Challenges and rewards in Marshall Park

A walk in Southwest Portland’s Marshall Park this morning proved both challenging and rewarding. Part of the reward came from the challenge.

If you decide to visit the park, which I highly recommend, wear good boots with tread. At this time of year, the paths are muddy in many places.

Some of the streams are bridged with only narrow planks, which can be tricky if you are uncertain about your balance.

At one point I was forced to ford Tryon Creek after slipping on algae-covered stones that seemed to be the best option for crossing. They weren’t. Make sure those boots are water-proof.

For all that, the park rewards the hiker with moss-covered trees, trillium and rippling creeks, and, yes, with those challenges to overcome.