Q.   Is it necessary for me to complete the segments in any particular order?

A.   No way. This is your All Trails Challenge. Improvise, be creative, and enjoy the variety out there.

Q.    Do I get extra credit for traveling trails and roads not on the “Check off List”?

A.   Not really, though of course we love this sort of thing!  If nothing else, your bonus miles will add a bit of shine to your personal achievement.  The reality is that it’s impossible to complete the required trails without traveling some extra miles because of backtracking, connecting the segments, etc.

Q.    How much time do I have to complete the Challenge?

A.   Good question.  We are updating the ATC and will be setting new deadlines. Since the original deadline was Dec. 31, 2005, I think we can be flexible.  Until the new ATC is ready to go, we will honor all legitimate ATC efforts completed by the end of 2007.

Q.    Is there water available anywhere in the Park?

A.    Intermittent and perennial surface water, sure. Drinking water? Not really.  There are three fountains that we know of: near Pittock Mansion, in Lower Macleay Park, and at the gate where NW Thurman turns into Leif Erikson Drive.  Otherwise bring your own water, snacks, raingear, hats, sunscreen, mittens, etc.

Q.    May I take my dog along on these outings?

A.   That’s entirely up to you but keep in mind that Forest Park is a City of Portland Park so the usual dog-on-leash and scoop laws so apply.  All Forest Park users will appreciate your cooperation on this.

Q.    What if we get lost? 

A.   Well, no easy answer here. Remember that cell phones may not work in all parts of the Park due to ravines, tree cover, lack of cells, etc. Here are some general rules:

• If you are traveling steadily uphill, chances are you are on a side trail or side road, going west, away from the     Willamette River and toward Skyline Blvd and...
  
• Vice-versa if you are going steadily downhill.      
  
• Much but not all of Wildwood trail is flat or gently rolling.
  
• You may recognize Wildwood from the blue diamond/mileage markers on trees every ¼ mile (though to be honest, we are amazed at how many longtime hikers have never known this).
  
• On Wildwood, increasing mileage means you are going more or less northward, away from downtown Portland.
• Leif Erikson Drive should be easy to figure out, both from the graveled road surface and the large, white concrete markers every ¼ mile. 
• Again, increasing mile markers on Leif Erikson indicate that you’re going away from downtown Portland and toward its terminus at Germantown Road.

Q.     What’s the deal with Parking? Are the areas safe?

A.      In the list of Access Points there are many parking sites that are along the shoulder of the road and/or in isolated areas, away from traffic.  The usual cautions always apply for all areas: lock your car; leave no valuables in your car, not even in the trunk.  Prepare your car as you prepare yourself—keep it lean and mean.  While not common, there are occasional car prowls and break-ins from time to time at every parking area on this list, including Pittock Mansion, Thurman Street, and Lower Macleay, no matter how safe it may appear.

Q.       Will the trails be muddy?

A.      In summer, not very likely. The rest of the year, chances are you will encounter a few puddles, if not full blown stretches of mud (though our trail crews are working on that). Leif Erikson Drive, from MP 0.00 to 6.20 is an all-weather option and is never seriously muddy.  Between MP 6.20 and the end at Germantown Road the situation can be much different during the rainy months. Similarly you can expect Wildwood Trail and the side trails to be intermittently muddy during the late fall, winter and spring months.  (Don’t wear your dancing shoes.)

Q.       Is this the only chance to do the ATC?

A.      We honestly don’t know.  It is, for sure, the first time this has been tried and we don’t know if it will be revived again.  Best advice, don’t wait—get in on the first ATC. Let us hear from you along the way and/or send along comments with your completed ATC “Check off Form”.

Q.       What else does Friends of Forest Park do?

A.      We thought you would never ask.  We sponsor and support a wide array of activities that help maintain trails, restore habitat, and add to the quality of Forest Park; We have an annual hike series that helps folks learn about the natural and human history of Forest Park; We have a volunteer trails program with many opportunities for folks to get involved; Each year, typically in September, we put on The Walk/Run for the Wildwood which generates funds for trail maintenance; We help to raise funds, when needed, to help in acquisition of lands to add to the Park holdings; We lobby for issues and initiatives that protect the Park and its habitat, with a special sensitivity to areas at the Park’s borders.  Want to know more? Care to join us? Call us at the office: 503-223-5449 and or follow other links on the website.