The best walks and hikes in Washington County

The Tualatin River Greenway Trail offers a delightful escape into nature, tracing the banks of the Tualatin River through serene wetlands and wooded areas. You'll find a mix of wide, paved paths perfect for a casual stroll, alongside more primitive dirt sections that lead closer to the water, providing a varied and engaging experience. Keep an eye out for the unique interpretive signs that tell the story of the region's past, from Ice Age floods to early settlers, and enjoy the views from the Ki-a-Kuts Pedestrian Bridge.

This easy 3.1-mile (5.0 km) hike involves a mere 39 feet (12 metres) of elevation gain, making it suitable for nearly everyone and typically taking about 1 hour and 16 minutes to complete. You can access the trail from several points, including Durham City Park, which offers convenient parking and facilities like restrooms and picnic areas. It's a great option for families and dog owners, just remember to keep your furry friends on a leash.

What truly sets this trail apart is its blend of natural beauty with a rich historical narrative. As you walk, you'll encounter fascinating "walk through time" elements, including information about prehistoric mammals and geological events like the cataclysmic Ice Age Floods. It's a chance to connect with both the environment and the deep history of the Tualatin area, offering more than just a simple walk.

The Hyland Woods Natural Area Loop offers an easy hiking experience, perfect for a quick escape into nature. This route covers 1.1 miles (1.8 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 70 feet (21 metres), taking you about 29 minutes to complete. As you hike, you will find yourself surrounded by a mature Douglas fir forest, providing a peaceful atmosphere on soft-surface paths that are generally well-maintained with natural dirt hard-pack.

Planning your visit to Hyland Woods Natural Area is straightforward, as the park is easily accessible within Beaverton. You will find parking generally available, making it convenient for a spontaneous outing. This urban forest is an excellent choice for families and anyone seeking an accessible natural space for a short, refreshing walk.

Keep an eye out for pileated woodpeckers as you explore the area; if you visit in spring, you might even spot wildflowers adding to the scenic beauty. A unique feature of this natural area is the innovative 1.5-acre "Off-Trail Play Area" located in the southeast corner, marked by blue posts, where both children and adults can freely explore and build forts.

Embark on the Rock Creek Trail for a moderate hiking experience that spans 8.5 miles (13.7 km), offering a diverse journey through varied landscapes. You'll gain 382 feet (117 metres) in elevation over approximately 3 hours and 34 minutes, making it a substantial yet accessible outing. The route features a mix of paved paths and boardwalk sections, guiding you through serene forests, vibrant wetlands, and open meadows. As you follow Springville Creek, you'll encounter a scenic bridge at Orenco Woods Nature Park, providing a picturesque spot to pause and enjoy the surroundings.

Planning your visit to the Rock Creek Trail is straightforward, as it's designed for ease of access and comfort. You'll find well-maintained paths and wide bridges throughout the route, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors. Conveniently, parking is typically available at various access points along the trail, allowing you to choose your starting point. Amenities such as picnic tables, water fountains, and even porta-potties are provided, ensuring a comfortable trip.

This trail is a highlight within the Rock Creek Greenway, offering a unique opportunity to explore a rich natural environment close to urban areas. As you hike, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various songbirds, majestic osprey, and Red-tailed Hawks soaring overhead. The path thoughtfully follows both Springville Creek and a powerline corridor, showcasing how nature and infrastructure can coexist. It's an excellent choice if you're seeking a blend of natural beauty and convenient amenities.

The Skidder Row to Hares Canyon Trail offers an easy 3.5-mile (5.7 km) hike through L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, perfect for a relaxing outing. You'll wander through dense forests of Douglas-fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock, with abundant ferns lining the path. Expect gentle rolling hills and occasional open meadows, providing views of the Coast Range from higher elevations. This scenic route, with its manageable 398 feet (121 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hours and 36 minutes, making it an ideal choice for families and casual hikers.

To plan your visit, head to L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, where you can usually find parking at the Clayhill Horse Staging Area. The park is well-equipped with amenities like picnic spots and an off-leash pet area. While the trail is generally well-signed, it's wise to carry a trail map due to the park's extensive network. Be aware that sections can get muddy and have standing water, especially after rainfall, so choose your footwear accordingly.

This trail is notable for its integration into the larger L.L. Stub Stewart State Park system, allowing you to connect with other routes like the paved Banks-Vernonia State Trail. The names, like "Skidder Row," hint at the area's logging history. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer, elk, and various bird species like the Pileated Woodpecker, and you might even spot beaver ponds along the Hares Canyon section. The park is also a popular spot for stargazing, offering a unique evening experience.

Embark on an easy hike along the Johnson Creek Trail and Cedar Mill Creek Greenway, a paved, multi-use path that offers a refreshing escape through wetlands and residential areas. This relaxing route spans 2.3 miles (3.7 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 164 feet (50 metres), making it perfect for a quick outing. You can expect to complete the loop in about 59 minutes, enjoying the natural surroundings and the highlight of the Sue Conger Boardwalk, which provides views of the area's only waterfall.

Planning your visit to the greenway is straightforward, as the trail is generally easy to access and features an ADA-accessible design, welcoming a wide range of users. Parking is typically available near the greenway, though it is always wise to check local signage for any specific regulations before you arrive. You will find that no special permits or fees are usually required to enjoy this convenient community amenity.

The Johnson Creek Trail and Cedar Mill Creek Greenway stands out as an accessible and pleasant experience nestled within the larger Cedar Mill Creek Greenway. Its unique features include the Sue Conger Boardwalk, which not only offers a glimpse of the local waterfall but also provides an accessible overlook and a picnic gazebo for a comfortable stop. This trail serves as a valuable community resource, offering a slice of nature that is easily reachable for everyone.

This easy 2.1-mile (3.3 km) hiking loop, taking about 52 minutes to complete with a gentle 92 feet (28 metres) of elevation gain, offers a pleasant escape into the interconnected greenways of Portland's suburbs. You'll experience a mix of paved paths winding through open fields and past suburban backyards, transitioning into more natural settings with wetlands and meadows. Keep an eye out for the scenic boardwalk section over Bronson Creek, a highlight that adds a touch of natural beauty to the urban-adjacent trail. It's a great option for a quick, accessible outdoor activity.

When planning your visit, note that while the Waterhouse Trail is largely ADA-accessible, this particular loop requires crossing a busy intersection at Highway 26 to complete the circuit. This is an important detail for families or those with mobility considerations. Parking is typically available at various points along the greenway system, and the trail is generally suitable for year-round enjoyment, making it a family friendly Waterhouse Rock Creek Stoller Creek Greenway Loop trail.

The Waterhouse, Rock Creek, and Stoller Creek Greenways are part of an extensive network managed by the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, showcasing excellent urban planning. This system connects various parks and communities, providing vital recreational opportunities. The 570-foot boardwalk crossing the Bronson Creek Greenway, a significant wetland and wildlife habitat, is a testament to the district's commitment to preserving natural spaces within the urban fabric. This connectivity is a key feature of the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District Waterhouse Rock Creek Stoller Creek Greenway Loop.

The Summerlake Park Trail offers a delightful and accessible escape into nature right in Tigard, Oregon. This easy 1.0-mile (1.6 km) loop around Summer Lake features mostly paved paths, with a gentle 14 feet (4 metres) of elevation gain, making it suitable for all ages and abilities. You'll enjoy tranquil views of the lake, cross scenic footbridges, and pass through lush wetlands, often spotting diverse wildlife. The route typically takes about 23 minutes to complete, perfect for a quick, refreshing walk.

Accessing the Summerlake Park Trail is simple, as the park is open year-round with no permits or fees required. Parking is available on-site, making it a convenient option for a spontaneous outing. For a particularly scenic experience, plan your visit for April or May when the park's vibrant rhododendron garden is in full bloom, adding an extra splash of color to your stroll.

Beyond the peaceful loop, Summerlake Park is a hub of activity, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities where you might spot Great Blue Herons or various ducks. The park also boasts family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, sports courts, and a fenced off-leash dog park, making it a versatile destination for a full day out. It's a popular choice for those seeking family-friendly dog-friendly options.

Embark on the Rock Creek Trail, a challenging 12.8-mile (20.6 km) hike that promises a rewarding experience for seasoned adventurers. You will navigate diverse landscapes, winding through dense forests, serene wetlands, and expansive open meadows. As you hike, enjoy continuous views of Rock Creek itself, with towering evergreens providing a majestic backdrop. The route features a total elevation gain of 320 feet (98 metres), making it a difficult undertaking that typically requires around 5 hours and 17 minutes to complete. Keep an eye out for the tranquil Rock Creek Greenway Boardwalk, a notable feature along your journey.

Planning your visit to the Rock Creek Trail is straightforward, as parking is generally available at various access points along the route. The trail offers convenient amenities such as wide bridges, picnic tables, and water fountains, enhancing your comfort during the long hike. While the overall difficulty is rated as difficult, certain sections are notably flat and ADA-accessible, making parts of the trail suitable for a wider range of visitors. Consider starting your hike early to make the most of the daylight and avoid peak times, especially on weekends.

The Rock Creek Trail is distinguished by its rich natural environment, offering glimpses of local wildlife like red-tailed hawks and kestrels, particularly in the more open areas. This trail is a significant part of the Rock Creek Greenway, an important ecological corridor that preserves diverse habitats. Its blend of challenging terrain and accessible sections makes it a unique destination within the region. The trail's extensive length also provides ample opportunity to explore different facets of the local ecosystem.

Embark on an easy hike around the Commonwealth Lake Park Loop, a paved path that traces the serene man-made lake. This gentle 0.7-mile (1.2 km) route features a minimal elevation gain of just 12 feet (4 metres), making it a quick 18-minute stroll perfect for a leisurely outing. As you follow the loop, you'll cross charming bridges over the water and find plenty of shady spots to pause and enjoy the lush greenery. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, ideal for a refreshing break outdoors.

Planning your visit to Commonwealth Lake Park is straightforward, as parking is generally available right at the park, providing easy access to the trailhead. The entire loop is paved and flat, making it highly accessible for everyone, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. You can enjoy this route year-round, though autumn offers a particularly scenic experience with the changing leaf colors. Consider an early morning or late afternoon visit for a quieter experience.

This loop is a popular spot for birdwatching, where you might catch sight of Great Blue Herons or various waterfowl enjoying the lake. Beyond its natural appeal, Commonwealth Lake Park serves as a community hub, offering amenities like picnic areas and a playground. Its family-friendly environment and easy accessibility make it a notable and welcoming destination within the region.