“Being deeply loved gives you strength; loving deeply gives you courage.” —Lao Tzu
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MOUNTAIN VENUES with MENUS
Prst Std U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 39 Welches, OR.
Local Drinks and Dining Guide See Inside
INDEX Mountain Profile...................2 Fire Focus................................4 Opinion............................... 8–9 Meet the Artist................... 11
“The Most Read Paper on the Mountain”
The Woodsman.................. 15 Health...........................20—21 Crossword/Sudoku........... 22 The Viewfinder .................. 25 Classified Ads...................... 28
Vol. XXXIII, No. 3 n A Free, Independent Newspaper n www.mountaintimesoregon.com
MARCH 2025
n SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF MOUNT HOOD n Alder Creek, Brightwood, Cherryville, Firwood, Government Camp, Marmot, Mountain Air Park, Rhododendron, Sandy, Welches, Wemme, Wildwood and Zigzag
Grant Helps Keep Trail Clear for Trailkeepers
Bigfoot Hunters Gather for Inaugural Mt. Hood Sasquatch Festival
By Justin Andress The Mountain Times
By Justin Andress The Mountain Times
Since 2007, the TrailKeepers of Oregon have rallied volunteers to preserve and protect the thousands of miles of trails that run like veins across the Mt. Hood area. Now, a new grant from the Hood-Willamette Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will propel the nonprofit to greater heights than previously dreamed. In its nearly twenty years working on Oregon’s natural lands, Trailkeepers of Oregon has seen explosive growth. The organization, initially powered by volunteers, now has a staff of 15. Its impact can be felt in the Columbia River Gorge, Portland’s public parks, and the Mt. Hood area. The organization maintains a presence up and down the Oregon coast. In recent months, the Hood-Willamette Resource Advisory Committee has pledged money to organizations across the mountain. One lucky recipient was the Trailkeepers of Oregon and their Stewardship and Ambassador program, an initiative designed to See TRAILKEEPERS Page 12
Between Friday, April 11, and Sunday, April 13, the team at Mt. Hood Oregon Resort will welcome Bigfoot hunters from around the world to the first-ever Mt. Hood Sasquatch Festival. For decades, the Mt. Hood area has entertained investigators who flock to our neck of Oregon in search of North America’s most popular cryptid, Bigfoot. To this day, the Mt. Hood area records more Bigfoot sightings than any other area in the state. According to Lori Cabantoy, the
woman planning the Sasquatch Festival, the Sasquatch festival is an opportunity to solidify the area’s reputation as a cryptid capital. The three-day celebration will blend vendors, experts, activities and live music into an extravaganza where everyone is welcome, whether you believe in the paranormal or you need some convincing. Indeed, the deck of presenters is so stacked that even the cynical may find themselves giving their skepticism a second thought. Festival attendees can pay $40 for a three-day pass to presentations and discussions led by some of
the most prominent cryptid hunters in the United States. Joseph Granda is providing a preview of his upcoming film. Renowned paranormal expert and author Jeff Davis will also be on hand. Cliff Barackman, the owner and curator of the North American Bigfoot Center and former star of Finding Bigfoot, will also be leading a presentation. Those aren’t the only people who will offer insight into the Sasquatch phenomenon. The lineup of cryptid experts continues to grow as the festival date approaches. Education and speculation are the order of the day. Still, Cabantoy wants to ensure that the Sasquatch Festival is accessible to anyone who wants to make the trip. An assortment of Pacific Northwest vendors will be on hand to offer any Sasquatch souvenirs you may need to remember your weekend at the festival. Presenters will also operate their own tables at the event so fans can speak with them one-on-one or purchase their latest offerings. There will be activities to occupy the kiddos, too. A kids’ area will have a coloring contest and lessons See SASQUATCH Page 7
David Scott Parker: A Life of Dreams and Dedication By Cynthia King For The Mountain Times
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of David Scott Parker, who left us peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 13th. He is survived by his beloved wife, Robin, owner of Chicali Cantina in Welches; their daughters, Britney and Chelsey Parker;
his sister, Janice Parker and brother Merritt Pardini. David was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. Raised in Arcadia, California, David’s life was characterized by a readiness to explore new paths and a steadfast commitment to his family. As a young man, he worked in his fami-
ly’s machining business, cleaned pools, and even launched a fishing rod shop, designing a line of fishing lures. He attended several colleges, including California State University, Northridge, and Citrus College’s EMT program, where he met Robin Parker in 1988. Together, they pursued shared dreams with See DAVID Page29
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