Early in March, and it was all sunshine and blue skies. A great day to take a fun hike in the West Hills of town.

We 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 our respects at the Vietnam Memorial, joined the Marquam Trail, crossed the Sunset Highway Overpass, ascended through the forest to Patton Street, and returned the last 1 1/2 miles to home.

Because of the mild climate in Portland, everything was green and a few early flowers were in bloom. The trails were a little muddy, but the views were spectacular.

All in all the trek was a pleasant 6.8 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

Pileated Woodpecker (largest woodpecker in the U.S.)

Crocus

Mt. St. Helens behind the Fremont Bridge

Iris

Pileated Woodpecker pecking wood

Red Bud Blossoms (?)

Crocuses

Rhododendron