Explore the Beauty of Oregon and Washington with Volssport Walks

FOOTPATHS
Explore the Beauty of Oregon and
Washington with Volssport Walks

By Wendy Bumgardner

Where to Walk?
Once you get bored with your same old neighborhood route, you can tap the expertise of other walkers for great walking routes throughout the USA. The clubs of the American Volkssport Association (AVA) provide over 1,400 map-guided walking routes, including 200 in Oregon and Washington. All walks are a standard 10k (6.2 miles) with some exceptions. Here are some of my favorite locales.

Oregon

Seaside, OR

Dundee Vineyard Views: Oregon’s world-class wine growing region is just a short drive from the Portland area. This lovely walk with challenging hills takes you past wine country chateaus and miles of vineyards. After the finish try some wine at Ponzi Tasting Room on Highway 99W which is right next to the finishline.

Silver Falls State Park: Walkers have often voted this walk near Salem as one of the top walks in the USA. Bring your camera to capture the numerous waterfalls and enjoy a cool walk in the canyon on even the hottest day of the year.

Salem — State Capital: You never know a city until you explore it on foot. This walk explores the capitol grounds, Willamette University, and takes you past the Governor’s Mansion and through tree-shaded parks.

Ashland: Come for the Shakespeare Festival and enjoy two walking routes through this artsy southern Oregon jewel, including Lithia Park and Southern Oregon University.

Oregon Coast: Walks are available from cities and parks all along the coast, including: Astoria, Fort Stevens State Park, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Tillamook, Depoe Bay, Lincoln City, Newport, Yachats, Florence, Waldport, Winchester Bay, Bandon, and Port Orford — Cape Blanco. The walks vary between exploring the towns, walking on the beach, or more challenging walks through the coastal rainforest.

Bend, Sisters, and Sunriver: Central Oregon beckons with a combination of Old West flavor, stunning vistas of the Cascades, and warm climate. Take a break from a golfing or skiing vacation to walk along the Deschutes River in Bend, past a llama ranch in Sisters, or explore Paulina Lake.

Mt. Angel: Whether you come for Oktoberfest or simply to walk this Willamette Valley town has charm and interesting sights. The walk features a tour of the Mt. Angel Abbey and the views from the top of the hill. The small town has a Bavarian-styleded downtown and a great brewery-restaurant.

Portland Crown Jewel Walk: This walk from the World Forestry Center is on wooded trails past the Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, Japanese Garden, International Rose Garden, and offers stunning views. Be sure to enjoy it when the roses are in bloom. It’s a great walk to take out-of-town visitors.

Washington

Deception Pass, WA

Anacortes — Guemes Channel Anacortes: Walk along city streets and paved paths through lovely residential neighborhoods, along the Guemes Channel and downtown Anacortes, past shops and restaurants and along the waterfront marina. See life-size cutouts on many buildings of early Anacortes citizens, bicycles, automobiles etc., inspired by old photographs. Toilets and water are available at start/finish and along the route. There are restaurants and picnic spots along the way. 11k

South Kirkland/Waterfront Kirkland: Daily January 1 to December 31, dawn to dusk. Outdoor sculptures are located along the route and the Lake Washington waterfront is lined with well- landscaped condominiums and parks, views of the Olympic Mountains and Seattle skyline. The downtown area is a charming mix of galleries, shops, and eateries. 11k

Deception Pass State Park, Island County: Seasonal event: April 1 to September 30. Invigorating walk along roadways and improved forest trails almost entirely within Deception Pass State Park. You experience fabulous views of the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Olympic Mountains, and the Deception Pass Bridge. Several gradual hills. Food, water, picnic supplies, picnic spots, and toilets at start/finish and along route.

Walking Whidbey Volksfest Coupeville: September 8 to 10, 2006, a multi-event, three-day festival of walks. A potluck Friday, a pasta dinner Saturday evening, a salmon BBQ, and a free concert Sunday afternoon. Five walk routes plus four year-round events available. Visit beautiful Whidbey Island for a volkswalking extravaganza. See Washington’s second oldest town with its Victorian homes and small town stores. Walk across farm fields and to the beach. See Jenne Farm, Admiralty Head lighthouse, and Fort Casey’s artillery bunkers. Fabulous Puget Sound and mountain views on all walks. Plus we haven’t forgotten the fourth F in Volkswalking — food!

How to enjoy these walks: From www.walkoregon.org select “Mapped Events” to go to a listing of each walk by state and location. Each listing has full details on driving directions to the start point, trail difficulty and highlights, and club contacts. The starting point is often a hospital or market. Locate the start box and sign the liability waiver. Take a map and enjoy the walk. The walks are offered for free, but a small donation is always welcome for the non profit club. Also visit www.walkwashington.org.

Wendy Bumgardner is the Walking Guide at www.walking.about.com and has been an AVA walker and club leader since 1984.