Bull Run Watershed Tour

See your water source up close and personal!

CRPCA members, families and friends were treated to a spectacular early autumn day (October 2, 2010) to view and learn about greater Portland's primary water source, the protected Bull Run watershed on the west side of Mount Hood.

We traveled in a comfortable 26-passenger van.

The first stop was a short hike to the Bull Run River. There our knowledgeable guide, the Portland Water Bureau's Briggy Thomas (pictured here with her hand up), had us to introduce ourselves by name, country of service, and how our Peace Corps communities accessed water.

The next stop was lunch at Bull Run Lake.

After lunch we visited the Foreman's House overlooking Reservoir #2. On the grounds was found a small snake.

The view was stupendous!

Q: Why visit Bull Run?   Seeing the watershed first-hand builds appreciation for this awesome resource in our community. Also, outside of organized tours like this one, it's one of the more inaccessible places in Oregon to the general public. And think what a fun excursion this will be with Peace Corps people; among other things we can compare notes on water sources in the communities we served in!

Q: Do I drink water from Bull Run?   Chances are very good that you do if you live or work in Multnomah or eastern Washington counties. For example, the entire city of Portland is on Bull Run water for most of each year. (For a few weeks each year, Portland's water comes from the Columbia South Shore Well Field, which is also visited on the tour.) See the following links for more information.

• List of Portland's suburban water customers
• Map of water sources on Oregon side of metro region

Q: What's the tour involve?   Meet tour bus at Hollywood Fred Meyer in Section A7 near the Salvation Army drop-off station no later than 8:30 am. The tour is expected to last until 4:30 pm. We need at least 15 people and max out at 26, so first come, first served. Please read and digest the details in the Portland Water Bureau's Bull Run Watershed Tour letter. You can also print, fill out, and plan to bring along with photo ID the required Adult Waiver and/or Under 18 Waiver.

Q: Can I bring my kids?   There is no firm age limit, but be aware that the tour involves a long bus ride and the need to be attentive during talks. Per Portland Water Bureau staff, "children are welcome if parents feel confident that their kids would enjoy it, or at least not be TOO bored or disruptive."

Q: How can I make a reservation?   On-line registration is closed, but there's still room on the bus at this writing. RSVP to Gregory MacCrone, bullrun@crpca.org, to verify that seats are still available. Then plan to bring $10 per person (checks should be made out to "Portland Water Bureau") along with your waiver, ID, and lunch to the Hollywood Fred Meyer parking lot (3030 NE Weidler St in Portland) no later than 8:30 a.m. Saturday.

Q: How's the weather forecast looking?   Saturday's National Weather Service forecast for Upper Bull Run Reservoir (as of Thursday afternoon): "Partly sunny, with a high near 58. West wind between 3 and 7 mph." See http://tinyurl.com/3taoznc for the updated forecast.

Last modified: October 13, 2011