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Monday Hiking

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Clark County Newcomers Club – Monday Hikes for 2023

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. 

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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May 29           Memorial Day – no hike

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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

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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         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

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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

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July 3             Fourth of July – no hike

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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

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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

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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

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July 31          Banks – Vernonia Trail (Near Banks, OR)

Hike a paved and mostly flat trail from Manning Trailhead to Buxton Trailhead.  The railroad corridor cuts across farmland then enters a tunnel of Douglas Fir and big- leaf maple.  Then rising gradually, the trail goes through some plantation forest which then turns to more mature secondary growth.  Buxton Creek runs below the steep slope on the left.  The trail comes to Buxton Trestle which bridges the wide gully carved by Mendenhall Creek.  Cross the trestle and descend to the Buxton Trailhead with picnic table and restroom.  Then return.  Meet at 8:30 at the Fred Meyers (11325 SE Mill Plain Blvd, SW side by the gas station).

  • Trail Stats:  Easy 6.0 miles, 220’ elevation gain
  • Hike Leader:  Carol Frizzell
  • Carpooling Fee:  $26 per vehicle shared by passengers and driver
  • Trailhead:  Manning Trailhead
  • Parking Pass:  None

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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, corner of I-503 and Main Street in Battle Ground, 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

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August 14     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: Bill Baird
  • Carpooling Fee: $6 per vehicle shared by passengers and driver
  • Trailhead: Macleay Trail
  • Parking Pass: None, Street Parking

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August 21     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

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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

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September 4            Labor Day – no hike

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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

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September 18          Powell Butte Loop

The trail goes up and down through forests of cedar, Douglas fir, and big leaf maple and emerges onto sun-soaked grasslands.  Along the route and on the summit, opportunity to see six mountains.  Meet at 8:30 at Fred Meyers (11325 SE Mill Plain Blvd, SW side by gas station).  

  • Trail Stats: Moderate 5.3 miles, 695’ elevation gain
  • Hike Leader: Cathy Darragh
  • Carpooling Fee: $8 per vehicle shared by passengers and driver
  • Trailhead:  Powell Butte
  • Parking Pass: None

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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

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October 2     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 walking. 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 $2.50 for the day for seniors, $5 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 $5.65. Masks are optional on the train and trolley but required on 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 (or food carts?) 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. Hike Leader: Robin Bean

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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: Tammy Silver
  • Carpooling Fee: $17 per vehicle shared by passengers and driver
  • Trailhead: Multnomah Falls (use parking lot off I-84)
  • Parking Pass: None

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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

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