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Crystal Springs Rhododendron
Garden is an odd little corner of Portland. It's a former site
for Reed College's Shakespeare plays, one of the hydrological
wonders of the Northwest with many gushing natural springs, home to over
2,500 rhododendrons and other flora . . . and dining room for
the most voracious ducks in Portland! We'll stay in town for
this hike, strolling the garden paths, looking at the springs and
feeding the fowl. Among many species, we'll see lots of
wood ducks. The male has been called the "peacock of
ducks" as he has amazing plumage. See the photo below.
You won't break a sweat on this hike,
but it's a fun little outing in town and is fun even if it's a soggy
day. Please avoid feeding bread to the critters (it's not
healthy for the ducks). Buy a quart size
bag of grain for just $1.00 at the little
veggie stand at SE 28th and Steele, about 1/4 mile north of the park.
A post hike food
detour my daughter loves is getting a grilled hot dog from Otto's
deli or slightly healthier fare at Laughing Planet cafe, just a few minutes away at SE 42nd and Woodstock. I'll
be heading there after the ducks, and you're welcome to join us.
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