Washington reveals itself along paths through forests, prairies and wetlands, beside riverbanks and in historic buildings. The options vary in route length, terrain and activity: wildlife watching, hiking, cycling, horseback riding and water sports each give your trip a different focus.

Nature Trails and Habitats

At Cooper Mountain Nature Park, 3½ miles of trails pass through coniferous forest, prairie and oak woodlands. The trails therefore take you through very different types of vegetation. As trail conditions can change seasonally, check them before your visit. Tualatin Hills Nature Park offers a different natural setting: this 222-acre wildlife refuge includes wetlands, forests and streams. These habitats are home to insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge lies in the Tualatin River floodplain. Its River Trail is a 3.66-mile loop of moderate difficulty. Before visiting, check the refuge’s seasonal access rules. A bird festival is held there every May; check the specific event dates for your trip.

The parks also offer different experiences. L.L. Stub Stewart State Park sits on a wooded hillside and offers camping, as well as trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Mountain bikers can explore 15 miles of trails there, with options for all skill levels. At Chehalem Ridge Nature Park in Washington County, trails pass through a variety of wooded landscapes. The 1,260-acre park offers opportunities for walking, off-road cycling and horseback riding.

Routes for Hiking and Cycling

The Banks-Vernonia State Trail follows a disused railroad corridor: the route is 21 miles long and runs between the towns of Banks and Vernonia. The Westside Trail follows a different route: it covers six miles, is mostly continuous and extends from the Tigard city limits to Tualatin Hills Nature Park. Check route conditions before setting out.

The Hagg Lake Loop Trail is another option for mountain bikers and hikers. It is approximately 14 miles long and designated for hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers. Seasonal closures and trail conditions may change, so check before setting out. This lets you choose a route based on your preferred activity and the stated distance, without treating these different trails as interchangeable options.

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 in Washington County and the city of Forest Grove. As the route description comes from the county’s transportation system plan, check current route conditions before your ride.

On the Water

Swimming is possible in Henry Hagg Lake. There are no lifeguards, so check water conditions before swimming. The lake is also of interest to anglers: it is stocked with rainbow trout, and is also home to largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch and cutthroat trout. Stocking plans may change.

The Rock Creek Regional Trail ends at Rood Bridge Park, where the Tualatin River Regional Water Trail begins. The park also offers seasonal shore access for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and boats up to 15 feet long that are transported on car roofs. Check the latest information about this seasonal access before planning your trip.

Architecture and History

Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals combines architectural history with a wooded setting: the main building is surrounded by 23 acres of woodland and is Oregon’s first Mid-Century-style ranch house 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; its grounds include a cemetery with the graves of pioneer settlers. David Hill Vineyards & Winery offers another historical connection: its current tasting room is in a farmhouse built in 1883 on the Rueter family homestead. These two places tell their stories through a church building and a historic farmhouse.

Discover More Destinations

Beaverton, Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Aloha, Tigard, Durham, Tualatin, North Plains, Gaston, Sherwood

For the broader travel overview: Oregon.