Smiling Reptiles and Delicate Roses

By John CarrJuly 2, 2012 ( 1 )

A late spring day was warm and sunny, enticing me to take a fun hike in the West Hills of town. I walked down the Vista Ridge, crossed over the Vista Bridge above Goose Hollow, entered Washington Park, stopped for a moment of reflection at the Holocaust Memorial, meandered through the Rose Garden, jumped on the Wildwood Trail near the Japanese Gardens, climbed to the top of the ridge, passed the Oregon Zoo, paid my respects at the Vietnam Memorial, joined the Marquam Trail, crossed the Sunset Highway Overpass, ascended through the forest to Patton Street, hiked to the top of Council Crest (the highest point in Portland), took a breather and then walked the last 1 1/2 miles to home.

All in all the trek was a pleasant eight miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. A smiling garter snake and beautiful Rose Garden roses in bloom provided enjoyment along the hiking path.