Boardman Wetlands Nature Park

We heard about a new boardwalk at Boardman Wetlands.

Well, "new" is a bit of a stretch, as the loop has been there since 2020. It was still new to us and we wanted to check it out.

This is a nice nature walk. 

"Hike" would be another stretch. 

The full distance is .4 miles and there is a figure eight where you could easily take a shorter route.

There is only a ten feet elevation gain, making the walk rated easy.

There are even some resting spots.

That being said it is still a nice walk, where you can see local plants and some wildlife without treading on their territory.

There were lots of mallards.

Do NOT feed or approach the animals.

Situated between Milwaukie and Gladstone, there is parking and a playground.

It is really just a nice neighborhood park and green space, but those are good things.

COVID: While it does seem to get regular neighborhood traffic, it is outside and social distancing should be easy.

Accessbility: This should also be pretty good, with mostly smooth walkways and no steep grades. 

Where there are steps, there is always an alternative.

The playground may be the least accessible part, though there are probably other options nearby. 

 This park is set up more for the trail and wetlands. 

https://ncprd.org/parks-and-trails/boardman

https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Boardman_Wetlands_Loop_Hike 

Multnomah Falls Lodge Brunch

We had wanted to try the brunch at Multnomah Falls Lodge before, but it was extra motivation that this is the 100th anniversary.

The lodge itself embodies every type of rock found in the Columbia River Gorge, and the dining room was very pleasant and festive.

Well, it was probably more festive given the time of year we visited.

While the lodge has different menus depending on when you are there, we specifically wanted to try the brunch buffet. 

(Also, is it really a lodge? The sign says restaurant and lounge, and there is a gift shop, but apparently no lodgings. Tradition.) 

 There was a good selection of warm foods, including a carving station.

There were also various pastries and desserts.

One of the most impressive things to me was the selection of beverages that came with the buffet, including hot chocolate.

Even the $10 fee for bottomless mimosas is probably a good price, though that option is outside of my area of expertise.

I know there are fancier buffets, but they can also be much more expensive. This was a reasonable deal in a beautiful setting. 

We found the food good and the staff considerate. It was also nice to be able to visit quietly, though it was not a particularly crowded day, which is probably not always true.

One previous attempt failed because the parking lot was full. This is more common during the regular hiking season, but this day was cold and sunny and there were at least some hikers.

It may be good to have shuttles or other ride services as a backup plan.

COVID: Again, it was not crowded during our time there, so distancing was easy. That is not guaranteed.

Accessibility: There are various places with steps, but there is nothing that does not have alternative access available. 

Do expect to have to use the underpass from the lot. The distance is not lengthy, but you are unlikely to be able to park right there. 

https://www.multnomahfallslodge.com/

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/columbiarivergorge/recreation/multnomah-falls-lodge