Past Activity

Salem Exploration

Start date: 03/30/2017
Start time: 12:00 AM
End date: 03/30/2017
End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

Explore the Capitol Mall with the cherry blossoms in bloom (we hope), buildings, the river walk and bridges. We will eat lunch at a downtown restaurant or Willamette University cafeteria. Link to photos https://www.bing.com/images/search q=salem+oregon+capitol+mall+cherry+blossoms&go=Search&qs=bs&form=QBIDMH

The limit of 16 is so that we only have four cars. Don't forget to check if you can drive.
The mileage/carpool cost doesn't reflect the driving into Salem. It might be closer to $13.00

Event Leader: Janet Jacobsen
Event Leader Phone: 541-206-1251
Event Leader Email: jbjacobsen@comcast.net
Assistant Leader: Jim Northrop
Event category: Trips
Area Type: Urban
Departure Location: Lane Community College, parking lot nearest stoplight
Rating: Easy
Roundtrip total drive miles: 132
Season: 2017
Permits Required:
Event Status: Passed
Supplies and Equipment Required: Good walking shoes, rain gear, umbrella, sun protection?
participant prerequisites:
Conditions:
Total Distance: 4
Member Fees: 1
Elevation Gain:
Non-Member Fees: 2
Committee: Trips
Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

Jim Northrop lived in Salem for 24 years and with his list of favorite places was the guide for our scouting trip. We started our walk at the Riverfront Park over to the Union Street Railroad Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge. It was a quick jaunt to the capitol grounds alive with blooming cherry trees and petals falling like snow. Inside the Oregon Capitol, we signed a wavier to follow our guide up the 121 steps of the narrow spiral staircase to view the Golden Pioneer and look down on the two rows of cherry trees. We took time to visit Oregon’s House Chamber to watch the passage of a bill. Next was lunch at a Greek restaurant, one of Jim’s favorites. Jim identified buildings, sculptures, and gardens as he led the way through a maze of paths and city streets from the Oregon Capitol to Willamette University, Deepwood Museum and Gardens, Bush Barn Art Center, Salem Convention Center, and the historic Ladd and Bush Bank. The Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge is still under construction but it will be one of the stops on the next Salem exploration trip. We were back in Eugene by 5:00. Thanks to Jim for sharing Salem and selecting a date during spring break when the cherry trees were in bloom and the Observation Deck was open for tours.