Get Up! Get Active! 4 Awesome Activities for an Outstanding October Weekend Outdoors
If you’re like most Portlanders, you’re ready for some action after a week of ceaseless showers and sunless skies. Luckily, the final weekend of October offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy some open-air activities despite the daily downpour.
Instead of hiding at home this Saturday and Sunday, soak up season’s final few forecasted 60-degree days by heading out to a few of these exciting and enthralling events.
Columbia Gorge Marathon & Half Marathon
When: Oct. 26, 8 a.m.
Where: Hood River Marina Park (Hood River)
This annual race event is considered one of the most beautiful marathons in the U.S., making it a popular option for casual walkers and dedicated runners alike. Participants and spectators will begin gathering at Hood River Marina Park early on Sunday morning, with packet pick-up opening at 6:30. For those who need more than the scheduled six hours, the course opens an hour early at 8 a.m. The marathon officially kicks off at 9 a.m. at the Mark O. Hatfield Trail Head on the Historic Columbia River Highway. Shuttles will transport competitors to and from this location, which marks both the start and finish line. The half marathon will get underway at 9:30 a.m., following a course that begins and ends at the Hood River Marina Park. Food and entertainment will be provided for racers upon completion of the race. Spectators can also enjoy the food and drinks provided by an array of local eateries for $7. Late sign up for the Columbia Gorge Marathon is available through Friday or until the event reaches its 1,500-person cap. At this time, registration is $115 for the full marathon and $100 for the half marathon.
Tryon Creek Guided Nature Hike
When: Oct. 25, 10–11:30 a.m.
Where: Tryon Creek State Natural Area (Southwest PDX)
This easy Saturday morning escapade is part of a weekly series of Tryon Creek State Park nature walks. These hikes aim to entertain and educate participating Portlanders while exposing them to a beautiful bit of nature right in their own backyard. Friends of Tryon Creek State Park, an organization that works to preserve the park’s resources and provide its public programs, is hosting hikes in the park weekly from October through December of this year. This week’s nature hike, titled Slugs: More than Slime, will have visitors winding around the park’s woods and waterways with an eager and educated guide leading the way. Tryon Creek’s Saturday hikes are free of charge and appropriate for guests of all ages. Preregistration is not required.
Columbia Springs Family Field Trip Day
When: Oct. 25, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Columbia Springs (Vancouver)
Columbia Springs is a natural area that sprawls over a large patch of land in the heart of Portland’s neighbor to the north, Vancouver. The stunning site is run by a nonprofit organization called Columbia Springs, which hosts an annual Family Field Trip Day each fall. Saturday’s event promises children and their parents plenty of engaging activities, which will take place both outside and in covered areas from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Attractions include a crafts and activities tent, indoor gardening projects, organized nature games, The Woods in Winter hike and a Fungi & Foraging hike. Both hikes have four scheduled departure times to choose from and last 30 minutes. Registration costs $5 per child, with parents admitted free of charge.
Westmoreland Park Grand Reopening
When: Oct. 25, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Westmoreland Park (Southeast PDX)
Ever since the City of Portland purchased and developed Westmoreland Park in the 1930s, periodic flooding in the popular Sellwood-Moreland park has posed a problem for the town and its residents. After more than a year of discussion and consideration, Portland approved a renovation and reconstruction plan in 2003. This Saturday, after more than a decade of work, Portland Parks and Recreation is hosting an epic event to celebrate the grand reopening of Westmoreland Park and the rehabilitation of Crystal Springs Creek. The gathering, which also commemorates the restoration of salmon within city limits, includes games, crafts and activities for Portlanders young and old. Scheduled events for the day include a Native American blessing, a scheduled program from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and tours running throughout the afternoon from 12:30–4.
