Clark County Newcomers Club

Friends Make Things Happen

Monday Hiking

2024 Schedule – Newcomers Monday Hikes

Below is the list of hikes for the Monday Hikers for the 2024 season. This list could change due to unforeseen circumstances. This website (clarkcountynewcomers.com) 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). If you need to cancel, contact the hike leader so the group is not waiting for you Monday morning.

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. We will either stop in route to use bathroom facilities or use them at the trailhead.

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 the spirit of sharing cost, in the unlikely event of vandalism at the trailhead to one of our cars, everyone who hiked that day will share in the cost of the out-of-pocket expense incurred. Hikers 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 you where and how to leave your shoes in the vehicle.

No dogs are permitted on Monday hikes.

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 the leader to have one. 

  • Have the leader’s cell phone # with you.

Open Hike List
April 22 Vancouver Lake to Frenchman's Bar

This is a flat, paved walk of approximately 6.5 miles. We start at Vancouver Lake Park, walk out to Frenchman’s Bar Park, enjoy the view of the Columbia River, have a snack, use bathrooms, and walk back. 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: Linda Beno

  • Carpooling Fee: No organized carpooling

  • Trailhead: Vancouver Lake Parking Lot

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

April 29 Lacamas Creek Trail to Round Lake in Camas, Camas Lilies

A hike on a network of trails in dense forest, passing some waterfalls on the creek, going alongside Round Lake, and enjoying the April/May blooming of the famous Camas Lilies.  Meet at 9:00 at the large overflow parking lot on the left side of NE 35th Ave., Camas. This lot is just east of NE Everett St. and at the north end of Round Lake. This is a new meeting location for this hike. (Previous meeting location is closed as it is being improved.)

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

  • Hike Leader: Elizabeth Boisvert

  • Carpooling Fee: No organized carpooling

  • Trailhead: Overflow Parking Lot, NE 35th Ave., Camas

  • Parking Pass: None

 

May 6 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, visit the Port museum there, and take in the new Mountain Timber Market featuring local artisans.

  • Trail Stats: Easy 3.6 miles, no elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Bill Baird

  • Carpooling Fee: No organized carpooling

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

  • Parking Pass: None

 

 
 
 
 
 

 

May 13 Cape Horn

A round trip hike to Nancy Russell Overlook. Hike up through a deciduous and evergreen forest on a trail with some switchbacks. Enjoy a fantastic view of the Columbia River Gorge at the overlook. 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: Ruth Fleming

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

  • Trailhead: Cape Horn

  • Parking Pass: None


 
 
 
 
 
May 20 Hike to Be Determined

The hike we originally scheduled is not open due to trail repair. We will plan a different hike and post the info on the website.

May 27 Memorial Day Holiday – No Hike
June 3 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, northeast corner of SR503 and Main Street, 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


 
 
 
 
 
June 10 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/Fort Vancouver); take a left at the exit & the lot is on your left. If approaching on Highway 14 eastbound, take Exit 1 (Columbia Way), stay left, go under WA 14, continue on Columbia House Blvd through the next traffic light to the Park and Ride lot on your right.

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

  • Hike Leader: Penny McLaren

  • Carpooling Fee: $7.50 per vehicle plus a parking fee at or near Hoyt to be shared

  • Trailhead: Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center

  • Parking Pass: None


 
 
 
 
&nbsp
June 17 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: Jon Thatcher

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

  • Trailhead: Beacon Rock and Hamilton Mountain

  • Parking Pass: Washington Discover Pass

 

June 24 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 on Highway 14 westbound, take exit 1, (Columbia House Blvd/Fort Vancouver); take a left at the exit & the lot is on your left. If approaching on Highway 14 eastbound, take Exit 1 (Columbia Way), stay left, go under WA 14, continue on Columbia House Blvd through the next traffic light to Park and Ride lot on your right.

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

  • Hike Leader: Ruth Fleming

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

  • Trailhead: Macleay Trail

  • Parking Pass: None, Street Parking

July 1 July 4th Holiday Week – No Hike
July 8 Mirror Lake

A moderate hike through beautiful old growth forest to a subalpine lake mirroring Mt. Hood. Hike around the lake and then return by the same trail. The trail has many bridge crossings of picturesque forest streams. Meet at 8:30 Fred Meyers (11325 SE Mill Plain Blvd, SW side by gas station).

  • Trail Stats: Moderate 4.2 miles, 672’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Scott Spiker

  • Carpooling Fee: $32 per vehicle shared by passengers and driver

  • Trailhead: Mirror Lake

  • Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass or Senior Pass

July 15 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: Patty Cromwell

  • 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 22 Falls Creek Falls

Hike to a spectacular triple-tiered 250’ high waterfall in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Much of 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: NW Forest Pass or Senior Pass or $5.00 day fee

 

July 29 Whipple Creek

Hike in 300-acre Whipple Creek Regional Park in Ridgefield located west of Clark County Fairgrounds. The park is a pristine, tranquil, shady 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 4 miles, 300’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader:  Jon Thatcher

  • Carpooling Fee:  None.  No organized carpooling

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

  • Parking Pass:  None

August 5 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 some other outhouses and flush toilets throughout the park. Meet at 8:30 at the Battle Ground Safeway shopping area, northeast corner of SR503 and Main Street, west end of the parking lot.

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

  • Hike Leader: Diane Sill

  • 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

August 12 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 we have restrooms and picnic tables for lunch. Then, if desired, explore Lower Ape Cave at the 1:00 – 1:30pm time slot with a reservation per vehicle purchased through Recreation.gov. Details will be provided by the leader when you sign up. We carpool accordingly. Meet at 8:30 at the Battle Ground Safeway shopping area, northeast corner of SR503 and Main St., 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 19 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 to the trailhead, 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: Tammy Silver

  • 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 26 Twin Lakes

Part of this hike is on the Pacific Crest Trail and the hike passes through a 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: Carol Frizzell

  • 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


 
 
 
 
 
September 2 Labor Day Holiday – No Hike
September 9 Toutle Trail #238 to Blue Lake from Red Rocks Pass Trailhead

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 the Battle Ground Safeway shopping area, northeast corner of SR503 and Main St., west end of the parking lot.

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

  • Hike Leader: Penny McLaren

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

  • Trailhead: Red Rock Pass

  • Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass or Senior Pass

September 16 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 along the canyon, descending to a winding creek at the forest floor. We will hike up to 5 miles of the entire 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 23 Old Salmon River Trail

The trail is along the Salmon River between the river and Salmon River Road. It goes through old growth forest near Mt. Hood. We hope to see salmon in the river. 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: Carol Frizzell

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

  • Trailhead: Salmon River Trail

  • Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass or Senior Pass


 
 
 
 
 
September 30 Portland’s 4-T Trail

Take the trail, tram, trolley, train. This moderate urban hike is a good way to get to know Portland and its transportation options. The trail section starts at the Portland Zoo and follows a moderate 4.5-mile trail up to Council Crest, then continuing on to drop down and then up again to end up at OHSU with 600’ elevation gain, loss, and 300’ gain again. If there has been recent rain it can be muddy but there are also sidewalks. That is the end of the hiking. Then from inside OHSU we take the aerial tram down to the waterfront, then hop on the trolley over to the train, and the train back to the start point. A Tri-Met pass is $2.80 a day for seniors, $5.60 for non-seniors and covers both the trolley and the train. These can be purchased at kiosks located at the train stations. Cost for the tram is $8 and ticket will be purchased at the tram. This trek takes about 3 hours for the hike and the rest is dependent on traffic but allow at least another 1 to 2 hours. Lunch at the Goose Hollow restaurant or another restaurant downtown will likely be planned but is optional. For this hike we meet at 8:30 at Fred Meyers (11325 SE Mill Plain Blvd, SW side by gas station) and carpool to the Gateway transit center where we will catch a Red or Blue line train.

October 7 Whistle Punk Interpretive Trail, PCT to Overlook, Panther Creek Falls

This outing includes one longer and two shorter stops, all in the same general Thornton Munger research area north of Carson with drives in between. First, we will go to Whistle Punk Trail, where we take a 1.5-mile walk having 174’ elevation gain around a historical logging operation. The trail has interpretive signs. Then we 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). 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!), .3 miles RT to a scenic view of a beautiful waterfall. 114’ descent. 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 miles total, 174’ then 700’ then 114’ elevation gain

  • Hike Leader: Cathy Darragh

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

  • Trailhead: Whistle Punk Trail, to start

  • Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass or Senior Pass

October 14 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