The best walks and hikes in Washington County

Embark on an easy hike along the Tualatin River Greenway Trail, a gentle route spanning 3.1 miles (5.0 km). You can expect to complete this journey in about 1 hour and 16 minutes, with a minimal elevation gain of just 39 feet (12 metres). As you follow the path, you'll find yourself meandering alongside the slow-moving Tualatin River, offering peaceful views of the water. The trail winds through serene wetlands and past stately trees, creating a calm and natural atmosphere. It's a predominantly paved and wide path, making for a comfortable and accessible experience.

Planning your visit to the Tualatin River Greenway Trail is straightforward. The route begins conveniently near Durham City Park, offering a clear starting point for your adventure. Since it's an accessible path with a well-maintained, wide, and predominantly paved surface, it's suitable for a wide range of users. You'll find it connects various parks and community areas, making it easy to integrate into a longer outing if you wish. This trail is a great option for a relaxed outdoor escape.

Beyond the natural beauty, the Tualatin River Greenway Trail offers a unique journey through history. As you walk, you'll encounter distinctive interpretive elements, such as erratic boulders and cast fossils. These features tell the fascinating story of the Ice Age and the early settlers of the region. It's a chance to connect with both nature and the past, making your hike more enriching.

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 Skidder Row to Hares Canyon Trail for an easy hiking experience through L.L. Stub Stewart State Park. This route spans 3.5 miles (5.7 km) and involves a gentle elevation gain of 398 feet (121 metres), making it suitable for a relaxed outing. You can expect to complete the hike in about 1 hours and 36 minutes, moving through a landscape shaped by its history as an old tree farm, with occasional glimpses of the surrounding area from spots like the Hilltop Shelter & Viewpoint. The trail offers a straightforward path through a dense second-growth forest, providing a peaceful escape into nature. You will find the terrain to be generally well-maintained, offering a pleasant walking surface throughout your journey.

To plan your visit, know that the Skidder Row to Hares Canyon Trail is located within L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, which provides numerous amenities beyond just hiking. Parking is readily available within the state park, making access convenient for most visitors. While the route is generally well-signed, it is a good idea to carry a trail map, as some areas within the park can be a bit confusing to navigate without one. Consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day or year to fully enjoy the forest environment. Always check the park's official website for any specific alerts or operational changes before you head out.

This trail offers a unique opportunity to explore a landscape that was once an active tree farm, now reclaimed by nature. As you hike, keep an eye out for diverse local wildlife, including various bird species such as the Pileated Woodpecker. You might even spot larger animals like elk or bobcat if you are lucky and observant. The dense second-growth forest provides a rich habitat for these creatures and a refreshing atmosphere for hikers. This particular route connects several sections of the park's extensive trail system, offering a cohesive and accessible outdoor experience for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

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.

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.

Embark on an easy hike along the Waterhouse, Rock Creek, and Stoller Creek Greenway Loop, a pleasant route spanning 2.1 miles (3.3 km). You will experience a gentle elevation gain of just 92 feet (28 metres), making it a comfortable journey that typically takes around 52 minutes to complete. As you walk, you will pass through a mix of wetlands, meadows, and forests, crossing boardwalks over creeks like Stoller Creek, offering a refreshing outdoor experience.

This trail is managed by the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District and is accessible year-round, making it a reliable choice for your outdoor plans. The path is mostly paved and flat, which means it is suitable for a wide range of visitors, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. Along the way, you can find convenient amenities such as playgrounds and picnic areas in parks like Waterhouse Linear Park, perfect for a break or family outing.

The Waterhouse, Rock Creek, and Stoller Creek Greenway Loop is part of a larger interconnected trail network, providing a unique blend of natural and suburban scenery. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various birds and waterfowl, as you explore the green spaces. If you visit in spring, you might even catch a glimpse of wildflowers blooming in the Kaiser Woods Natural Area, which is easily accessed via the Rock Creek Greenway.

The Summerlake Park Trail offers an easy, refreshing hike around Summer Lake, a central feature of this 30-acre park. You will navigate a 1.0-mile (1.6 km) loop, gaining a gentle 14 feet (4 metres) in elevation, which typically takes about 23 minutes to complete. As you walk, you will pass through lush greenery and expansive wetlands, providing a tranquil natural setting. Keep an eye out for the scenic footbridges that cross parts of the lake, adding to the picturesque views. The route is predominantly paved, making for a smooth and accessible experience for many.

Planning your visit to Summerlake Park is straightforward, as the trail is open year-round. You will find ample parking available directly at the park, which also hosts various amenities. Consider visiting during the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience, though the trail is generally not overly crowded. There are no permits or fees required to access the trail or the park facilities. This makes it a convenient option for a quick outdoor escape.

Beyond the main trail, Summerlake Park is known for its diverse wildlife, particularly its birdwatching opportunities. You might spot Canadian geese and Great Blue Herons in the wetlands surrounding the lake. The park also features a vibrant rhododendron garden, which is especially beautiful when in bloom during April and May. Additionally, the park provides playground structures, sports courts, picnic areas, and a fenced off-leash dog park, making it a versatile destination for families and dog owners alike.

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 the Boomescooter and Skidder Row Loop, an easy hike through a vibrant second-growth forest. You will cover 2.9 miles (4.6 km) and gain 476 feet (145 metres) in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. As you hike, you'll find yourself surrounded by sword ferns and rolling hills, offering a pleasant and accessible outdoor experience. Keep an eye out for ponds and various fungi along the way, adding to the natural charm of the route.

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park offers ample parking for your visit to the Boomescooter and Skidder Row Loop. Since the park is full-service, you can expect good facilities. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions and standing water on the trails, especially after rain, so wear waterproof footwear. It's also a good idea to bring a trail map, as the park's extensive network can sometimes have confusing signage.

This route provides a glimpse into the area's logging history, evident in the second-growth forest you traverse. While hiking, you might encounter fallen trees, a natural part of the forest's cycle. If you reach the Hilltop Shelter & Viewpoint, you could catch views of the Coast Range through the trees, making it a rewarding stop on your journey.