.

  • Second pair of shoes for the car, plus plastic bag for muddy hiking footwear.

  • Plenty of water.

  • Daypack with lunch/snacks.

  • Hiking sticks for all but the most level hikes – highly recommended.

  • Rain gear if weather conditions are uncertain.

  • Sun hat and/or sunscreen.

  • Long pants are recommended due to the possibility of poison oak, brambles, ticks, etc. along some hiking trails.

  • Personal first-aid kit is recommended.  Do not rely on leader to have one. 

April 24 CANCELED Lacamas Creek Trail to Round Lake in Camas

A hike on a network of trails in dense forest, passing some waterfalls on the creek, going alongside Round Lake, and enjoying the April blooming of the famous Camas Lilies.  Meet at 9:00 at the trailhead in Camas on NE 3rd Avenue. Traveling east from downtown Camas the trailhead entrance is on the left after you pass Louis Brock Park on the right on NE 3rd Avenue.

  • Trail Stats:  Moderate 4 miles, 400’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Cathy Darragh

  • Carpooling Fee: No organized carpooling

  • Trailhead: Lacamas Park on NE 3rd Avenue, Camas

  • Parking Pass: None


 
 
 
 
 
May 1 Lacamas Creek Trail to Round Lake in Camas

A hike on a network of trails in dense forest, passing some waterfalls on the creek, going alongside Round Lake, and enjoying the April blooming of the famous Camas Lilies.  Meet at 9:00 at the trailhead in Camas on NE 3rd Avenue. Traveling east from downtown Camas the trailhead entrance is on the left after you pass Louis Brock Park on the right on NE 3rd Avenue.

  • Trail Stats:  Moderate 4 miles, 400’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Cathy Darragh

  • Carpooling Fee: No organized carpooling

  • Trailhead: Lacamas Park on NE 3rd Avenue, Camas

  • Parking Pass: None


 
 
 
 
 
May 8 CANCELED Lake Sacajawea Hike in Longview

This is an urban hike around the lake in a beautiful park setting with blooming rhododendrons, a Japanese garden, and more.  Meet at 10:00 at Washington Way and Kessler in Longview.  Park along Kessler Blvd. near the Washington Way intersection. After the hike a suggestion is to stop for lunch at McMenamins in Kalama, walk along the riverwalk, and visit the museum there.

  • Trail Stats: Easy 3.6 miles, no elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Josie Wells

  • Carpooling Fee: No organized carpooling

  • Trailhead: Lake Sacajawea, Longview at Washington Way and Kessler Blvd.

  • Parking Pass: None


 
 
 
 
 
May 15 Bridal Veil and Latourell Falls

On this Columbia Gorge hike, we will first walk down to Bridal Veil Falls and back up to complete the flat Overlook Loop for 1.1 miles. Then it is on to Latourell Falls for a moderate 2.3-mile loop with 600 ft. in elevation gain. The falls plunge 249 feet over an eroded lava flow.  Meet at 8:30 Fred Meyers (11325 SE Mill Plain Blvd, SW side by gas station).

  • Trail Stats: Moderate 3.4 miles, 600’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Tammy Silver

  • Carpooling Fee: $17 per vehicle shared by passengers and driver

  • Trailhead: Bridal Veil Falls and then Latourell Falls

  • Parking Pass: None


 
 
 
 
 
May 22 Falls Creek Falls

Hike to a spectacular triple-tiered 250’ high waterfall in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.  The trail is creek-side through a beautiful old growth forest.  Meet at 8:30 at the Pendleton Woolen Mill in Washougal (southwest corner of parking lot). 

  • Trail Stats: Moderate 3.4 miles, 650’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Tammy Silver

  • Carpooling Fee: $30 per vehicle shared by passengers and driver

  • Trailhead: Falls Creek Falls

  • Parking Pass: None


 
 
 
 
 
May 29 Memorial Day – no hike
June 5 Cape Horn

A round trip hike to Nancy Russell Overlook.   Hike through forest and enjoy a fantastic view of the Columbia River Gorge.  Meet 8:30 at Pendleton Woolen Mill in Washougal (southwest corner of parking lot).  

  • Trail Stats: Moderate 5.2 miles, 800’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Cathy Darragh

  • Carpooling Fee: $6 per vehicle shared by passengers and driver

  • Trailhead: Cape Horn

  • Parking Pass: None


 
 
 
 
 
June 12 Washington Park/Rose Garden

We start at the Hoyt Arboretum visitor center and walk mostly on the Wildwood Trail in the shade of the trees and passing above the area of the Japanese Garden.  At the halfway point of the loop, we arrive at the International Rose Test Garden, where we will “take time to smell the roses” and eat our lunch. Then we loop back to the start.  Meet at 8:30 at the WSDOT Park and Ride lot east of Grand Central Shopping Center. If approaching on Highway 14 westbound take exit 1, Columbia House Blvd. Take a left at the exit & then the lot is on your left.   

  • Trail Stats: Moderate 4 miles, 600’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Bill Baird

  • Carpooling Fee: $7.50 + $8.00 Hoyt Arboretum Parking Fee to be shared

  • Trailhead: Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center

  • Parking Pass: None


 
 
 
 
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June 19 CANCELED Vancouver Lake to Frenchman’s Bar

The hike is a flat, paved walk of approximately 6.5 miles. We start at Vancouver Lake Park, walk to Frenchman’s Bar Park and back. Use bathrooms at Frenchmen’s Bar and have a quick snack. Meet at 9:00 inside the parking lot for Vancouver Lake near the facilities.  Parking fee of $3 at Vancouver Lake Park. 

  • Trail Stats: Easy 6.5 miles, no elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Carol Frizzell

  • Carpooling Fee: No organized carpooling

  • Trailhead: Vancouver Lake Parking Lot

  • Parking Pass: $3 day fee or County Park Pass


 
 
 
 
 
June 26 Battle Ground Lake State Park

A hike on a network of evergreen forested trails with giant sword ferns and lush hanging moss around a crater lake of volcanic origin.  We will start on the outer trail and ascend and descend through a variety of trails that include views of the lake, ultimately descending to the lower lake trail with the last ¾ mile being a walk along the lake with views of seasonal wildlife. There is an outhouse toilet at the lower parking lot and other outhouses and flush toilets throughout the park. Picnic at the lake when done if desired. Meet at 8:30 at the Battle Ground Safeway shopping area, corner of I-503 and Main Street in Battle Ground, west end of the parking lot.

  • Trail Stats:  Moderate 4.2 miles, 500’ elevation gain 

  • Hike Leader: Kim Chenault

  • Carpooling Fee: $2.40 per vehicle + $10 WA Discover Day Pass fee shared as usual

  • Trailhead: Battle Ground Lake State Park – Park in LOWER parking lot, you will see the parking lot entrance on the left right after you enter the park grounds

  • Parking Pass: Discover Pass

July 3 Fourth of July – no hike
July 10 Dry Creek Falls

Hike to Dry Creek Falls in the Gorge near Cascade Locks.  The trail follows part of the Pacific Crest Trail with the little-visited falls at the turnaround point.  It is a gradual climb on a rocky trail.  Meet at 8:30 at the Pendleton Woolen Mill in Washougal (southwest corner of parking lot)

  • Trail Stats: Moderate 4.2 miles, 600’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Sally Galligan

  • Carpooling Fee: $16 per vehicle + $6 toll fees shared by passengers and driver

  • Trailhead: Dry Creek Falls

  • Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass or Senior Pass


 
 
 
 
 
July 17 Moulton Falls

Hike a flat gravel trail along the Lewis River in a forested park, crossing a high bridge, hiking across NE Lucia Falls Rd up to Yacolt Falls (slight elevation gain), then back down to Moulton
Falls for lunch.   Pit toilet at Hantwick Trailhead and bathrooms after crossing the bridge. Meet at 8:30 at the Battle Ground Safeway shopping area, corner of I-503 and Main Street in Battle Ground, west end of the parking lot.

  • Trail Stats: Easy 5 miles, slight elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Donna Maple

  • Carpooling Fee: $7 per vehicle shared by passenger and driver

  • Trailhead: Hantwick Road Trailhead north of Battle Ground

  • Parking Pass: None


 
 
 
 
 
July 24 Twin Lakes

Part of this hike is on the Pacific Crest Trail through hemlock and fir forest to two beautiful alpine lakes in the Mt. Hood Wilderness.  The drive is about 1.5 hours one way.  Meet at 8:30 at Fred Meyers (11325 SE Mill Plain Blvd, SW side by gas station)

  • Trail Stats: Moderate 6.5 miles, 840’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Robin Bean

  • Carpooling Fee: $38 per vehicle shared by passengers and driver

  • Trailhead: Twin Lakes at the Frog Lake Snow Park

  • Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass or Senior Pass


 
 
 
 
 
July 31 Whipple Creek

Hike in 300-acre Whipple Creek Regional Park located west of Clark County Fairgrounds. The park is a pristine, tranquil forest environment.  There are old growth Douglas fir, deciduous trees, and many ferns to enjoy.  Meet at trailhead named below at 8:30. 

  • Trail Stats: Easy/moderate 4 miles, 300’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader:  Carol Frizzell

  • Carpooling Fee:  None.  No organized carpooling

  • Trailhead:  Whipple Creek   17202 NW 21st Ave.  Ridgefield

  • Parking Pass:  None

August 7 June Lake and Trail of Two Forests with Ape Cave Option

On the side of Mt. St. Helens the trail climbs through a second-growth fir forest along a rushing stream before reaching a lake with a lovely 40’ waterfall.  Return to the cars and drive back down Forest Road 83 and turn right towards Ape Cave on Forest Road 8303. Next, we visit the Trail of Two Forests Interpretive Site.  We will take a .25-mile boardwalk trail that leads you across a 1,900-year-old lava flow and lets you explore tree casts that record an ancient forest consumed by lava. Here there are picnic tables for lunch and restrooms. Optional: Hike 1.6 mile RT  Lower Ape Cave. Meet at 8:30 at the Battle Ground Safeway shopping area, north east corner of SR503 and Main Street, west end of the parking lot.

  • Trail Stats: Moderate 3.2 miles, 500’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Robin Bean

  • Carpooling Fee: $25 per vehicle shared by passengers and driver.

  • Trailhead: June Lake

  • Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass or Senior Pass


 
 
 
 
 
August 14 CANCELED Forest Park/Pittock Mansion/Macleay Trail

Starting at Lower Macleay Park (NW 29th Ave and Upshur St) we will hike to the Audubon Society and then follow a section of the Wildwood Trail to Pittock Mansion. We will eat our picnic lunch on the grounds of the mansion. Meet at 8:30 at the WSDOT Park and Ride lot east of Grand Central Shopping Center. If approaching from Highway 14 westbound, take exit 1, Columbia House Blvd.  Take a left at the exit & the lot is on your left.   

  • Trail Stats: Moderate 5.9 miles, 800’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Penny McLaren

  • Carpooling Fee: $6 per vehicle shared by passengers and driver

  • Trailhead: Macleay Trail

  • Parking Pass: None, Street Parking


 
 
 
 
 
August 21 CANCELED Eagle Creek

Hike to High Bridge on Eagle Creek trail in the Gorge area. In this stunning canyon there are cliff areas with a cable for handrails numerous waterfalls and creek views.  Rocky parts of the trail may be slippery when wet.  On the return trip we can, if desired, take a side trail down about ¼ mile to the beach at Punchbowl Falls. Meet at 8:30 at the Pendleton Woolen Mill in Washougal (southwest corner of parking lot).

  • Trail Stats: Moderate 6.6 miles, 600’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Kim Chenault

  • Carpooling Fee: $18 per vehicle + $6 toll fees shared by passengers and driver

  • Trailhead: Eagle Creek

  • Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass or Senior Pass


 
 
 
 
 
August 28 Wind River Arboretum Trail, PCT to Overlook, Panther Creek Falls

This outing includes several stops, all in the same general Thornton Munger research area north of Carson with drives in between.  We will start at the Wind River Arboretum to walk a 2-mile RT flat trail with interpretive signs passing through a forested experimental research area that was established to determine what species of trees would grow in the Pacific Northwest. Next drive a short distance to hike a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, an uphill 4 mile out and back hike with a 700 ft. elevation gain in a wooded area climbing to a lookout (where we stop to eat). Upon returning, if there is interest and time allows, we might also add a former stop, the Whistle Punk Trail, a 1.5 flat loop walk around a historical logging operation area.  Finally, (do not change out of your hiking boots yet and take poles) we drive about 8 miles to a very scenic Panther Creek Falls, a downhill hike (and back up!)  of about a quarter mile to a scenic view of a beautiful falls. Slippery conditions and some mud could be on this trail if there has been recent rain, some drop-offs.  Meet at 8:30 at the Pendleton Woolen Mill in Washougal (southwest corner of parking lot). 

  • Trail Stats:  Moderate 6 to 8 miles, 700’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Penny McLaren

  • Carpooling Fee: $30 per vehicle shared by passengers and driver

  • Trailhead: Wind River Arboretum north of Carson, WA to start

  • Parking Pass:  NW Forest Pass or Senior Pass

August 28 Wind River Arboretum Trail, PCT to Overlook, Panther Creek Falls

This outing includes several stops, all in the same general Thornton Munger research area north of Carson with drives in between.  We will start at the Wind River Arboretum to walk a 2-mile RT flat trail with interpretive signs passing through a forested experimental research area that was established to determine what species of trees would grow in the Pacific Northwest. Next drive a short distance to hike a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, an uphill 4 mile out and back hike with a 700 ft. elevation gain in a wooded area climbing to a lookout (where we stop to eat). Upon returning, if there is interest and time allows, we might also add a former stop, the Whistle Punk Trail, a 1.5 flat loop walk around a historical logging operation area.  Finally, (do not change out of your hiking boots yet and take poles) we drive about 8 miles to a very scenic Panther Creek Falls, a downhill hike (and back up!)  of about a quarter mile to a scenic view of a beautiful falls. Slippery conditions and some mud could be on this trail if there has been recent rain, some drop-offs.  Meet at 8:30 at the Pendleton Woolen Mill in Washougal (southwest corner of parking lot). 

  • Trail Stats:  Moderate 6 to 8 miles, 700’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Penny McLaren

  • Carpooling Fee: $30 per vehicle shared by passengers and driver

  • Trailhead: Wind River Arboretum north of Carson, WA to start

  • Parking Pass:  NW Forest Pass or Senior Pass

9/1 Bonus Hike (Friday) Mt. St. Helens APE CAVE (upper trail)

The 1.5 mile upper cave route leads to a climb up an eight foot rock wall and scramble over rock piles, then an exit on a ladder and a 1.5 mile above ground hike back to the parking lot.  Even though it sounds short, it is a slow-going trek to get over rocks in the dark without tripping.  The cave temperature is 42 degrees F/5.6 degrees C year-round so bring warm clothing, even in warm weather.  Make sure to bring two sources of light per person (a headlamp is great so you have hands free, but a cell phone light is not bright enough).  Food and drink is not allowed in the cave, water is okay.   There is some question if the rope is available at the 8-foot wall.

A timed ticket reservation is required for each car parking in the lot.  We suggest the 9:00 to 9:30 entry time to make the reservation.  We can determine who will purchase a parking ticket/pass when we know how many drivers and riders we have. More details here: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086990

  • MEET at 8:00 am.  Safeway (14300 NE 20th Ave, park by Starbucks end).

  • Trail stats:  Difficult 3 miles round trip, uneven surface, boulders and obstacles

  • Hike Leader: Penny McLaren

  • Carpooling Fee: $31 per vehicle share by riders and driver

  • Parking Pass:  NW Forest Pass or Senior pass required

  • AND a parking pass for the parking lot at Ape Cave. Must be purchased in advance online, found here: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086990

September 11 Silver Falls

Hike the Trail of Ten Falls near Silverton, Oregon, in Silver Falls State Park. It is a mostly shaded hiking trail that weaves through a dense forested canyon. The trail passes a series of beautiful waterfalls in the canyon as it descends to a winding creek at the forest floor. We will hike up to 5 miles of the 9-mile trail, with an elevation gain of about 400 ft.  A second option is to hike 8.2 miles with an elevation gain of 900 feet and carpool accordingly.  128-mile drive RT. Meet at 8:30 at the Fred Meyers (11325 SE Mill Plain Blvd, SW side by gas station).

  • Trial Stats: Moderate 5 miles, 400’ elevation gain or 8.2 miles, 900’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Sally Galligan

  • Carpooling Fee: $38 per vehicle + $5 park fee shared by passengers and driver

  • Trailhead: Silver Falls State Park South Entrance

  • Parking Pass: Oregon State Park Day Pass

 
 
 
 
 

September 4 Labor Day – no hike
September 18 Red Rock Pass Toutle Trail #238 to Blue Lake.

This trail in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest area starts from the Red Rock Pass trailhead and goes up to Mt. St. Helen’s Monument area into an ancient lava flow, then goes into meadows with huckleberries to mixed forest. The trail crosses one rocky ravine to get to Blue Lake. Road to trailhead has potholes. Meet at 8:30 at Battle Ground Safeway shopping area, north east corner of SR503 and Main Street, west end of the parking lot. Total driving distance is 110 miles round trip.

  • Trail Stats: Moderate 7.5 miles, 800’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Robin Bean

  • Carpooling Fee: $25 per vehicle shared by passengers and driver

  • Trailhead:  Red Rock Pass

  • Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass or Senior Pass

September 25 Old Salmon River Trail

Hike alongside the Salmon River for much of the way through old growth forest near Mt. Hood. Out and back trail with lunch riverside at the halfway point. Meet at 8:30 at Fred Meyers (11325 SE Mill Plain Blvd, SW side by gas station). 

  • Trail Stats: Easy 5.2 miles, 100’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Linda Beno

  • Carpooling Fee: $29 per vehicle shared by passengers and driver

  • Trailhead: Salmon River Trail

  • Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass or Senior Pass


 
 
 
 
 
October 2 Portland’s 5T Urban Adventure

Take the trail, tram, trolley, train and Tilikum Bridge. This moderate urban hike is a good way to get to know Portland and its transportation options. Due to a landslide, the official 4T trail is closed. This alternate route will begin by taking the train (requires a transfer) to the Tilikum Bridge. From there we will walk to the OHSU tram where we will ride up and back down. Then we catch the trolley through Portland to catch a train to Washington Park. We will walk about 1.5 miles in the park and return to the train for a short trip to Goose Hollow Inn for lunch. We will return by train to the Gateway parking garage.
A Trimet day pass is $5 up to age 64, 65+ is $2.50 for the day. This covers the fare for the train and trolley. Cost to ride the tram is $8 for the round trip.
For this hike we meet at 8:30 at Fred Meyer Mill Plain and carpool to the Gateway Transit Center.

October 9 Wahkeena Falls to Multnomah Falls

This hike starts with a 2-mile steep climb to a ridge above the top of Wahkeena Falls and continues east into the forest above Multnomah Falls.  Hike at times next to the stream that feeds Wahkeena Falls and then by stream which feeds Multnomah Falls. View unexpected waterfalls.  Meet at 8:30 at Fred Meyers (11325 SE Mill Plain Blvd, SW side by gas station).

  • Trail Stats: Difficult 5.4-mile loop, 1600’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Cathy Darragh

  • Carpooling Fee: $17 per vehicle shared by passengers and driver

  • Trailhead: Multnomah Falls (use parking lot off I-84)

  • Parking Pass: None

 

October 16 Beacon Rock, and Hardy and Rodney Falls

The hike will begin at Beacon Rock parking lot.  First, we will climb Beacon Rock for the best view of the Gorge.  We will then drive a short distance to the trailhead for Hamilton Mountain and we will ascend to Hardy and Rodney Falls.   From the lower trailhead, start off hiking on a wide path through tall trees and mosses, accompanied by twittering, flitting songbirds. Most of the elevation gain is in the first mile. Then the trail flattens out and traverses through more forest, passing small creeks and cascades.  We will have lunch at the falls.  Meet at 8:30 at the Pendleton Woolen Mill in Washougal (southwest corner of parking lot).

  • Trail Stats: Moderate/difficult 1.5 then 2.1 miles, 575’ then 644’ elevation gain.

  • Hike Leader: Cathy Darragh

  • Carpooling Fee: $12 per vehicle + $10 WA Discover Day Pass fee shared

  • Trailhead: Beacon Rock and Hamilton Mountain

  • Parking Pass: Washington Discover Pass