Friends of Forest Park All Trails Challenge

Beginning in June, Friends of Forest Park (FoFP) challenges you to hike or run every trail in Portland’s crown jewel of parks. Deemed the All Trail Challenge (ATC), Forest Park users will have a new twist to their usual outings.

Why would you want to attempt the ATC? Like climbing Mt. Everest, the reason simply may be "because it’s there." In fact, FoFP volunteer and mountaineer Ted Wheeler trained for his successful climb of Mt. Everest by hiking in Forest Park. We also hope the ATC will encourage you to explore areas of the park that might be foreign territory. Have you navigated Newton Road all the way to St. Helens Road, rambled down the Ridge Trail, or cruised down the Koenig Trail? If not, then lace up your shoes, grab your map and water bottle, and take the challenge.

FoFP will provide check-off sheets (available both online and through the mail) that list all major trails, side trails, and roads; trail segment distances and elevation change are included — that’s over 50 miles and more than 11,500 feet of cumulative elevation change! You provide the energy, determination, and good times on the trail.

The check-off sheet will also provide space for you to log your completion date for each segment. When you’ve completed the ATC, send the form to the FoFP office for a certificate of achievement and a listing of your name in the FoFP newsletter. Our generous sponsors, REI and Fit Right Northwest, will also reward your success. The ATC runs through the end of 2005, giving you a year and a half to apply your feet to this feat.

To download a copy of the ATC form, visit www.friendsofforestpark.org after June 1. To receive a form in the mail, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the FoFP office with a request for the ATC form. You can email us at info@FriendsofForestPark.org (preferred) or leave a phone message at 503-223-5449 with any questions.

Forest Park Stone House Loop Ahhhh, Forest Park. You probably already know it has approximately 5,400 acres with over 70 miles of trails and lanes. Perhaps you know that it is home to more than 112 species of birds and 62 species of mammals, and of course, banana slugs. But do you know Forest Park with your senses, with your feet? And if you do, can you ever get enough? The Stone House loop is the first of nine loop hikes in the “Hiking & Running Guide to Forest Park: 10-Map Set.” The loop is 6.8 miles in length, with a total elevation gain of 960’. Watch for native cutthroat trout in Balch Creek (please keep your dogs out of the creek). And check out the Stone House, a much-photographed park feature with a humble beginning. It was a public restroom built as a Works Progress Administration project in the 1930s. It was damaged in the 1962 Columbus Day storm and subsequently closed. Explore and enjoy!

Friends of Forest Park Dedicated to protecting and enhancing Portland’s Forest Park Phone: 503-223-5449 fax: 503-223-5637 Email: info@friendsofforestpark.org Website: www.friendsofforestpark.org Mailing address: PO Box 10934 Portland, OR 97296 Office address: 2366 NW Thurman.