The Oregon Nordic Club encourages carpooling as a means to reducing environmental impact, sharing costs, and socializing during travel. The cost share and liability is between you and the driver. Below are suggested donations, but it is your responsibility to set the donation amount and any other expectations for the trip with the driver before departing.
ONC-PDX suggests a donation amount on overnight trips of 10 to 15 cents per mile per person, depending on length of trip and anticipated road conditions. Again the rate set by the driver should reflect the number of passengers being transported.
For local day tours a recommended donation amount to the driver is as follows: for a large capacity vehicle, rate determined by driver. Otherwise for normal cars, our suggested donation per person round trip from Portland is:
- Westside of Mt. Hood (Government Camp area) $10 per person
- Barlow Pass or Timberline Lodge, White River, Teacup, or Pocket Creek $12 per person
- Cooper Spur or Mt. Saint Helens $15 per person
- Mt. Adams $18 per person
Remember carpooling is a privilege. Respect the driver and their car and their rules. Please make sure that you have the appropriate cash or check available for the driver.
ONC-PDX assumes no responsibility to provide for carpooling.
Approved by ONC – PDX Board 2019, updated Feb. 2023
Current Carpool Locations
This page provides information on recommended carpool locations and a history of prior carpool locations. There is always a risk in leaving a vehicle in a parking lot, so please take appropriate action to protect your vehicle and valuables. ONC-PDX assumes no responsibility for theft to vehicles or contents. Please observe any time limits or restrictions posted at these sites.
Gateway Transit Center
Address: 1249 NE 99th Ave, Portland, OR 97220
Location: https://onc-pdx.org/locations/gateway-park-ride-garage/
Notes: This convenient public location allows easy access to public transit. We generally meet in the SE corner on the first floor, facing the back of Fred Meyer. You must park in other parts of the garage. Currently, the lot is patrolled by five Tri-Met security officers.
Old Town Troutdale
Address: 101 W Historic Columbia River Hwy
Location: https://onc-pdx.org/locations/oldtown-troutdale/
Notes: This is a good location right in Troutdale. There is a fairly large linear parking lot which is generally empty at times we meet for carpooling. Click on the location above for the details on how to find us.
Troutdale Public Parking (behind Police Station)
Address: 140 Buxton Rd, Troutdale
Location: https://onc-pdx.org/locations/oldtown-troutdale/
Notes: An alternative to the Old Town lot. Public Parking lot just north of Troutdale Police Department. Enter from Buxton Rd or from Dora Ave
Sandy Lot
Address: 38786 Pioneer Blvd Sandy, OR 97055
This is a city of Sandy Park and Ride Lot
Notes: Turn right onto Bruns Ave. to access the lot behind Two Brothers Restaurant and Otto’s Ski Shop.
Jantzen Beach Center
Address: 1555 N Tomahawk Island Dr., Portland 97217
Location: https://onc-pdx.org/locations/janzten-beach-north-end-of-the-target-parking/
Notes: For heading north on I-5 before you cross the Columbia. Destinations to Mt. St. Helens, White Pass, Rainier, etc. Usually meet out of the way at the north end of the Target parking lot
Prior Locations – No Longer Recommended
Columbia Gorge Outlets
We used this for a few years but signs are posted that cars could be towed if not shopping there.
McMenamins Edgefield
Was used for years but McMenamins has asked us to stop parking there all day.