Peter's Walking Tours and Continuing Education Courses.
Exploring the Larch Mountain Trail (Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls Loop Hike): Birthplace of Multnomah Falls
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Course Number SC413j or SC513j 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
We will meet near the base of Multnomah Falls, where we will learn both the natural and human history of the area. Ascending the trail, we will cross the historic Benson Bridge and then reach the platform at the very top of Multnomah Falls. Continuing beyond Multnomah, we will discover several hidden waterfalls on our way to our lunch stop at Wahkeena Spring. In the afternoon, we will head down the scenic Wahkeena Trail, discovering Fairy Falls and Wahkeena Falls along the way. Eventually, we will complete the six-mile loop hike with a return to our starting point.
Bicycling the Banks-Vernonia Trail
Monday, August 3, 2026
Course Number TBA 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this exciting new class, we’ll explore much of the 21 mile long Rails-to-Trails Banks-Vernonia State Trail on bicycle to discover an area rich in human and natural history. The mostly flat bicycle path will take us through farmland, forest land and to an amazing, historic railroad trestle. We will also visit Vernonia Lake. Along the way, we’ll discuss the area’s plant and animal life, and the human history of the area, including recreational opportunities. In addition, we’ll discuss ways to bring this information to our students in a variety of curriculum areas.
Discovering Natural and Historic Treasures in East Multnomah County
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Course Number SS412X or SS512X 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this fun and informative class, we will explore natural, historic, and cultural sites in Gresham and Fairview. Our morning adventure will begin with a walk along the Butler Creek Greenway that connects Binford Lake with Butler Creek Park. Next, we will visit Gresham Main City Park, and then we will tour Downtown Gresham to discover the area's public art and history. In the afternoon, we will visit beautiful Red Sunset Park, before discovering the history, art, and culture of McMenamin's Edgefield. Throughout the day, teaching ideas will be discussed that can be implemented across the curriculum.
The Foothills of Mt. Hood
Friday, August 7, 2026
Course Number SC417z 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
This class is not available to those who have already completed Mt. Hood's Western Slopes
In this fun and informative course, we will examine the natural environment of the Sandy, Oregon area, and the lower slopes of Mt. Hood. We’ll begin with an examination of the flora and fauna along the gorgeous banks of Tickle Creek, and then we will visit an old growth forest along the Salmon River. Later, we’ll explore native salmon populations, wetlands species and recreational opportunities in the area with a visit to Cascade Streamwatch and the Wildwood Recreation Area. We will conclude with a visit to a magnificent waterfall and a walk along an abandoned section of the historic Mt. Hood Highway. Our field study and discussion can be adapted to science, history and art curriculum for all K-12 classes. As a result of this course, you will be prepared to teach about the flora and fauna of the area, as well as the human impacts in the region, past and present.
NOTE: We will walk about 5-7 miles during the day, so it will be important to arrive in relatively good physical shape. Our pace will be leisurely, and will focus on exploration, discovery and discussion. The materials packet should not exceed $10.
Historic Vancouver
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Course Number SS 411c or SS511c 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Discover living history, interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for your students as you visit the Vancouver Historic Site, Officers Row, the Pearson Air Museum, and the Vancouver Land Bridge in this one day class. The Vancouver Historic Site was one of the first military and supply centers in the west, and continues to serve as an educational resource. A walk along Officer's Row will provide insight into 19th century architecture, while the Pearson Air Museum provides an historic look at aviation. This class will provide lots of ideas to build your history and science curriculum.
Mt. Hood’s Alpine Areas
Monday, August 10, 2026
Course Number SC418a 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
This class is not available to those who have already completed Mt. Hood's Western Slopes
In this fun and informative course, we will examine the alpine region of Mt. Hood, with visits to Mirror Lake and Trillium Lake, where we will explore the area’s plant and animal life. In addition, visits to the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Timberline Lodge will provide us with a study of the region’s human history. We will study art, architecture and the local economy, as well as the educational and recreational opportunities available near the mountain.
Our field study and discussion can be adapted to science, history and art curriculum for all K-12 classes. As a result of this course, you will be prepared to teach about the flora and fauna of the area, as well as the human impacts in the region, past and present.
NOTE: We will walk about 5-7 miles during the day, so it will be important to arrive in relatively good physical shape. Our pace will be leisurely, and will focus on exploration, discovery and discussion. The materials packet should not exceed $10.