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Past Activity

Vickery Park Explora Hike

  • Start date: 05/19/2023

  • Start time: 12:00 AM

  • End date: 05/19/2023

  • End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

Meeting place: The Weyerhauser McKenzie Natural Area parking lot, at the corner of 42nd and Marcola Rd., in Springfield.
Vickery Park is a mostly undeveloped Lane County Park east of Springfield off of Camp Creek Road. It is a lush, forested butte that rises above Camp Creek and the McKenzie River. We will hike up a trail to the summit, stopping frequently to enjoy the varied wildflowers and birdsong, and to read the brass dedication plaque. We may make an additional short loop on a narrow footpath that is sometimes rocky and briefly steep to a spot with a nice view, and another short detour on an overgrown jeep road to get one more view of the river. Please wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt as the vegetation can be close to the trail and includes poison oak. Poles may be helpful for spots of moderately difficult footing on the loop. Allow about 3 hours for the trip.

  • Event Leader: Karen Yoerger

  • Event Leader Phone: 5415102832

  • Event Leader Email: yoergerkl@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Urban

  • Departure Location: See Trip Description

  • Rating: Easy

  • Roundtrip total drive miles:

  • Season: 2023

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: Long pants and long sleeves, sturdy shoes, water

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 2.5

  • Member Fees: —

  • Elevation Gain: 300

  • Non-Member Fees: 2

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

A perfect day for a walk in the woods. Dorothy C. Vickery Riverside Park is a hard-to-find, undeveloped gem in the Lane County Parks system. We followed one semi-established trail to the summit of the butte and then made a loop on overgrown footpaths/deer trails. On the way we enjoyed a variety of wildflowers, understory plants, shrubs, and trees. We found the brass dedication plaque and a mysteriously recent-looking message from Dorothy Vickery (1891-1961) advising us to be careful not to damage the moss on the boulders. Two nice views of the McKenzie River were our reward for traipsing through the tall grass and blackberry vines. Thanks to all for your willingness to explore!