Parks in the wet season.... (Portland: suite, pine, bike)

[brubaker]

Are the parks in the wet season just mud slides?

Does Oregon have a 'thaw' like in New England?
Or just muddy trails?

I was in Arcata, CA in January and walking up and down those muddy trails of the city park was surreal. Slipping and sliding 5 feet down every other hill was something else....and I was covered with mud in no time.

[Silverfall]

The trails are pretty muddy in the winter and spring. I just put on my hiking boots and stick to flatter trails.

We don't get really cold enough for the ground to freeze so I wouldn't say there is a thaw...just mud.

[seashelly]

I notice that a lot of the undergrowth and pine needles make a good walking bed over the mud. The parks are pretty good too about scattering wood mulch along the pathways.

[Wicked Felina]

Originally Posted by seashelly

I notice that a lot of the undergrowth and pine needles make a good walking bed over the mud. The parks are pretty good too about scattering wood mulch along the pathways.

Yes! And you cetainly won't be the only one hiking or running the trails. At least up here in the Portland area the trails are well kept, lots of foot & bike traffic on them. I've gone hiking in the Gorge and never had a problem with trails being too muddy at all. There's that undergrowth as seashelly points out.

Wear proper gear like anywhere else, and there should be no problems!

[StealthRabbit]

You will be slipping and sliding more from stepping on slugs, that mud.... Remember... It drizzles here, seldom rains (Except last night at 1AM). The parks are well suited for year-round access.

[Steve97415]

It really depends on the soil composition. The Willamette Valley soils are mostly highly eroded clays which turn to mud in winter. Coastal areas tend to have sandier grittier soils and in many cases the trails there are perfectly stable all year long.