AVA #552/OR #31
YEAR ROUND EVENTS – 2023
East County Wind Walkers
PO Box 854
Gresham, OR 97030
Listed below are eight year-round walks that are available from January 1 through December 31, 2023. All events are sanctioned by the AVA, and are eligible for AVA/IVV Achievement Awards. Credit fee for all events is $3.00. All participants must sign the event registration log and carry and return the start card. All walks now have an online start box.
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Blue Lake – YRE 2249
Distance: 10k, 6k, 5k – Rating: 1A
Description:
Walk on street shoulders in minimal car use areas and park paths past nice homes in a residential area into Blue Lake Park. Walk along the shore past many group picnic areas and back along a short section of Fairview Lake for the 5k. The 10k route will circle Fairview Lake. DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN BLUE LAKE. THERE IS A 6K ALTERNATE ROUTE AROUND FAIRVIEW LAKE where dogs are allowed. You will drive a short distance to the start. This walk is sponsored by club member Louise Dix.
Challenges:
AVA: Walking USA A-Z, Walking the United States (50 States/51 Capitols), Par for the Course.
OTSVA: Roses, Railroads, Unique & Zeroes (in signs). (Washington, California, Idaho, & Alaska challenges are accepted.)
Additional Information:
Restrooms: Yes
Pets: Only on 6k walk
Strollers: None
Wheelchairs: None
Directions to Start Box will be updated when a new start box location is available.
Point of Contact: Charmain Merz, mycharmain@comcast.net, 503-334-8133
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Salish Ponds – YRE 1489
Distance: 10k, 5k – Rating: 1B
Description:
An exciting walk through three distinct areas: the new Fairview Village, a planned community of beautiful homes, Fairview Park which includes several larger-than-life carved statues, and a trail around the Salish Ponds. The route also features old City of Fairview, including a small park, an old jail, and the original City Hall. Closed most holidays.
Challenges:
AVA: Walking USA A-Z, Walking the United States (50 states/51 capitols), Town Hall, City Hall (10k only), Par for the Course.
OTSVA: Roses, Spas & Salons, Trails, Unique, Yogurt, Zeros (in signs), Statues.
ESVA: Front Line Heroes. (Washington, California, Idaho & Alaska challenges are accepted.)
Additional Information:
Restrooms: Yes
Pets: Yes
Strollers: Hard
Wheelchairs: Hard
Directions to Start Box will be updated when a new start box location is available.
Point of Contact: Charmain Merz, mycharmain@comcast.net, 503-334-8133
This walk is sponsored by Charmain Merz and Donna Barker
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Butler Creek – YRE 0595
Distance and Rating: 5k: 2B; 10k : 2B
Description:
Walk on portions of the Springwater Trail to the Butler Creek Trail. The 5k is an out and back to Binford Lake. The 10k goes to Binford Lake and to Butler Creek Park. Both walks will be on wooded trails passing over pedestrian and woodland bridges and the 10k will go through neighborhoods.
Challenges:
AVA: Walking USA A-Z, Rails to Trails (Washington, California, Idaho & Alaska challenges are accepted.), Walking the United States (50 States/51 Capitols), Par for the Course (10k only)
OTSVA: Railroads, Roses, Trails, Unique and Zeroes (in signs).
ESVA: Front Line Heroes, Historic Train Stations, Rails to Trails. (Washington, California, Idaho & Alaska challenges are accepted.)
This walk is sponsored by club member Jean Jensen.
Additional Information:
Restrooms: Yes
Pets: Yes
Strollers: None
Wheelchairs: None
Driving Directions to Start Box:
Start/Finish: Highland Safeway 1011 SW Highland Drive, Gresham, OR. Going East or West on I-84, take Exit 13 (181st. Ave.). Go South on 181st. When you cross Stark St., 181st St. becomes 182nd Ave. When you pass Centennial High School, get into the right lane. Cross Powell Blvd and turn into the Safeway parking lot on the right. From I-205 traveling south, take exit 19 (Division St.). Left on Division to 182nd. Right on 182nd to Powell Blvd. When you pass Centennial High School get into the right lane. Cross Powell Blvd. and turn right into the Safeway parking lot. From I-205 travelling north take the Powell/Division St. exit. Right on Powell to 182nd. Right into the Safeway parking lot. Please park in the outlying area of the lot. You can take Bus #9 Powell/Gresham and get off at Powell and Highland Drive and walk to Safeway. Ask at the Customer Service Desk for the AVA start box. Customer Service does not open until 9 am. Start times 9-dusk. Open all holidays, but closes early on Christmas. There is a restroom in the back of the store, but no restrooms on the walk. Dogs are allowed. Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Point of Contact: Regina Blake, reggie_blake@yahoo.com, 503-704-6212
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Gresham Town & More – YRE 0519
Rating: 5k: 1B, 6k: 1B
Description:
This is a remote start so you will need to drive about 2.6 miles to the start at Main City Park in Gresham. This is a new route and is comprised of a 5k and 6k loop. The 5k -Downtown Loop takes you thru the downtown area and on the Springwater Trail and back to Main City Park and into Tsuru Island. The 6k-Civic Station & Bella Vista Park Loop takes you to Bella Vista Park and thru the Civic Station Shopping Mall and back to Main City Park. Both loops are rated 1-A. To get to Main City Park 219 S. main Ave. turn right on Powell and drive to Gresham. The park will be on your right.
Challenges:
AVA: Walk USA A-Z, Rails to Trails, Walking the United States (50 states/51 capitols), Walking with America’s Veterans (5k only), Par for the Course
OTSVA: Quilts, Roses, Skate Parks (5k only), Statues, Spas & Salons (5k only),Tombstones (6k only), Used (5k only), Unique, Victorian Houses, Vietnamese Food, Tax Prepares (5k only), Zeroes (in signs), Yogurt.
ESVA: Rails to Trails, Front Line Heroes. (Washington, California, Idaho & Alaska challenges are accepted.) This walk is sponsored by club member Ric Catron.
Additional Information:
Restrooms: Yes
Pets: Yes
Strollers: Easy
Wheelchairs: Medium
Driving Directions to the start:
1011 SW Highland Drive, Gresham, OR. Going either east or west on I-84.take Exit 13(181st.Ave).Go south on 181st.When you cross Stark St. 181st becomes 182nd.When you pass Centennial High School get into the right lane. Cross Powell and turn into the Safeway parking lot on the right. From I-205 traveling south, take exit 19 (Division St.). Left on Division to 182nd Ave. Right on 182nd Ave. to Powell Blvd. When you pass Centennial High School get into the right lane. Cross Powell Blvd. and turn right into the Safeway parking lot. From I-205 traveling north take the Powell/Division St. exit. Turn right on Powell to 182nd and turn right into the Safeway parking lot. You can take Bus #9 Powell/Gresham and get off at Powell and Highland Dr. and walk to Safeway. Please park in the outlying area of the parking lot. Ask at the Customer Service desk for the AVA walk box. Customer Service does not open until 9:00.Start times are 9am to dusk. Safeway is open all holidays but closes early on Christmas. There is a restroom at the back of the store.
Point of Contact: Regina Blake, reggie_blake@yahoo.com, 503-704-6212
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Red Sunset – YRE 0687
Distance: 10k, 5k, Rating: 1A
Description:
A beautiful scenic walk featuring a complete circuit of Red Sunset Park where you can do some duck watching and take a break at the gazebo. Start times 7am-dusk daily. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ENTER THE HOSPITAL TO USE THE BATHROOM OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON EXCEPT AN EMERGENCY.
Challenges:
AVA: Par For The Course, Walking USA A_Z, Walking the United States (50 states/51 capitols).
OTSVA: Roses, Spas & Salons, Fed X/UPS, Used, X-ray, Zeroes (in signs), Zones, Unique.
ESVA: Front Line Heroes. (Washington, California, Idaho, & Alaska challenges are accepted.)
Additional Information:
Restrooms: No
Pets: Yes
Strollers: Medium
Wheelchairs: Medium
To sign up for this walk, go to the Online Start Box on the AVA website, or the Physical Start Box located just inside the doors of the emergency room.
Driving to the start:
24800 SE Stark, Gresham, OR. From the east on I-84, take exit 16, Wood Village. Turn left onto 242nd. Proceed to Stark Street and turn left. Hospital is on your right. From the west on I-84, take exit 16, Wood Village. Turn Right onto 242nd. Proceed to Stark Street and turn left. Hospital is on your right. You can take the #20 bus, which is Burnside/Stark/Gresham. Get off at Mt. Hood Medical Center.
This walk is sponsored by Ava Riewer.
Point of Contact: Ava Riewer, readman1024@msn.com, 503-667-6592
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Walt Morey – YRE 1482
Distance: 10k, 5k - Rating: 1A
Description:
This route provides magnificent views of Mt. Hood in good weather. You will walk through the newer residential areas of Troutdale. Wheelchairs and strollers are possible but not all curbs are cut. Start times 7:00 am-dusk daily. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ENTER THE HOSPITAL TO USE THE BATHROOM OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON EXCEPT AN EMERGENCY.
Challenges:
AVA: Par for the Course, Walking, USA A_Z, Walking the United States (50 states/51 capitols).
OTSVA: Roses, Tombstones, Trails (10k ), X-Ray, Zeroes (in signs), Unique, Zones.
ESVA: Front Line Heroes. (California, Idaho, & Alaska challenges are accepted.)
Additional Information:
Restrooms: No
Pets: Yes
Strollers: No
Wheelchairs: No
To sign up for this walk, go to the Online Start Box on the AVA website, or the Physical Start Box located just inside the doors of the emergency room.
Driving to the start:
24800 SE Stark Street, Gresham, OR. From the east on I84, take exit 16, Wood Village. Turn left onto 242nd. Proceed to Stark Street and turn left. The hospital is on your right. From the west on I84, take exit 16 Wood Village. Turn right onto 242nd. Proceed to Stark Street and turn left. The hospital is on your right. You can take Bus #20, which is Burnside/Stark/Gresham. Get off at Mt. Hood Medical Center.
Sponsors of walk: Liana Brown and Regina Blake.
Point of Contact: Ava Riewer, readman1024@msn.com, 503-667-6592
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Glendoveer –YRE 0173
Distance: 10k, 5k: 1B, Rating: 1A
Description:
The walk will take you through quiet neighborhoods on sidewalks and streets, including a two-mile circuit of the Glendoveer Fitness Trail on bark dust around the golf course. Pets are not allowed at Glendoveer, but there is an alternate route available for the 10K & 5K for dogs & strollers. Although strollers are used at Glendoveer, the trail is not wheelchair friendly. The 5K walk has been revised to include a short portion of the Glendoveer Fitness Trail.
Challenges:
AVA: Walking USA A-Z, Walking the United States (50 states/51 capitols), Par for the Course.
OTSVA: Roses, Trails, Unique Zones.
ESVA: Front Line Heroes. (Washington, California, Idaho & Alaska challenges are accepted.)
Additional Information:
Restrooms: Yes
Pets: No
Strollers: Medium
Wheelchairs: No
Physical start box available at Dick Baker’s, 2216 NE 110th, Vancouver, WA 98686
OSB - First register for the event
The detailed location of, and driving directions to, the event starting point are included in the event directions, downloaded from the Online Start Box (OSB) on the AVA website. The POC does not provide event directions nor accept alternate payment methods.
This walk is sponsored by club members Micheil-Ann Gill and Yvonne Gergen.
Point of Contact: Louise Dix, louisedix@yahoo.com, (503) 541-0667
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Sandy River Walk – YRE 2765
Distance: 10k and 5k, Rating: 1B
Description:
This is a new event. You will stroll on pathways, paved and gravel through Lewis & Clark State Park. The 10k will continue through the Sandy River Delta Park which is a 1000 acre area of woods and fields. The Confluence Trail through the park ends at the confluence of the Columbia & Sandy Rivers (where Lewis & Clark camped for a winter) at the Bird Blind designed by Maya Lin. It lists all of the flora & fauna discovered by Lewis & Clark on their on their journey through the Northwest.
Challenges:
AVA: Airports, Walking USA A-Z, Walking the United States (50 states/51 capitols)
OTSVA: Roses, Zeroes (in signs), Rivers, Railroads, Trails, Unique.
ESVA: Strolling Along The River. (Washington, California, Idaho, and Alaska challenges are accepted.)
This walk is sponsored by club members Marlene Looyens and Teresa Meisner.
Additional Information:
Restrooms: No
Pets: Yes
Strollers: Medium
Wheelchairs: Medium
Driving to the start box
1000 NW Graham Rd. Troutdale, OR 97060 From I-84 Eastbound take Exit #17 Marine Dr./257th Ave. Go to the light and turn left onto 257th Ave, and get onto the right lane. Continue straight past the Dairy Queen and turn right into the Comfort Inn parking lot. From I-84 Westbound take Exit #17 Marine Dr./257th Ave. Turn right off the exit onto 257th.Ave and stay in the right lane. Continue straight past the Dairy Queen and turn right into the Comfort Inn parking lot.
Point of Contact: Genelle Lockwood, gml1dr12@comcast.net, (503) 519-7114
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Troutdale Columbia River Gorge Walk - YRE 2991
Description: The 7k takes you through the neighborhoods of Troutdale, through the Douglas Cemetery down a trail through the woods and into historic downtown Troutdale . The 11k takes you through the neighborhoods of Troutdale down a trail through the woods and through Glen Otto park and Lewis and Clark State Park, and then into historic downtown Troutdale with lots of interesting shopping and eating opportunities.
Challenges: AVA: Walk the USA A-Z, City Halls, Walking the United States (50 states/51 capitols), Airports.
OTSVA: Trails, Railroads, Rivers (11k), Roses, Salons & Spas, Unique, Used, Zeroes, Statues, Tombstones, (7k only), Zeroes (in signs).
ESVA: Front Line Heroes, Strolling Along The River (11k only). (Washington, California & Idaho challenges are accepted.)
Directions to the start box 1000 NW Graham Rd, Troutdale, OR 97060. From I-84 Eastbound take Exit #17 Marine Drive/257th Ave. Left at the light onto 257th Ave and get into the right lane. Right into the Comfort Inn parking lot just past the Dairy Queen. From I-84 Westbound take Exit # 17 Marine Dr./257th Ave. Right onto 257th Ave. and stay in the right lane. Right into the Comfort Inn parking lot just past the Dairy Queen. Please park towards the back in the parking lot on your left.
This walk is sponsored by Mt. Hood Realty
Point of Contact: Genelle Lockwood, gm1drl2@comcastt.net, 503-519-7114
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If you have any questions, please contact President Louise Dix.
Louise Dix 541-951-0667
Email: louisedix@yahoo.com
East County Wind Walkers
PO Box 854
Gresham, OR 97030
