Peter's Walking Tours and Continuing Education Courses.
Lower Sandy River
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Course Number HI 407L/HI507L 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’ll discover the natural and human history of the Sandy River, as we explore the lower Sandy, from Oxbow Park to the mouth of the river in Troutdale. Along the way, we’ll discuss Lewis and Clark, more recent local history, native trees, plants and birds, salmon populations, recreational opportunities, and the future of the river. The day’s exploration will take us through an ancient forest, along the banks of the Sandy River, and into Troutdale. We’ll conclude by walking in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark, at the mouth of the Sandy River, where it joins the Columbia River. Our studies will focus on ways to bring this information to students, across the curriculum, through classroom lessons and field trips.
Hiking the Ramona Falls Trail
Thursday, August 3, 2023
Course Number SS414F or SS514F 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 the seven mile loop trail to Ramona Falls, an amazing 120 foot fan shaped waterfall, on the northwest slope of Mt. Hood. Along the way, we’ll learn about the area’s geology, as well as the flora and fauna of the Mt. Hood region. We’ll also discuss the human history of the area, discussing pioneers along the Barlow Road and at Lolo Pass. In addition, we’ll stop to explore the Lost Creek Natural Area, where an interpretive trail will provide further insight. Most importantly, we’ll discuss ways to bring the study of nature, local history, and recreation to our students through meaningful classroom lessons and on field trips. Our adventures will provide ideas that will energize history, science and art activities across the curriculum in K-12 classrooms.
Trail, Tram, Trolley, and Train
Saturday, August 5, 2023
Course Number ED413U or ED 513U 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Experience four diversified transportation options as we make a four mile loop from Washington Park to the Willamette River, through Downtown and back. Along the way, we'll learn local history, encounter dozens of trees and plants, and develop lots of ideas for the classroom and field trips. During the day, you'll have an opportunity to ride the Aerial Tram, the Portland Streetcar and MAX. We'll begin with a 2.0 mile hike from the Hoyt Arboretum to Council Crest Park, Portland's highest point. Next, we'll make our way to Oregon Health & Science University, where we can ride the tram to the waterfront. From there, the Portland Streetcar will take us to Downtown Portland. We will conclude with a MAX ride back to Washington Park to complete the loop.
Exploring Forest Park & Historic Northwest Portland
Monday, August 7, 2023
Course Number SS410d or SS510d 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Explore hidden portions of 5,000 acre Forest Park, the largest city park in the nation. While hiking the Leif Ericson and Wildwood Trails, we’ll learn the natural and human history of the park, and we’ll discover a variety of fauna and flora. In addition to hiking, we’ll explore the historic St. John’s Community, the newly renovated St. John’s Bridge, and we’ll visit the site of the 1905 Lewis & Clark Exposition, a world’s fair that changed Portland’s history. Our adventures will provide ideas that will energize history, science and art activities across the curriculum in K-12 classrooms.
Barlow Road and Clackamas County
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Course Number HI408j or HI508j 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 historic Barlow Road within Clackamas County, discovering pioneer history at a variety of locations. Our journey will take us from historic Downtown Sandy to the Philip Foster Farm, where we can experience living history. Later, visits to the Sandy Historical Museum, the Barlow Road Toll Gate and Laurel Hill will teach us more about the journey of the pioneers in this region. We will also discuss local trees, plants and animals. Our field study and discussion can be adapted to science and history curriculum for all K-12 classes. As a result of this course, you will be prepared to teach about the pioneer history of the area, the natural vegetation, and the Oregon Trail.
NOTE: We will walk about 3-5 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.
Mt. Hood’s Alpine Areas
Thursday, August 10, 2023
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.
Willamette River Greenspace
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Course Number SS417V/SS517V 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 new class, we’ll discover both the natural and human history of the Willamette River Green Space, as we explore both sides of Portland’s waterfront. Our journey will take us to the site of “The Clearing,” where Native Americans flourished and early pioneers settled. We’ll explore Tom McCall Waterfront Park, where history, memorials, public art and recreational activities abound, and we’ll visit the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade and North America’s longest floating walkway. Included will be a discussion of Portland’s bridges, urban wildlife, and transportation options. As you explore the green space, you’ll develop lesson ideas for integrating Portland’s geography, history, bridges and art throughout the curriculum.
Smith Rock State Park
Monday, August 14, 2023
Course Number SS417D/SS 517D 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this exciting class, we’ll explore one of the most amazing hiking trails in America, the River Trail, which follows the gorgeous Crooked River through a canyon where rocks rise nearly 1,000 feet above. Along the way, we’ll make our way past the amazing rock formation known as Monkey Face, and we will discuss the area’s geology, 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.
East Multnomah County Treasures
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
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.
Exploring Silverton and the Oregon Garden
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Course Number SS413D or SS513D 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Discover more than a dozen beautiful murals in Silverton, as we trace the town's history through its artwork. In addition, our visit to the Oregon Garden will enable us to learn about native and introduced plants, wetlands, forests, and garden establishment. Most importantly, ideas will be discussed for integrating art, history, and plant study with other curriculum areas, both in the classroom, and on field trips.
Wildwood Trail and Pittock Mansion
Friday, August 18, 2023
Course Number SS416W/SS516W 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 diversified class, we will explore more than five miles of the Wildwood Trail, discovering dozens of native and introduced tree species. We will also learn the human history of the area, with visits to the Hoyt Arboretum, Pittock Mansion. Participants will leave the course with lots of teaching ideas that can enhance science, social studies, writing, math and art lessons.
Exploring Portland's Orange Line MAX: Art, Architecture, History & Transportation
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Course Number: SS417Q/SS517Q 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 the entire 7.3 mile length of the new Orange Light Rail MAX line, as it extends from the city of Milwaukie to Portland State University in SW Portland.. Along the way, we’ll discover local neighborhoods from Milwaukie to PSU, where we will examine the area’s amazing new artwork, natural areas along the Willamette River, a diversity of architecture and a wealth of local history. In addition, we will explore the new Tilikum Crossing Bridge, the first bridge in the nation designed specifically for public transportation vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles. Most importantly, we’ll discuss ways to bring the study of art, nature, local history, culture, transportation and recreation to our students through meaningful classroom lessons and on field trips. Our adventures will provide ideas that will energize history, science, math, writing and art activities across the curriculum in K-12 classrooms.
Exploring NE Portland's Cultural Neighborhoods
Monday, August 21, 2023
Course Number SS418Z/SS518Z 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 will explore two culturally diverse NE Portland neighborhoods to discover each area’s public art, architecture, trees, and historic sites. We’ll begin with a walk through Alberta Park and the historic Concordia neighborhood. We’ll also tour the Kennedy School, an historic landmark, featuring an abundance of culturally based artwork. Next, we’ll walk along Alberta Street, where we will see more than two dozen beautifully created murals that enhance the neighborhood’s culture and beauty. In the afternoon, a tour of the Grant Park & Hollywood neighborhood will enrich our knowledge of the art, architecture, parks, history, and cultural resources of these NE Portland locations. Most importantly, we’ll discuss ways to bring the study of art, nature, local history, and culture to our students through meaningful classroom lessons and field trips. Our adventures will provide ideas that will energize history, science, math, and art activities across the curriculum in K-12 classrooms.
NOTES: We will walk about 4-5 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.