Washington: Nature Trails, Water and History

Forest trails, river landscapes and historic buildings give Washington its many facets. You can explore nature, compare different routes for various activities, or learn about the history of individual places. When planning, it is worth considering the length of each trail, the type of route and seasonal conditions.

Nature and Landscape

Tualatin Hills Nature Park is a 222-acre wildlife preserve with wetlands, forests and streams. These habitats are home to insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. At Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, the Tualatin River floodplain shapes the landscape. The River Trail there is a 3.66-mile loop of moderate difficulty. Follow the refuge’s guidance on seasonal access.

The wooded areas of Chehalem Ridge Nature Park also offer various ways to experience the landscape. The 1,260-acre park is in Washington County and includes trails through diverse wooded landscapes. You can walk, ride a bike on unpaved trails or go horseback riding there. At Cooper Mountain Nature Park, 3½ miles of trails wind through coniferous forest, prairie and oak woodlands. Trail conditions may change seasonally.

Trails for Walking and Cycling

Routes vary both in length and type. The Hagg Lake Loop Trail is approximately 14 miles long and open to hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers; seasonal closures and conditions may change. The Westside Trail includes a six-mile, mostly continuous section from Tigard’s city limits to Tualatin Hills Nature Park. Check route conditions before setting out.

For mountain bikers, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park offers 15 miles of trails for all skill levels. The park is on a wooded hillside and also has trails for hiking and horseback riding, as well as camping facilities. Another type of route is the Banks-Vernonia State Trail: it follows a disused railroad corridor for 21 miles between the towns of Banks and Vernonia. By contrast, the Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway is a 30-mile road cycling route. It connects Rood Bridge Park and the Banks-Vernonia Trail via rural areas of Washington County and the city of Forest Grove. Check current route conditions before your ride.

Water and Wildlife

Swimming is possible at Henry Hagg Lake; there are no lifeguards on duty. Check water conditions before swimming. Rainbow trout are stocked in the lake. Other fish found there include largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch and cutthroat trout.

The Rock Creek Regional Trail ends and the Tualatin River Regional Water Trail begins at Rood Bridge Park. There is seasonal river access on the Tualatin River for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and boats up to 15 feet long that can be transported on a car roof. As access is seasonal, check the information before your trip. Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge hosts a bird festival every May; check the specific dates if you would like to plan your visit around it.

Historic Sites

The main building of the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals is surrounded by 23 acres of wooded land. It is the first Mid-Century-style ranch house in Oregon to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum’s grounds and nature trails are free for everyone to explore. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Old Scotch Church was completed in 1878. The grounds include the graves of pioneer settlers. David Hill Vineyards & Winery offers another historic connection to the local landscape: its current tasting room is in a farmhouse built in 1883 on the Rueter family homestead.

Discover more destinations: Durham, Tualatin, North Plains, Gaston, Sherwood, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Aloha, Tigard, Forest Grove.

For the broader travel overview: Oregon.