About Volkssporting

Volkssporting is simply a German word for popular sports.  The Volkssporting program exists in more than 40 countries worldwide and has been in the US since 1976.  Volkswalking or walking is a great addition to your regular fitness routine.  It's a great way to explore new places, in your own community or communities all over the world.  It's also a great way to meet new friends and hang out with old friends.  The promise of fitness gets you started but the friends keep you coming back for more.

Most walks are 10k (6.2 miles) with 5k (3.1 miles) options.  Each walk has a starting point where you sign-in for the walk, stamp your achievement books, and pickup a map with instructions. 

There are costs associated with delivering our program and we ask all participants to consider paying a $3 participation fee ($2 for club members).  For some events and new walkers on a limited trial we offer the opportunity to walk for free.  Donations are always greatly appreciated, as they help our volunteers continue to deliver this great program.

• Hosted Walks: are 1 or 2 day walking events with specified start and end times, which can be done at your own pace. We typically offer a 10k and a 5k marked route with maps and written instructions. Often we have 5k & 10k group walks as part of a hosted walk
• Self-Guided Walks: are Year-round or Seasonal 10k and 5k walks guided by maps and written instructions during daylight hours most days of the week.  You can walk at your own time and pace.  Year-round walks are typically available most days of the year.  Seasonal walks are typically available when the weather gets dryer.
• Group Walks: are Year-round or Seasonal 10k and 5k walks starting at a specified day and time with a leader to guide participants.  Most of our group walks use one of the many self guided walks in the Portland/Vancouver area followed by a group lunch at a neighborhood restaurant.  We walk as a group rain or shine most Wednesday's of the year.  Check out the schedule, Group Walk Schedule .  In the last couple of years we have added Hosted Group Walks, which are Group Walks on routes that are sanctioned for a specified date and time only.

Trail Ratings (revised as of January 2012)Each walk is rated to help determine the difficulty of the walk, trails are evaluated based on the degree of incline/elevation (part 1) and the terrain (part 2).

• Incline 1: Very small hills or very little stair climbing. Probably suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Elevation gain: up to 500 feet
• Incline 2: Some moderate hills and stair climbing. Probably suitable for strollers. May not be suitable for wheelchairs. Elevation gain: 500-1500 feet
• Incline 3: Some significant hill or stair climbing. Not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Elevation gain: 1500-2500 feet
• Incline 4: Lots of significant hills or stair climbing. Elevation gain: 2500-3500 feet
• Incline 5: Many steep hills. Elevation gain: more than 3500 feet

• Terrain A: Almost entirely on pavement. Probably suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
• Terrain B: A significant part of the route is on well-groomed trails with very few obstacles. Probably suitable for strollers. May not be suitable for wheelchairs.
• Terrain C: A significant part of the route is on somewhat difficult terrain (rocky/rooted paths or soft sand). Not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs
• Terrain D: A significant part of the route is on very difficult terrain
• Terrain E: The majority of the route is on very difficult terrain

• Examples:
• A route that is mostly on flat pavement would be rated 1A
• A beach walk would be rated 1C
• A route with moderate hills on well-groomed trails would be rated 2B