Bewitching beauty of Balch Creek

Hike of the Month: Balch Canyon Loop

A bridge spans a shaded grassy area with a person walking across the top.

The Northwest Thurman Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project was completed in 2014. | Photo by @benmcbee

Nestled in a quiet corner of Northwest Portland, Balch Creek — one of Portland’s main sources of water prior to the use Bull Run in 1895 — flows out of the nearby hills. It is a place of contrasts. You’ll venture among steep canyon walls on gradually sloping paths; there is stunning natural beauty, but beneath the layers of time, also a dark history.

Whether you’re trying to warm up on a chilly December day (like we were) or simply find the sound of rushing water to be calming, this route offers a quick escape into Forest Park.

⚡ Quick facts

Starting point: Lower Macleay Park, 2960 NW Upshur St., Portland
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.1 miles
Route type: Loop
Elevation gain: 350 ft
Trail surface: Asphalt, dirt, and rock
Wheelchair accessible: Partially, at the beginning
Open: 5 a.m.-10 p.m., year-round
Dog friendly: Yes, leashed

A long flight of stairs painted rainbow climbs a hill beside a bridge — If you make it to red, you get a breather.

🌈 Brief overview

From the small parking lot at Lower Macleay Park, venture beneath the Balch Gulch Bridge, AKA the Thruman Street Bridge. This pin-connected steel deck truss was built in 1905 as part of the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition and World’s Trade Fair and is the oldest intact bridge in the state.

At the historic Stone House, you’ll turn right onto the Wildwood Trail, hiking all the way to the Aspen Trailhead. From the sidewalk, take the public staircase nestled between homes to Northwest Thurman Street, cross the bridge, and descend the 101 rainbow steps back to the start.

🏰 Why you should try it

Fresh air and an impressive view of Mount St. Helens, what more could you need? Plus, you can cross The Witch’s Castle off your weird Portland bucket list.

An old stone ruin covered in moss and spray paint — Until a 1962 storm damaged it, the structure was used as a park ranger station and restroom for hikers.

🌲 Pro tips

Just a short distance beyond where the creekside fence ends, be sure to look up. You’ll find heritage tree No. 143, a 243-ft-tall Douglas fir that is thought to be Portland’s tallest tree.

Did you enjoy hearing our hiking recommendations this year?

A. Yes, I adore the Hike of the Month series
B. Eh, I read a few
C. Don’t tell me what to do
D. Other

LET US KNOW

Click here to have your event featured.

Wednesday, Dec. 21

Crafts of Christmas at Nordic Northwest Exhibit | Wednesday, Dec. 21-Sunday, Jan. 1 | 9 a.m. | Nordic Northwest, 8800 SW Oleson Rd., Portland | Free | From the Jul Hearts of Denmark or the Gävle straw goats of Sweden, learn more about how crafts are an important part of celebrating the Christmas season in Nordic countries.
Snow Day | Wednesday, Dec. 21-Saturday, Dec. 31 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Ace Hotel, 403 SW 10th Ave., Portland | Free | Trek through a colorful winter wonderland and browse wrapping paper, gift bags, tree ornaments, yard decor and tons of never-before-seen Mike Bennett merch.
Holiday Art & Gift Show | Wednesday, Dec. 21-Saturday, Jan. 7 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Alberta Street Gallery, 1829 NE Alberta St. Unit B, Portland | Free | Find a meaningful holiday gift and support local artists at the same time.
Live Acoustic Sound Therapy: WINTER SOLSTICE SOUND VOYAGE | Wednesday, Dec. 21 | 7-8:15 p.m. | Breathe Wellness Company, 17030 Southeast First St. #102, Vancouver | $30 | Experience an exquisite live soundscape using rhythmic breath, psychedelic vocals, and a variety of instruments to foster appreciation for the beautiful cycles of nature and life.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” | Wednesday, Dec. 21-Saturday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Portland Center Stage, 128 NW 11th Ave., Portland | $25-$86 | The beloved classic about small-town everyman George Bailey has been reimagined for the stage as a live radio broadcast.

Saturday, Dec. 24

“A Christmas Carol” | Saturday, Dec. 24-Friday, Dec. 30 | Times vary | Portland Playhouse, 602 NE Prescott St., Portland | $5-$65.50 | Join Ebenezer Scrooge in a transformative musical wonderland as he takes a magical journey toward friendship and love, guided by three ghostly spirits.
THE ANTI-CHRISTmas Party & Orphan Gathering | Saturday, Dec. 24 | 12-9 p.m. | The 4th Wall PDX, 1445 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland | Free | Reject tradition with a day of animated X-mas specials, dark holiday-themed comedy, “Truth or Share” games, live music, and more.

Saturday, Dec. 31

Caleb Klauder’s New Year’s Eve Rhinestone Bash | Saturday, Dec. 31 | 8 p.m.-2 a.m. | Spare Room Restaurant & Lounge, 4830 NE 42nd Ave., Portland | $28 | Don you shiniest cowboy hat and get ready to stomp your boots to ring in 2023 honky tonk style.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

DECK THE HALLS WITH EVENTS

Weather

38º | Mostly cloudy | 7% chance of rain
Multnomah County officials declared a state of emergency ahead of severe winter weather expected to hit the Portland metro area starting today, Dec. 21. Four warming shelters will open tonight, accommodating more than 310 people around the clock. Warming shelters are also open in Clackamas County. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 7:48 a.m.
Set: 4:29 p.m.

Outdoors

It’s going to be lit. “Project Illumination,” downtown Portland’s annual winter lighting project, will be bigger than ever this year. More than 800 trees will be adorned with lights and several unique lighting installations will also be placed around town through April.

Arts

For Frances Andonopoulos, awareness-raising projects like the AIDS Memorial Quilt have shown them how needle and thread can be tools to create tightly-knit communities. This month, they opened Sincere Studio, a nonprofit sewing center in the Kerns neighborhood, which offers classes and community events where no prior experience is required. (OPB)

Trending

“Best daycare near me.” According to Google’s Local Year in Search tool, Portland was the only US city to have this query as its top “near me” search in 2022. The most-searched recipe was “Jennifer Aniston salad” and as for our favorite animal to look up? Blue lobster.

Ranked

There’s no place like home for the holidays… and we have proof. Portland ranked No. 14 on WalletHub’s “2022’s Best Cities for Christmas” based on criteria like shopping options, events, and the community’s generosity. (WalletHub)

Number

1 hour and 49 minutes. That’s how early you should arrive at Portland International Airport before a domestic flight. A recent study from Upgraded Points analyzed criteria including the number of gates and terminals, average TSA wait time, and airport size to determine this metric. Pro tip: Read our guide to navigating PDX for parking tips and terminal eats.
550,000+. The number of women who love The GIST, the sports newsletter with a much needed female perspective and equal coverage of women’s and men’s sports. Buh-bye, male-dominated sports media.*

Shop

Don’t stress over finding last-minute gifts. Make gifting easy by selecting a gift card to our PDXoday shop, Six & Main. From candles to clothes, there’s something for everyone. Purchase a gift card today. 🎁

Job

We’re hiring a sales executive to lead our advertising relationships across all 25 of our cities. This exec would lead prospecting initiatives, maintain a full and active client pipeline, and prepare and deliver sales presentations — all while earning a competitive salary with unlimited PTO. Learn more + apply.

Cause

Calling all Portlanders: You have the power to make a difference and brighten the holidays for seniors. How? By donating to Meals on Wheels People, you’re supporting programs that help our aging neighbors. 🤝 *

Featured Deal

Visit Nau’s flagship store in the Pearl at NW 11th + Everett and mention this post to get 15% off your total purchase now through Friday, Dec. 23.*

Trending

ICYMI, Allure released its 2022 Best of Beauty Awards. Some of our favorite products made the cut, including Caudalie’s Premier Cru The Cream, R+Co’s revolutionary dry shampoo, and this cruelty free eyebrow conditioner with 2,500+ five-star reviews. We’re also adding this brightening under-eye cream to our cart.*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Stocking up on Portland goods 🛒

Two women sit at a table with open laptops laughing

Shop our online store Six & Main to start showing off the best local gear. | Photo by Bonfire Visuals

We know you have some serious Portland pride, and that’s why we created the PDXtoday x Six & Main Collection.

This online store features unique gear that’ll have you showing off the latest local fashion designed by creatives in the community. Plus, you’ll receive 20% off your first order when you sign up for the Six & Main emails.

While you’re filling your digital cart with local love, you might also fall in love with products from one of our other 24 cities.

START SHOPPING NOW

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ben.

Editor’s pick: If you’re planning on traveling for the holidays later this week — as I was — it might be beneficial to have a backup plan. An arctic front will be moving into the region, with overnight temps dropping well below freezing.

Looks like I’ll be heading to Southern Oregon a day early. Be safe out there.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Prepare the sleigh, we’re heading to the magical alpine town of Leavenworth.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Cambrie Juarez, Ben McBee, Trevor Peters, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Rachel Sklenar | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

ADVERTISE | SHOP | CAREERS | ETHICS

Did a friend forward this free newsletter to you?