Winter is a great time to get outside, see the last amber leaves of fall and walk neighborhoods decked in holiday lights. It’s easy to stay indoors during the wet months, but hibernation will keep you from seeing the winter splendor happening just literally a few steps from your front door.
Here are a few easy ideas of where to walk this week… and all winter long!
Nurture nature
Discover trails and winter activities happening in Metro’s natural areas and nature parks. Visiting a favorite park in the winter can provide a fresh perspective. Graham Oaks Nature Park, Cooper Mountain Nature Park and Smith and Bybee Wetlands are just a few great places for winter hikes or family outings. Find a park or nature trail near you by going to www.oregonmetro.gov/naturalareas and www.oregonmetro.gov/parks.
See the light
Take in the twinkle of the city on a walk along the Willamette River and over Portland’s bridges. Check out the holiday lights of Peacock Lane on a Laurelhurst walk. Wind your way through the west hills to the Oregon Zoo and enjoy ZooLights between Nov. 27 and Jan. 3. Walking is good for your emotional health too. Be sure to stay safe while walking at night. Wear bright, reflective clothing and safety lights.
Let your feet take you shopping
Take "buy local" to a new level by doing your holiday shopping on foot. Let Metro’s Walk There! guidebook introduce you to the main streets, downtowns, art districts and outdoor markets that happen to be among the region’s best places to shop. Explore your own front yard or the town next door; each trip begins or ends near a bus or MAX stop. Destinations include downtown Vancouver, Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Sherwood and Gresham, and Portland’s Saturday Market, Pearl District and Alberta Arts District.
Burn holiday calories
Walking is one of the easiest and most effective ways to save money and get fit.
Mile for mile, walking burns as many calories as jogging but with far less stress on joints. With a goal and a walking buddy, you can get out in nature and have time to really look at your surroundings and enjoy the company of friends and family. Put on a pair of good shoes and head out the door!
Walk There! app and guidebook
The free Walk There! iPhone app features 10 walks from the Walk There! guidebook that take you throughout the region, from Fort Vancouver to Wilsonville's Graham Oaks Nature Park and from the Pacific University campus in Forest Grove to the Gresham stretch of the Springwater Trail.
Explore local communities, learn about the area’s rich history and get exercise while doing it.
Not up for apps? Metro’s Walk There! book leads you on 50 winter-friendly explorations of urban natural areas, scenic parks, historic neighborhoods and fascinating main streets. Detailed maps and route descriptions help you discover the region’s rich history and varied landscapes while you enjoy the benefits of walking.
Walk There! is available for $9.95 in bookstores and other retail locations throughout the region. Visit Metro’s web site to buy a copy online or download free route maps and descriptions.