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Birding, Hiking and Natural History of Mt. Adams

Program Number: 2287RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/14/2013 - 7/19/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Mt. Adams, Washington
Price starting at: $798.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Birding; Walking/Hiking; Natural History Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    

Based in beautiful Southern Washington, enjoy an invigorating blend of morning birding outings and afternoon nature hikes that introduce you to the amazing diversity of the Mount Adams Wilderness. Explore the micro- 80-acre ponderosa pine forest right outside your door, searching for McGillivray’s and Nashville Warblers, Cooper’s Hawks and Olive-sided Flycatchers, and continue your birding adventures in the shadow of Mount St. Helens and among the Douglas firs edging Trout Lake. After birding each morning, hike with Portland Audubon Society naturalists to a new area of this vast wilderness.




Highlights

• Learn about Columbia River Gorge at an interpretive center and hike to Beacon Rock, an ancient volcanic plug on the shores of the river.
• Approaching Mount St. Helens, hike to Windy Ridge, where you can appreciate the devastation caused by the 1980 eruption.
• Hike along a section of the Pacific Crest Trail that stretches from Mexico to Canada.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to five miles per day over uneven ground. Elevations up to 4,500 feet.



Coordinated by the Audubon Society of Portland.




Mt. Adams

Geological changes thousands of years ago created the region in the Cascades known as Volcano Country, home to volcanic Mount Adams. The forest, meadows and wetlands surrounding this volcanic mountain shelter a wide range of flora and fauna.
Accommodations
Guest ranch featuring a stone fireplace and mountain views.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Steve Engel
Steve Engel is a 1982 graduate of Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash. Since 1983 he has worked as a naturalist, educator and administrator for outdoor science programs in California and has participated in numerous biological field studies for Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Hawkwatch International and Turnstone Environmental. He worked as a shipboard naturalist for Lindblad Expeditions from 1991-2006, traveling to S.E. Alaska, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Baja California Mexico, Antarctica and northern Europe. Steve has a broad knowledge of the natural world, with particular expertise in birds and animal tracking.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Flying L Ranch
  Glenwood, Washington 5 nights
 Flying L Ranch
Type: Lodge
  Description: On the sunny eastern slope of the Cascade Range, the Flying L Ranch is nestled in the Ponderosa pines and meadowland of the Glenwood Valley at the base of Mt. Adams. Built in 1945, the ranch became a year-round lodge in the mid-1980's. Experience the tranquility and beauty of our nature preserve. Enjoy a quiet walk on the loop trail system in our 100 acres of private meadows and woodland. Incredible unobstructed view of majestic Mt. Adams from the front yard and from some of the rooms. Comfortable lawn furniture in shade of weeping birch lets you soak in the view. Delicious meals served family style in the cook house. Full kitchen available for guests use in the main lodge where our meetings are held.
  Contact info: 25 Flying L Lane
Glenwood, WA 98619 USA
phone: 509-364-3488
web: www.mt-adams.com
  Room amenities: Rooms supplied with books, original art and photographs.
  Facility amenities: Lodge meeting room with comfortable seating and library. By far the best amenity is the lodge's location and peaceful setting with hiking trails leading into the forest right from the front door.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $85 to $140 range. Wonderful staff, a serene setting and comfortable rooms make the Flying L Ranch a great place to stay and enjoy yourself. Be sure to book well ahead. There are wonderful cabins that sleep varying numbers of people located in the forest on the property.
  Check in time: 4:30 PM
  Additional nights after: $85 to $140 range. Wonderful staff, a serene setting and comfortable rooms make the Flying L Ranch a great place to stay and enjoy yourself. Be sure to book well ahead. There are wonderful cabins that sleep varying numbers of people located in the forest on the property.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:30 PM Arrival at ranch. You will be staying at Flying L Ranch that night.
  End of Program:
Noon Departure from ranch. You will be staying at Flying L Ranch the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A health information form and a release and indemnity form will be mailed to registrants and must be returned prior to program.
  Parking availability:
Parking is free on site for the length of the program.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Glenwood, Washington
  Nearest city or town:  Hood River, OR
  Nearest highway: Highways 97, 141, 14 and Interstate 84
  Nearest airport:  Portland International
  From End of Program
  Location: Glenwood, Washington
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
 
Driving Directions
  From Portland, Oregon From Portland, travel East to Hood River on Interstate 84 and get off at exit 64. Cross the bridge into Washington and make a left on Highway 14. Travel West on Hwy. 14 for approximately 1 mile and turn right on Alt. Hwy. 141. Alt. Hwy. 141 winds its way up the east side of the White Salmon river for approximately 5 miles ending at Hwy. 141. Make a left onto Hwy. 141, heading North to BZ Corner - approximately 12 miles. Turn right on Glenwood Road - BZ Glenwood Hwy. (Logs Restaurant) and continue 19 miles to the town of Glenwood. Once in town make a right and drive East about 1/2 mile toward Goldendale. Make a left (North) on Mt Adams Highway. Drive 1/2 mile to the driveway on the right (Flying L Lane).
Elevation Note: Program activities will take place in the 1,000 to 5,000 feet range. Lodging is at 1000 feet.

Equipment Requirements: Binoculars strongly recommended. (See packing list information for suggestions and options) Spotting scope optional. Hand lens for flower study optional.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrive at the site between 4 and 4:30 pm after taking time to explore the beautiful countryside between the Columbia River Gorge and Glenwood, WA.
(Sunday, July 14)

Note: We'll get you settled into your room. You'll have a bit of time to relax or explore the grounds before our 6pm dinner.
   
 Arrive To: Check-in at 4:30 pm in the main Lodge. Park in the corral on your left as you approach the buildings. Staff will help you move your luggage to your room with handy carts. Please do not arrive earlier than 4pm as we will not be ready for you. Dinner will be served in the cook house (first building on your left) at 6pm.
 Dinner: Dinner in the cookhouse building. Delicious meals are served family style. We take dinners and breakfasts in the cook house. Lunch is in the field with a sack lunch you make after breakfast each day.
 Evening: We gather in the main lodge living room after dinner for introductions and a brief evening program outlining the week ahead and orienting you to the natural history of this part of the world. In an engaging lecture we will provide a framework of understanding for you to build on as we learn about the forests, geology and wildlife - especially the birds! - of the areas in which we will be hiking.
   
Accommodations: Flying L Ranch
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Birds and plants of a young Ponderosa pine forest in the morning followed by a longer walk in a mature pine forest after lunch. Also a visit to a pioneer cabin.
(Monday, July 15)

Note: Morning walks on grounds and afternoon walks on wildlife refuge. Flat terrain, approximately 3.5 miles total distance.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast included.
 Morning: 6:30 am: Optional early morning bird walk. Meet in the main lodge kitchen where a fresh pot of coffee will help you get going! Dress warmly. 7:30 am: Breakfast is served in the cook house family style. Please be on time. After breakfast we spend the half the morning on a bird walk on the grounds and half on a flower walk on the grounds.
 Lunch: After our morning outing you will prepare your lunch from a sandwich spread set up in the main lodge. Informal seating outdoors or indoors.
 Afternoon: A 20 minute drive from our lodge is the Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge. We’ll visit a Pioneer Cabin as well as hike through a mature Ponderosa Pine forest along a beautiful and peaceful trail. Trail is level and approximately three miles round trip. Bird - wise we may encounter Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting, White-headed Woodpecker, Chipping Sparrow and Yellow-headed Blackbird. From the area around the pioneer cabin we may see Sandhill Cranes or even Roosevelt Elk. Plant-wise we will look for the rare Phantom Orchid and other wildflowers as well as learn about the different layers of forest vegetation. We return to the lodge between 4 and 4:30 pm.
 Dinner: Dinner is served family style in the cook house at 6pm. You'll have time before dinner to enjoy the company of your fellow Road Scholars on the lawn along with views of Mt Adams and beverages of your choice. The store in nearby Glenwood offers a good selection of beer, wine and soft drinks.
 Evening: We gather in the main lodge living room after dinner to review our species list for plants and birds and a preview of tomorrow's activities. Tonight's lecture focuses on Volcanoes! What are they exactly? How are the Cascade Range volcanoes different from others around the world? What is the recent history of Mt Adams and Mt St Helen's? Should we be worried?
   
Accommodations: Flying L Ranch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Invigorating hike through oak-savannah in the morning. Lunch at a restaurant in Hood River. Afternoon visit to Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center.
(Tuesday, July 16)

Note: Morning hike is ~ 4 miles round trip with a 1300 foot elevation gain. The grade is gentle and steady. Afternoon activity includes a museum and short walks.
   
 Breakfast: Early morning bird walk option again at 6:30, meet where the coffee is in main lodge kitchen. Breakfast served family style at 7:30 am.
 Morning: Weldon Wagon trail hike and birding: 4 mile round trip. Elevation gain of ~ 1300 feet, steady, gentle grade. This trail follows an old wagon trail that was used to transport apples from the town of Sanborn to Husum in the early 1900’s. It traverses a south facing hillside where Oregon White Oak and grassland mix to form what has become increasingly rare Oak-Savannah habitat. Birds may include Bushtit, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, American Kestrel, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Western Kingbird and Western Bluebird.
 Lunch: We will enjoy a sit down lunch at one of Hood River's excellent restaurants.
 Afternoon: After lunch in Hood River we travel to the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center. Though just twenty miles east of Hood River the climatic change is dramatic. The Discovery Center offers excellent exhibits on the geology, history and natural history of the Cascade Mountains and Columbia River Gorge. The grounds are inviting with outdoor exhibits, native plant garden and natural areas that offer birding opportunities. Depending on availability we will have a special presentation by museum staff during our visit. Depending on timing we may offer a stop and a brief walk with stunning views as we make our way home.
 Dinner: Dinner is served family style in the cook house at 6pm.
 Evening: After dinner we meet in the main lodge living room to review our plant and bird species lists. Tonight's evening program features local photographer Darryl Lloyd of Longshadow Photography. He will share with us his brand new program "Time and Change on Mt. Adams". Darryl grew up on the Flying L ranch and first climbed Mt. Adams at the age of 10, with his father and twin brother.
   
Accommodations: Flying L Ranch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Visit to the east side of Mt St Helen's. Hike in a primeval old-growth forest and then see the devastation of the volcanic eruption of 1980.
(Wednesday, July 17)

Note: We'll break up our drive today with several stops that offer stunning views and short walks on our way to Mt. St. Helen's. Once there we'll walk interpretive trails and take in the views.
   
 Breakfast: Early morning bird walk option again at 6:30, meet where the coffee is in main lodge kitchen. Breakfast served family style at 7:30 am. Prepare your sack lunch after breakfast in the main lodge kitchen and place in cooler.
 Morning: We explore the area between Mt Adams and Mt St Helen's - referred to as the "Dark Divide" by well-known Pacific Northwest author, Robert Michael Pyle. With scenic stops along the way we approach Mt. St. Helen's from the east. Before reaching the blast zone of the 1980 eruption we walk in a pristine old-growth forest miles from the zone of destruction.
 Lunch: We enjoy the picnic lunch we prepared this morning at a rest stop with views and bathrooms.
 Afternoon: From Windy Ridge the extent of the devastation caused by the 1980 eruption is visible and a view into the crater with its active lava dome. Take in the sights and visitor center activities or go for a two mile round trip hike with 600 foot elevation drop to the shores of Spirit Lake after lunch.
 Dinner: Dinner is served family style in the cook house at 6pm. With luck it will be a BBQ!
 Evening: You have the evening free to enjoy the grounds, visit with fellow participants, take a drive or walk to Glenwood (1 mile).
   
Accommodations: Flying L Ranch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Exploring the habitats around Trout Lake, formed by an ancient volcanic mud flow. Hiking on Mt. Adams, either along the Pacific Crest Trail or in the Bird Creek Meadows area, depending on snow levels.
(Thursday, July 18)

Note: Morning walk is .7 miles with very slight elevation gain, through wet conifer forest along the south shore of a beautiful lake. Afternoon hike is up to three miles, location will be dependent on snow levels on Mt Adams.
   
 Breakfast: Early morning bird walk option again at 6:30, meet where the coffee is in main lodge kitchen. Breakfast served family style at 7:30 am. Prepare your sack lunch after breakfast in the main lodge kitchen and place in cooler.
 Morning: After a short drive and a visit to the Mt Adams ranger station we take a .7 mile walk along the south shore of Trout Lake. The vegetation is a cool and moist Douglas fir, Western Hemlock and Western Red Cedar forest. Many interesting plants to learn about and forest song birds such as Western Wood Pewee, Pacific Slope Flycatcher, Golden-crowned Kinglet may be seen along with several species of swallow, Yellow Warbler and Gray Catbird. Elk and deer may also be sighted.
 Lunch: We enjoy our picnic lunch at a campground on the edge of prairie surrounding Trout Lake.
 Afternoon: We will seek out the highest and most scenic hike on Mt Adams available, depending on snow levels. One option is along the Pacific Crest Trail: From the Mosquito Lake trail head on the west side of the mountain we do a 3 mile loop trail with slight elevation gain along a section of the Pacific Crest Trail that stretches from Mexico to Canada. If snow levels allow us to go higher on the mountain we may choose instead to access trails that lead towards Bird Creek Meadows on the east side of the mountain.
 Dinner: Dinner is served family style in the cook house at 6pm.
 Evening: We catch up with our Wednesday plant and bird lists and review the week as we wrap up the program.
   
Accommodations: Flying L Ranch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Stunning views of the Klickitat River Canyon and visiting dry-side Oak forests.
(Friday, July 19)

Note: We clear out of our rooms after breakfast and before our outing. Short but steep walk to canyon view point. Program ends at noon.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served family style in the cook house at 7:30 am. There is no optional early morning bird walk scheduled this morning.
 Morning: Prepare your sack lunch after breakfast and pack all your belongings into your car. We drive east to explore the unique dry Oak habitats of the Klickitat River Canyon where new birds and new wildflowers await us. We eat lunch at campgrounds near river and then return to our lodge by noon and end of program.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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