Summer Heat Wave

In June, I continued exploring new lakes and rivers on my paddle board, the latest being Lacamas Lake and Round Lake in Camas, WA.

 

That weekend, Tom and I tackled Mt. Defiance--the toughest hike in the Gorge.

Hiked 6/19/21 - 12.5 miles, 5,000 vertical feet - 6 hours

On the longest day of the year, the sun rose at 5:21am and set at 9pm. Shortly after the summer solstice, an unprecedented heat wave scorched the Pacific Northwest. Records were obliterated after Portland reached 116 F, underscoring the dangers of climate change.

I escaped the heat on Monday with a drive down the coast. Beginning at Netarts Bay, I travelled south to Depoe Bay and Cape Foulweather--prime whale watching spots from December to March. 

I flipped it around after taking in the cool salty air at surf spot, Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area near Newport. Pray for rain!

Elk-Kings Mountain Loop

A few weeks ago, I visited a recently renovated 17-acre park in southeast Portland called Leach Botanical Garden. The property was originally part of a 320-acre donation land claim belonging to Jacob Johnson, who furnished lumber for very early homes in Portland. In 1931, John and Lilla Leach purchased part of the property and named it Sleepy Hollow. Lilla discovered five plant species new to science, while John was a talented craftsman; some of his metalwork is on display at the garden. The mission of the garden is to maintain and enhance living collections of plants for education, research and conservation, and to preserve the legacy of the garden’s founders.

 

George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego and Browns Ferry Park in Tualatin are my current local launch pads for paddling.

Roses are in full bloom by June, sprinkled throughout Portland's parks and neighborhoods. Washington Park's International Rose Test Garden and Peninsula Park have some of the best blooms and varieties.

 

 

  

 

Training for hiking season this year includes speed hiking some of the toughest hikes nearby, including the Columbia River Gorge's Dog Mountain.

Hiked 6/3/21 - 6 miles, 2,800 vertical feet - 2.25 hours

Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain are two popular hiking destinations in the Coast Range. The challenging Elk Mountain-Kings Mountain Loop takes on both peaks, connecting them via the Wilson River Trail and trail connections on the back sides of both peaks that involve a few scramble sections. I had previously completed both neighboring mountains individually, so I felt ready to take on the loop trek. I recommend starting at Kings Mountain Trailhead and hiking counter clockwise; carry trekking poles and at least 2.5 liters of water.

 

Hiked 6/9/21 - 10.5 miles, 4,000 vertical feet - 4.5 hours