January 23 Hike in Hillsboro's Rock Creek Trail

Donny and I were out for about 2 1/2 hour scoping out the Rock Creek trail as a possible site for future hikes this year. Temperatures were in the lower 50s, making the hike fairly pleasant. The Rock Creek Trail is a paved path that starts at Rock Creek Blvd., near the Rock Creek Country club and runs south. We started at the theater at 188th Ave. and Evergreen Parkway. We entered the trail through entrance behind the office complex at Nw Tanasbourne Dr. and walked to the northern end. We then backtracked south across Evergreen Parkway and up to Cornell Blvd. For the return trip, we went up north to Evergreen and then back most of the way on Evergreen, for a change of textures and scenery. We estimate that we covered about four miles.

This hike was a learning experience in two ways:

• For future hikes at this location, the meeting place is the parking lot of the theater at 188th Ave and Evergreen Parkway (across the street from the U.S. Bank). Mapquest has a listing for another theater at 185th and Evergreen, but this information is several years out of date; a Target store now sits at that site.
• Cooler weather hikes need not scare anyone away, given proper dress. I "layered" for this hike, and it worked quite well. My recommendation is to wear thermal underwear and sweatpants, as this will keep cold air from circulating around the legs. For the upper body, I recommend three layers: a shirt, an insulating layer (like a sweater or sweatshirt) and an outer jacket. Your feet will feel cold for the first 5-10 minutes of hiking. After that, however, the ground will start to feel more tolerable, as your circulation keeps your feet at a comfortable temperature. Non-barefoot spectators might not be able to understand the experience (we had a wise-guy who yelled, "Hey--you guys need an extra pair of shoes!??"

Photos will be posted soon!

Return to hike reports index.