Day Trips


Easy, Intermediate and Advanced tours are listed below the Novice Tours

Lets ski

Join the ONC leadership team...

This is your chance to pick your favorite trail (and date) and take some ONC friends along to enjoy the snow. Commit one day this season to give back to your club by leading a ski tour.

 

Lead a tour in January or the first weekend in February. Send day tour descriptions (by January 14, 8 p.m.) to: oncdaytours (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks!

 

For more info about leading a day tour or to get a required waiver form check the Web site: http://onc.org/pdx/triplead.shtml or contact: oncdaytours (at) gmail (dot) com

 

Note: Your ONC membership must be current to lead ONC tours. Thanks for leading a tour!

 

If you are new to our day tours, please read through our policies (below the day tours’ listings).

Thanks. Look forward to skiing with you.

 

Check out photos of our tours: ONC photo site

 

Note: if weather or road conditions are dangerous, please check with the leader to confirm tour is going as planned.

 

December day tours are listed below novice and family-friendly tours

 

Novice Tours:

These ski tours are for the inexperienced skiers. Novice tour leaders will not teach you how to ski, but the leaders will help new skiers as much as possible. Rent your skis the night before—we may not stop at ski rental shops (ask the leader). Be sure to bring the following items in your day pack (line pack with a plastic garbage bag to keep things dry):

 

- Waterproof coat and pants

- Wear clothes of man-made materials (synthetic) or wool. Do not wear any clothes that contain cotton.

- Warm coat (fleece is good) and extra long sleeve shirt or sweater

- Extra wool socks

- Gaiters

- Warm hat and gloves/ with mittens extra hat and gloves/mittens

- Sunscreen and Sunglasses

- One liter of water–at a minimum. A thermos something hot drink is nice.

- Lunch and snacks

 

 

Feb 6, Sat, Novice Ski

Glacier View, Mt. Hood, OR

Come ski this gentle downhill road out and back through the forest near Government Camp. For more of a challenge we may complete the loop. Then we’ll explore Kurt’s Konnection, which is nearly flat for a tour of less than four miles. Please bring the necessary gear (listed above). Meet at the Gateway Transit Center parking structure, NE 99th Ave. north of NE Pacific St., at 8:30 a.m. to carpool. For more info and to confirm in case there is a change of venue, call the leader: Kathy Burns 503 429-4024.

 

February 13, Sat, Novice Ski

Location TBD

Join us to ski where the snow is good! This novice tour will be three to five miles over relatively flat terrain. We will ski wherever conditions make a fun outing for all Novice participants. Please bring the necessary gear (see the list above). Meet at the Gateway Transit Center parking garage, NE 99th Ave. north of NE Pacific St., to carpool for 8:30 a.m. departure. To confirm attendance and for more info, contact the leader: Donna Parsons 503 292-9801, dparsons (at) macforcego (dot) com.

 

February 27, Sat, Novice Ski

Old Man Pass area, Wind River, WA

What a perfect place to put new skills to use! Wind River offers a flat area to work on technique, gently rolling hills for easy touring and wide trails that are regularly groomed. We’ll review basic ski techniques at the Koshko Sno-Park, ski down to McClellan, cross the road and head back to our cars. Please bring the necessary gear (see list above). Meet at Fisher’s Landing at 9 a.m. to carpool. For more info contact the leader: Sam Digard, 360 834-2401, sam.digard (at) comcast (dot) net.

 

 

Family Friendly Tours:

ONC members Amy Blumenberg and Pamela Kambur are organizing family friendly day tours; your input and participation in initiating these tours are welcome. To get involved please send an e-mail to ablumenberg (at) comcast (dot) net with your name, e-mail and telephone number.

 

Date changed to Feb. 13

Feb 13, Sat, Family-friendly event at the Winterfest

Old Man Pass area, Wind River, WA

Come join us for this event—cross-country skiing snowshoeing, winter survival info, refreshments, bonfire and sledding. Sno-Park Pass required. Those wanting to go on the Novice ski can meet Louise at the McClellan Sno-Park (contact her to confirm your attendance—see listing in the Novice tours schedule above). Meet at the Gateway Transit Center parking structure, NE 99th Ave. north of NE Pacific St., for an 8 a.m. carpool departure. Check to see if Eric will be leading this trip: Eric Du Bois 503 297-5421.

 

Contact Amy to add a last minute family friendly tour.

 

 

 

February Tours:

 

Feb 3, Wed, Intermediate Ski

Location TBD

Come join our group for a Wednesday activity. We’ll ski where the snow is good! Meet at McMenamin’s Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey, in the west parking lot at 9 a.m. for carpool departure. Take I-84 to Exit 16 (Wood Village) turn right, go to Halsey (first stop light) turn left, go a 1/2 mile, it’s on the right. For more info and in case the trip needs to be canceled due to conditions, contact the leader: Stephany Anderson 503 357-2425.

 

Feb 6, Sat, Novice Ski

Glacier View, Mt. Hood, OR

See Novice tours listing above.

 

Feb 6, Sat, Inter Ski

Inspiration Point, Cooper Spur, Mt. Hood, OR

Come ski this intermediate tour along an 8-mile loop to Inspiration Point over the scenic Elliot valley. We’ll ski down through a portion of the Gnarl burn and over Weygant Pass. Meet at the Gateway Transit Center parking structure, NE 99th Ave. north of NE Pacific St., at 8 a.m. to carpool. For more info contact leader: Sam Digard sam.digard (at) comcast (dot) net.

 

Feb 6, Sat, Adv Snowshoe Hike

Elk Meadows, Mt. Hood, OR

Come join me for an off-trail snowshoe to Elk Meadows on Mt. Hood. If the weather cooperates there will be beautiful view of the East side of Mt. Hood from Elk Meadows. The summer trail is 6.2-miles round-trip. However, we’ll be going up Clark Creek around the bend and then up the backside of the mountain to Elk Meadows with a total gain of 1,200 ft.—an easier trail than the hiking trail. We’ll be start at the lower lot of Mt Hood Meadows ski area where the Nordic center is located (4,550 ft.). The first third-of-a-mile is relatively level to Clark Creek. We’ll cross the creek then continue to Newton Creek at an eighth-of-a-mile crossing it then follow it up about quarter-of-a-mile to a steep section—300 ft. of 50-60+ degrees, but safe with plenty of trees to grab. Once we reach the rim of Elk Meadows we have a gentle walk to the East side of the meadow and then a straight shot to a three-sided shelter that hopefully is not full of snow (5,040 ft.). Let us hope for good weather and plenty of decent snow. Sno-park passes required (for drivers). Meet at the Gateway Transit Center parking structure, NE 99th Ave. north of NE Pacific St., at 8 a.m. to carpool. For more info contact the leader: Marc Leon 503 644-5925 mleon11 (at) juno (dot) com.

 

Feb 10, Wed, Intermediate Ski, Dogs Welcome

Newton Creek, Mt Hood, OR

This is, in my opinion, is the most beautiful ski on Mt. Hood. My goal will be to ski all the way to the Gates of the Mountain, if conditions are good. This will mean an 8-mile out and back with 1,800 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Parkrose Transit Center at NE Sandy Blvd. & 96th at 9 a.m. for carpooling. For more info contact the leader: Larry Miller 503 282-6706 ldmiller (at) aracnet (dot) com.

 

Feb 10, Wed, Intermediate Ski

Location TBD

Come join our group for a Wednesday activity. We’ll ski where the snow is good! Meet at McMenamin’s Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey, in the west parking lot at 9 a.m. for carpool departure. Take I-84 to Exit 16 (Wood Village) turn right, go to Halsey (first stop light) turn left, go a 1/2 mile, it’s on the right. For more info and in case the trip needs to be canceled due to conditions, contact the leader: Terry Owen 503 590-5825.

 

Feb 13, Sat, Novice Ski

Location TBD

See Novice tours listing above.

 

Feb 13, Sat, Intermediate Ski

Trillium Lake, Mt. Hood, OR

There are a couple of great options for this tour. Depending on the group and snow conditions, we’ll either ski on the groomed trail around the lake or adventure to the backcountry roads out of the lake basin. Meet at the Gateway Transit Center parking structure, NE 99th Ave. north of NE Pacific St., at 8 a.m. to carpool. For more info contact the leader: John Heaton 503 257-2012.

 

Feb 17, Wed, Intermediate Ski

Location TBD

Come join our group for a Wednesday activity. We’ll ski where the snow is good! Meet at McMenamin’s Edgefield at 8:30 a.m. for carpooling. Take I-84 to Exit 16 (Wood Village) turn right, go to Halsey (first stop light) turn left, go a 1/2 mile, it’s on the right. For more info and in case the trip needs to be canceled due to conditions, contact the leader: Rand Schenck 503 281-6275.

 

Feb 20, Sat, Intermediate Ski

Old Man Pass Area, Wind River, WA

We can ski the newly-marked trail, the Hardtime Loop (about 10.5 miles), or the shorter Scenic and Noname loops (about 7 miles) depending on trail and weather conditions. A sno-park permit is required. For more info, meeting time and location, contact the leader: Ted Magnuson 503 590-7998 (please call before 9 p.m.).

 

Feb 21, Sun, Intermediate Ski

Frog Lake Butte, Mt. Hood, OR

Come join me to ski about six miles with 1,300 feet elevation gain. We’ll go up Frog Lake Butte to the Power Station for lunch, and then enjoy a speedy trip back to the trailhead. This trail is steep, so climbing skins are highly recommended for this tour. There are a few other short excursions we can make from the trailhead after conquering the Butte if participants are interested. If snow conditions are poor the destination will change accordingly. For more info, meeting time and location, contact the leader (by Friday night): Tere Enburg 503 642-2886.

 

Feb 21, Sun, Easy Ski

Location TBD

Come join this tour of 4-6 miles over gentle terrain at a pace comfortable for all participants. The location of this ski tour on Mt. Hood will depend on snow conditions. For more info and in case the trip needs to be canceled due to conditions, contact the leader: Kathy Burns 503 429-4024.

 

Feb 24, Wed, Intermediate Ski

Location TBD

Come join our group for a Wednesday activity. We’ll ski where the snow is good! Meet at McMenamin’s Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey, in the west parking lot at 9 a.m. for carpool departure. For more info and in case the trip needs to be canceled due to conditions, contact the leader: Stephany Anderson 503 357-2425.

 

February 27, Sat, Novice Ski

Old Man Pass area, Wind River, WA

See Novice tours listing above.

 

Feb 27, Sat, Intermediate Ski

Weygant Basin, Cooper Spur, Mt. Hood, OR

This intermediate tour will be on the scenic, North side of Mt. Hood in the Cooper Spur area. We’ll ski an 8-9-mile loop. If the weather allows, there is a scenic overlook of the Elliot Glacier from Inspiration Point. Meet at the Gateway Transit Center parking structure, NE 99th Ave. north of NE Pacific St., at 8 a.m. to carpool. For more info contact the leader: John Heaton 503 257-2012.

 

 

Day Tour Policies

Tours depart promptly; arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time to allow for necessary arrangements. Arrive fully prepared for the day’s activities!

 

Non-member donations:

Hikes and bikes (no donation for paddling tours): $3

Family tours–$1 per person

In-town hikes–$1

Kids 17 and younger (must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)–Free

 

Trips are not canceled unless the weather and road conditions are unsafe; contact the leader when conditions are dangerous. Tour leaders may change tour itinerary, due to weather conditions.

 

Bring the Tour Essentials (see list below), food, water, map, clothing, and equipment appropriate for the tour.

 

Tour leaders can forbid you from joining a tour, if you are not prepared.

 

Read and heed the Oregon Nordic Club’s Tour Ratings listed below.

 

Day tour participants are encouraged to car pool and share costs. The maximum suggested total contribution by each passenger is 15 cents per mile. For three or more passengers, the maximum total contribution by all passengers is limited to 45 cents per mile.

 

Dogs are only allowed on “Dog Tours.” These tours are designated with: õor noted as dog tours

 

Common Meeting Places

Gateway Transit Center–NE 99th Ave. & NE Pacific St. New parking garage

Parkrose/Sumner Transit Center–NE Sandy Blvd. & NE 97th Ave.

McMenamins Edgefield in the West parking lot–2126 SW Halsey. Take I-84 to Exit 16 (Wood Village) turn right, go to Halsey (first stop light) turn left, go a 1/2 mile, it’s on the right.

 

 

Tour Ratings

These designations are a guide to the skill and commitment level required for each tour. A full trip rating always includes a terrain rating plus a mileage rating, to help you better select the right tour for your ability and inclination. Please consider your physical conditioning and your equipment when deciding to go on a tour. Match the tour level to your ability for your physical safety and comfort, and the safety and comfort of other participants on the tour. If you are in any doubt about the rating of a tour, please call the tour leader before the day of the tour.

 

Novice Ski Tour

These tours are for the inexperienced skiers. While this is not a lesson, the leader will help new skiers as much as possible. Tour length is 3–5 miles over nearly flat terrain.

 

Easy Tour

Ski: 4–6 miles over gentle terrain at a pace comfortable for all participants.

Hike: < 8 miles; 200 ft. per mile elevation gain.

Canoe/Kayak: Still water or river < 2 m.p.h. current.

 

Intermediate Tour

Ski: 6–12 miles. Terrain flat to long hills that are no steeper than found on a road (maximum 10 degrees). Moderate pace. Trail turning skills required, if there are hills. Consult tour description for specifics.

Hike: 8–10 miles; 200 to 400 ft. per mile elevation gain.

Canoe/Kayak: Rivers with 2–4 m.p.h. current. Some maneuvering skills required.

 

Advanced Tour

Ski: > 12 miles. Terrain flat to steep hills (> 10 degrees). Moderate to fast pace. Strong turning skills required on the tours with steeper slopes.

Hike: > 10 miles; 400 ft. per mile elevation gain. Steady pace and/or difficult terrain (a workout).

Canoe/Kayak: Rivers with > 4 m.p.h. current, with rapids or turns that require significant maneuvering skills.

 

 

Tour Essentials

Pack these essentials on all ONC activities, “just in case.” Remember that cotton offers no insulation when wet, do not wear clothes that contain cotton. Choose wool or synthetics like polypro or Capilene® for warmth and comfort.

 

Skiing & Hiking Essentials

¾ First aid kit

¾ Matches (in water-proof case) and fire starter

 

¾ Rain gear and extra clothes, including a warm sweater

 

¾ Extra food and water

 

¾ Plastic whistle

 

¾ Map and compass (know how to use)

 

¾ Flashlight, extra batteries and bulb

 

¾ Space blanket or bivy bag

 

¾ Pocketknife

 

¾ Toilet paper and trowel (ziplock bag to carry out toilet paper)

 

¾ Sunglasses, lip balm and sunscreen

 

¾ Foam sit pad