A World of Nature at Your Fingertips: Nature Walks, Hikes and Wildlife Viewing Spots

Jackson Bottom Wetlands, a 725-acre wetlands preserve located in Hillsboro, is home to indigenous and migratory birds, such as bald eagles, egrets, red-tailed hawks and a host of mammals. This attraction includes four miles of walking trails, covered observation deck, and hands-on Wetlands Education Center, with the first (and perhaps only) eagle’s nest to be rescued from the wild on exhibit.

Located near Gales Creek, just outside of Forest Grove, the 600-acre Fernhill Wetlands boasts a variety of wetland types, marshes and other open water sources which provide safe haven to eagles, hawks, herons and migrating waterfowl, as well as beavers, minks, otters and many other species. Approximately 1.25 miles of trails, raised dikes and two viewing shelters provide unobstructed views of the wetlands.

Tucked inside Beaverton is the Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Interpretive Center , a 222-acre wildlife preserve featuring evergreen and deciduous forests, creeks, wetlands and ponds, as well as nearly five miles of trails (1.5 miles of which are paved and ADA accessible), native plant garden and interpretive center. Red-tailed hawks, blue heron, deer, squirrels, rabbits and reptiles are commonly sighted in the park.

Located in Sherwood, the 7,370-acre Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for indigenous and migrating birds, waterfowl and mammals. Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge is one of a handful of urban national refuges, and includes various restored habitats that best represent examples of depleted habitats in the Willamette Valley. Walking trails in the refuge include a one-mile trail open year-round and a three-mile service road open from May-September. The Wildlife Center is open year-round and offers exhibits and a nature store.

Cooper Mountain Nature Park is a 231-acre park featuring features 3.5 miles of walking trails with varying difficulty through the mountain’s three distinct habitats - forest, prairie and oak woodlands. With spectacular views of the Chehalem Mountains and the Tualatin Valley, the park features a demonstration garden showcasing native and drought-tolerant plants. The park also is a popular spot for wildlife viewing, as rare animal species, such as the Northern red-legged frog and the Western gray squirrel, have been spotted from the trails.

(Note: To protect the wildlife and natural vegetation, bicycles and pets are prohibited on most nature trails listed above.)

Recreation areas and outdoor activities are included in the complimentary Washington County Recreation Map.