Builders-Keepers: Metzler Park New Trail Celebration

Crew Leaders: Crew Leader: Pat K., Elaine K.

Max Size of Crew: 35

Hike Distance: .5-2 miles

Elevation Gain: 300-500 feet maximum

Hike Intensity: Low

Event Type: Interpretive celebratory hike and picnic

Event Information:

This family friendly event will be a time to hike and enjoy the new trails that TKO volunteers have built in Metzler Park over the past 2 years. We’ll gather at the group picnic area (directions below), have a few brief words explaining the work we have done, and hike as much or as little of the trail system as you would like. The primary loop is about half a mile in length. The new Crest to Creek trail is a ‘lollipop” that branches off from this trail, and is one mile in length. Or you can hike the short distance to the swimming hole and hike up the short trail to, again, connect with the main loop. Let’s hope for good May weather! If you don’t want to hike, you can just sit and enjoy the woods, the creek and the suspension bridge. TKO will provide refreshments and yard games at the group picnic area.

What to bring:

• Plenty of water
• Snacks if desired
• Any medications or emergency supplies you may need
• Sunscreen + insect repellent
• A pack to bring all of this with you on trail

What to wear:

• Boots/closed toed shoes
• Long sleeved shirts and pants
• Rain gear, insulating layers, sun protection, etc. as appropriate for the weather

Directions:

The park address is 24526 S. Metzler Park Road, Estacada. Our volunteers have found it to be easily navigable using GPS. If you are familiar with Milo McIver State Park on Springwater Road, Metzler Park is 5 miles from McIver.

Once you pass McIver, keep driving on Springwater for about 4 miles where you will see the Springwater Store and the Grange. in 0.5 miles, Springwater Road turns to the left and Metzler Park Road continues straight. It is well marked. Continue down Metzler Park Road. You will see a closed gate in front of you, and the road turns right into the park.

The first building you will see on your left is the bathroom. Stop there if you need to do so. Go past the caretaker’s house and park just to the left, in the group picnic area. There will be additional overflow parking available if needed.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: TKO recognizes that the trails we work on travel through the traditional lands of many Indigenous tribes and communities. We are the most recent in a long line of stewards to this land, and it is our responsibility to do so with humility and respect. We are grateful to these tribes and their descendants for being the original and continuing stewards of these spaces, and encourage everyone to go beyond a land ackowledgment by supporting Indigenous communities and organizations in your area.

ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS: TKO seeks to make our events inclusive of people of all backgrounds and abilities. If you would like to discuss potential accommodations to allow for your participation in this event, please click here to complete a short Google survey. TKO staff will then contact you to discuss options. Please note: available accommodations will vary by event and typically need to be requested a minimum of two weeks in advance. If you have any questions, please contact TKO Stewardship Manager Lindsay McIntosh-Tolle at lindsay.mcintosh@trailkeepersoforegon.org.

EQUITY & INCLUSION: TKO seeks to make Oregon’s trails a place where people can go to connect with nature & one another. Not everyone feels safe or welcome in the outdoors due to issues like racism, bias, and hate. We commit to being part of the solution to this problem and to enact change. Conduct, speech, or expressions that target any individual or group will not be tolerated by TKO.

PERSONAL SAFETY: Your physical and emotional safety is our number one priority. If a person’s actions or comments make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you may: interrupt directly, tell a crew leader, and/or inform TKO staff via the post-event survey.

While TKO no longer requires masking/vaccination for our events, we do support those who choose to mask for their own safety. We ask participants to respect the health of folks who wear masks by distancing or wearing a mask while in close proximity.