Outdoor Project

The Champion Creek Trailhead is at the uppermost reach for the Brice Creek Trail, and from here the trail follows the creek downstream 5.5 miles toward the West Trailhead.  Because the entire Brice Creek Trail is a little long for a there-and-back hike (though the distance is doable with a shuttle), it may be best to explore the trail in segments.  The Champion Creek segment is a little less crowded than the downstream areas due to its location.  It’s not only a little longer to drive to, but the creek's gradient is also a little steeper and faster so there are comparatively fewer of the cr

Rounding the last curve on the decent into California from Oregon, it is hard to miss a view of the massive volcano towering high above the horizon. Standing at an impressive 10,000 feet above its base, Mount Shasta offers an approach hike through a red fir forest followed by a steep ascent above tree line to the popular base camp at Helen Lake. The hike presents views of Mount Lassen to the south, the snowcapped California Coast Range to the west, and spectacular views of the volcanic ridges flanking the snow covered Avalanche Gulch.

Angel’s Rest makes for an excellent Portland area day hike, and the Foxglove Way extension enriches this popular hike with more views. One of the most easily accessible and most rewarding hikes on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, Angel's Rest is just a short drive from the city. It cuts a striking profile, rising 1,600 feet over the Columbia Gorge, and hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Columbia, southwest Washington, and several Cascade peaks from prominent bluff at the summit that allows a full 270-degree view.

The Portland Japanese Garden is a 5.5-acre traditional Japanese garden located within the City of Portland’s Washington Park. Highly regarded as one of the best traditional Japanese gardens outside of Japan thanks to climate similarities between Portland and Japan, the Garden receives 200,000 annual visitors.

The Forbidden Peak West Ridge route is listed in Steve Roper and Allen Steck’s timeless climbing book Fifty Classic Climbs of North America. The awe-inspiring views and quality rock make for a memorable and enjoyable-while-challenging climb.