Mt. Talbert

Mt. Talbert is one of the Portland area's hidden gems. We went there recently on a short ramble to see what we could see.  From the main entrance, if you head uphill on the trail, then take a left onto the Park Loop Trail, then a right on the West Ridge Trail, you will find yourself quickly in an oak savannah. Sunlight steams in, and it's a good spot for finding all sorts of interesting critters.  The last time we were here, a child caught an alligator lizard!  

Jasper caught this beautiful spider in the tall grass by the park entrance.

Oak savannah.

Slime mold. Photo by Jasper.

Sword fern sori, where the spores are.

Oak gall.

Oak gall.