An active outdoorsy Fall season awaits with the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council offering a work party, birding field trips and a mason bee class in the coming weeks leading up to their annual Fall native plant sale on October 11th. Upcoming Events
Author Archives: mattyd112
Guided Hike with Environment Oregon on the Banks-Vernonia Trail
This Friday, June 20th, Environment Oregon is hosting a free guided hike along the Banks-Vernonia Trail at 4:00 pm at Anderson Park. As you tour the trail together, you’ll be discussing “the trail’s history, the region’s changing landscapes, and the native plants and wildlife that call this area home.” Register for the two hour hikeContinue reading “Guided Hike with Environment Oregon on the Banks-Vernonia Trail”
The Oldest Trees Around
South of the county line, just past Cornelius Pass, lies one of our area’s newest parks. The Burlington Creek Forest Park is part of the larger Portland Metro master parks plan finalized by the Metro Council in 2016, based on a 2013 voter levy approving funding for large-scale restoration projects in the Portland metro area.Continue reading “The Oldest Trees Around”
An eventful backcountry waterfall hike
Some time ago, Jon and I lumbered through the wilderness to reach one of the highest and most unique waterfalls in Columbia County. The off-trail route was steeped in bushwacking and a steady drumbeat of wildlife sightings, including the coolest shed elk antler we’ve ever found. Unfortunately, the property status has changed and the fallsContinue reading “An eventful backcountry waterfall hike”
It’s all for the salmon: Dalton Lake’s New Bridge
Every year, tens of millions of juvenile salmon rush down the Columbia River. It’s a race for survival, and the race depends on two factors: How fast they can get to the ocean, and how much food they can find on the way. A significant issue for these salmon is that there isn’t enough foodContinue reading “It’s all for the salmon: Dalton Lake’s New Bridge”
2022 Wildlife Photos
Just a little compilation of some of the wildlife photos that Matt, Jon, and Luke took in Columbia County this year. Enjoy! Note – The Liberty Hill depicted in the above photo is once again in danger of being destroyed for the purposes of commercial crushed rock. More information on what makes Liberty Hill specialContinue reading “2022 Wildlife Photos”
The Miraculous Pacific Yew
The Pacific Yew is my favorite tree. While the Yew’s appearance is understated compared to the towering conifers of our forests, its impact has been felt worldwide. Taxus brevifolia of the Yew family fills a unique niche here as an understory specialist. It is built to survive under the shadows of the douglas-firs, cedars, andContinue reading “The Miraculous Pacific Yew”
Finding a Hidden Unknown Waterfall
Hiking off-trail brings challenges and unexpected rewards. While working on our Columbia County Reptiles and Amphibians research project Jon and I routinely jump off the logging roads in order to access more remote habitat. Last month we were in search of some of our rarer amphibians and identified a steep stream near the Clatskanie River.Continue reading “Finding a Hidden Unknown Waterfall”
Wildlife of the CZ Trail – Scappoose Bottoms
The Crown Zellerbach Trail holds numerous unique habitats along its 26 miles. In particular the lower section beginning at Chapman Landing heading towards Scappoose has many wildlife viewing opportunities that change throughout the seasons. A series of fields, assorted trees, sloughs and ponds attract many a bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian. Today I wanted toContinue reading “Wildlife of the CZ Trail – Scappoose Bottoms”
The Hidden Carcus Creek Falls
Oregon is a state laden with beautiful waterfalls and Columbia County is no exception. While some of our county waterfalls are Instagram-famous roadside attractions like Bonnie Falls or Beaver Creek, others take a trek to get to and are little more than GPS points online. A few years back, Jon and I decided to searchContinue reading “The Hidden Carcus Creek Falls”
Wild Columbia County 