Hiking in Portland: Get on Your Boots

This article is not for women like my coworker. After hiking by herself for over twenty miles into the wilderness, she slashed an artery while gutting a fish and nearly bled to death on her hike out. As soon as her arm healed, she was back out there. My coworker is hardcore rugged and would never step foot on a paved path in the woods. Rather, this article is for the women I often talk to on the trails: women new to the city, to hiking, or just newly single who have questions about how to begin exploring the natural wonders in the Portland area.

To begin with, you've got to invest in some gear, even for the simple beginner hikes. Buy good hiking boots or trail shoes. This morning on a trail in the Gorge, I saw a woman in Keds clutching onto her hiking partner to keep from sliding. Another woman in flip-flops tripped over a root and gashed her toe. Don't talk yourself out of this investment in your safety. Hiking boots will increase your independence while decreasing your odds of a spill or injury. I wear a heavenly comfortable pair of Keen all-weather boots. Secondly, purchase wicking pants, shirts, and socks. Cotton holds in the wet like a sponge and trails are often windy and chilly; this is not a good combination. Even a beautiful day could leave you too cold to finish your hike if you're not wearing the right clothes. Third, wear layers. On a nice day, I pack a windbreaker, a Polartec jacket, extra socks, and a hat.

Once you have your clothes, you need to think about the accessories. If you are not in great hiking shape, have weak knees or wobbly ankles, you may consider bringing ski poles. For safety, always pack a first-aid kit with sunscreen, and keep a cell phone and identification with you at all times. I carry my cell phone in my pants pocket. Finally, it is crucial that you carry enough water and food. This is your fuel, too much and you are sloshy and sluggish; however too little and you stall out. Some hikers prefer Gatorade, but unless I'm doing a thigh-buster hike, I'm fine with a couple liters of water.

What you bring and wear does matter. The difference between hiking with the right gear and the wrong gear is the difference between a pleasant hike and a disaster.

When your backpack is full and your hiking boots look too new, it's time to get out there. Now you are faced with the dilemma of where. I suggest joining a hiking group. Hiking groups generally offer some interesting lesser-known trails for hikers of a wide-variety of skill levels and interest. I am a member of a few hiking groups, and I've had great experiences. On my first hike with a group, I didn't pay attention to the skill level posted on the site and went up a mountain that was too high for my ability at that time. As I panted at the rear of the group, members walked with me and encouraged me. This is a noncompetitive sport, and the people you meet are usually reflective of this attitude.

Portland has a number of groups that provide a fun, safe alternative to going it alone. Though some charge a fee, it may be worth the small investment for the right community. Most groups, however, are free to join and offer reduced rates for group camping trips. Two such groups can be found at Meetup.com: Portland Hiking Meetup Group, and Portland Outdoor Adventures Group. There are many other well-established hiking groups. A couple organizations of note are Friends of the Columbia Gorge, and Oregon Wild. If you are looking for more of a challenge, I recommend joining Mazamas, a mountaineering education organization that has been around since the 1800's. No matter which group you join, read the comments and feedback from group members or ask for a description to be sure it is a group you would feel comfortable joining.

Finally, if you do want to hike alone or with a friend, there are well-populated hikes in and around Portland. In Portland, Mount Tabor, Powell Butte, and Washington Park all have some elevation, and wonderful views of the city. Just outside Portland, there is a heavily travelled and clearly marked five-mile-loop around Multnomah Falls. This trail loops around some of the best falls in Oregon and offers Gorge vistas. If you enjoy waterfalls but don't want to climb to your wilderness, Silver Spring Falls near Salem follows a path with little altitude and a lot of falls. On the other hand, if you're looking for more of a challenge, in late May and June, many families head over to the Washington side on the Columbia River to enjoy the wildflowers blooming all over Dog Mountain.

No matter where you go, always bring your supplies as well as a trail map and take the precaution of telling someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

Portland is a hiker's paradise. So, in the words of Bono, get on your boots!