On the last weekend of December I returned to the Maple Trail in Forest Park. By extending the hike to the south via the Nature Trail, it makes for a fine 12 1/2 mile loop.

The Park is the premier urban forest in the nation, covering over seven square-miles of semi-natural forest.

I have noticed over the last several years that the Grimm and his merry band seem to be very successful at capturing evil shape-shifting Wesen in Forest Park.

I didn’t spot any Wesen, but I did see lots and lots of green – – – ferns, Douglas firs and moss-covered maple trees.

When all the higher elevation trails are covered in snow, Forest Park is a great place to visit and another feature of Portland that makes it a fine place to live.

It’s a large park

The Wildwood Trail contouring out of a canyon

The old Rockingchair Dam with a light flow of water

A festive sort left some Christmas cheer along the trail

Blowdowns over the trail are a common occurrence in the winter

A few Blackberry leaves provided about the only color (other than greens and browns) along the trail

Yes, that’s the very muddy trail

Licorice Ferns growing on the Maple Trees along the trail