Peter's Walking Tours and Continuing Education Courses.
Exploring West Linn and Lake Oswego
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Course Number SS412u or SS512u 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Discover the best natural and historic sites in West Linn and Lake Oswego. Along the way, we’ll learn about Lake Oswego’s history as an iron producing town once known as the “Pittsburgh of the West.” A visit to the new Lake Oswego will reveal dozens of art pieces as we explore the “Gallery Without Walls.” We’ll also discover hidden parks along the Willamette River, where we’ll learn about native trees and plants, and recreational opportunities.
Exploring Cedar Mill: History, Nature, and Community
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Course Number SS419s/SS519s 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
This new course explores Cedar Mill, from historic sites and Heritage trees to present-day parks and neighborhoods. We’ll tour the Cedar Mill Creek Greenway, Foege Park, and the Cedar Mill Wetlands which provide modern recreation options for all ages. Later, we’ll visit the Cedar Mill Library and explore past and present historic sites along NW Cornell Road, such as the John Quincy Adams Young House, one of the oldest buildings in Washington County, three Heritage fruit trees from an early orchard, and Cedar Mill Falls, the site of the original lumber mill that gave this area its name. We’ll end the day with a tour of the Union Cemetery of Cedar Mill. Discussions and lesson ideas will include local history, geography, writing, math, science, and plant/wildlife identification. K-12 educators in every subject will find teaching ideas to use inside and outside of the classroom.
This class has been created and will be taught by Melissa Juska. Please contact Melissa at mjbros200@gmail.com for more specific information and to reserve a spot in the class.
Eastern Columbia River Gorge & Catherine Creek
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Course Number TBA 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this fun and interactive class, we will explore both the natural and human history of this often missed section of the Columbia River Gorge. On hikes through two sections of the Eastern Columbia River Gorge, we will learn about the area’s unique geology, leading to diversified plant life, including magnificent wildflowers. We will also explore the human history of the area, walking and driving on restored sections of the Historic Columbia River Highway. We will discuss the efforts of three generations of road builders and innovative engineers. We will learn about the original road construction in 1915, the arrival of the freeway in 1962, and recent improvements to the old sections of the highway. The highlights will be visits to the Memaloose Hills, historic Rowena Crest and Catherine Creek.