“Start this run from Saltzman Road off the St. Helens highway, U.S. 30. The trailhead is a hike up from the parking area. Take the trail that heads south. The Maple Trail runs gently uphill a couple of miles before crossing Leif Erickson. This route can be turned into a loop, or run as an out-and-speedy-back. This is simply a beautiful run, through big old maples that open to the sky after they shed their leaves. The farther you move from Washington Park, the better the Forest Park trails hold up to fall traffic. This section of the Maple Trail rarely develops bogs, and its surface remains firm even after drenching showers. Even so, the trails in Forest Park come with knobby roots hidden by leaves and slick slopes. Be aware of where you place your feet.

Good maps and info on Forest Park trails are available in “One City’s Wilderness” by Marcy Cottrell Houle, available at bookstores and the Oregon Historical Society; and “Hiking and Running Guide to Forest Park,” a handy 10-map set by the Friends of Forest Park. The guide is available at local outdoors stores and bookstores, or for $21.20 through the Friends, P.O. Box 10934, Portland OR 97296.”

Source: Oregon Live

The trail starts on NW Saltzman Road

It quickly turns into a beautiful thick forest around a narrow trail

View from the top facing Northeast

The trail was blocked by a fallen tree. Mulder was happy to jump over it.

We took the Leif Erickson route on the way back.

A view of North Portland

In an effort to improve my health while also enjoying the outdoors, I started walking during my lunch hour with a friend from work Sokbun. During our walk today, she asked me what sunscreen brand I used.  Well, I use Boots Botanics on and off but mostly off since it is a bit greasy. I usually mix it with the regular moisturizer that I love and it sort of works. It has been so nice and sunny lately so I think it is time to get back into a regular sunscreen routine. She mentioned “California Baby” was recommended by Skin Deep. This website was created by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to promote awareness of cosmetic safety. I searched the site and found it to be a good resource for both safety and effectiveness. Well, time to get a search party going…

First candidate: ALBA BOTANICA SUN: MINERAL SUNSCREEN – FRAGRANCE FREE SPF 18 available at Amazon.com

Review: Great rating by EWG except for the lower SPF. I was hoping the lower SPF would make it lighter but it is still thick. Much lighter than the SPF30 but still hard to apply evenly. It seems that this would be typical for non-chemical sunscreen.

Epionce Active Shield Lotion SPF 30+

Review: This one is lighter and spreads evenly but has a greasy feel to it. An hour later, it still felt greasy. I also noticed that the fine lines on my face became more prominent. EWG did not have any ratings for this brand. I got the sample from VanderVeer Center and the “set” of skincare products costs $195 for a six-month supply. I guess it could be worth it if the products work wonders for your skin. It didn’t on mine. I did like their regular moisturizer. It was light and made my skin soft.

I decided that I might be better off to go with a “middle of the road” product so I went for the classic Cetaphil.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF15

Review: A little bit thicker but very similar to Epionce without the greasy feel. It did feel greasy at first but after a few minutes it settled down. Also, I had to make sure my skin was not dry, otherwise, the sunscreen would cake up a little bit in the flaky areas. This is the one I like best so far. I will stick to this for now until a better one comes along. EWG rated it as safe except for the last ingredient Triethanolamine. They also did not like the low SPF but for everyday use, I am not too conercerned. For extended outdoor exposure, I would reach for the Alba sunscreen.