Tualatin Hills Nature Park
A serene urban oasis with diverse trails, abundant wildlife, and an engaging Nature Center for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers and migrating birds
Tualatin Hills Nature Park
Best Time
Wildflowers and migrating birds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene urban oasis with diverse trails, abundant wildlife, and an engaging Nature Center for all ages.
"This Nature Park is the most wonderful place for a pleasant trail walk!"
👟 Muddy Trails Alert!
Dirt trails get muddy in winter/spring. Wear waterproof boots or stick to paved paths.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Leave your furry friends at home; this park is a no-dog zone to protect wildlife.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nature Center & Museum
Main Entrance
Discover local flora and fauna, and learn about the park's ecosystem. Bathrooms available.
Vine Maple Trail
Paved Trail
An accessible, paved path perfect for leisurely strolls and spotting migrating ducks.
Oak Trail Boardwalk
Wooden Boardwalk
Experience the wetlands up close on this scenic boardwalk, ideal for photographers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette & Footwear
Wildlife Viewing Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tualatin Hills Nature park recently came into some money and they’re taking suggestions for how to spend it.
👟 Muddy Trails Alert!
Dirt trails get muddy in winter/spring. Wear waterproof boots or stick to paved paths.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Leave your furry friends at home; this park is a no-dog zone to protect wildlife.
Run path
Hey all, my fiance and I could use some help.
🗺️ Grab a Map
Park maps are available at the entrance to help you navigate the many trails.
🦉 Best for Birding
Migrating ducks in fall/winter, various songbirds year-round. Bring binoculars!
Favorite parks for running/walking?
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Muddy Trails Alert!
Dirt trails get muddy in winter/spring. Wear waterproof boots or stick to paved paths.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Leave your furry friends at home; this park is a no-dog zone to protect wildlife.
🗺️ Grab a Map
Park maps are available at the entrance to help you navigate the many trails.
🦉 Best for Birding
Migrating ducks in fall/winter, various songbirds year-round. Bring binoculars!
🐌 Look for Slugs & Newts
Keep an eye out for the park's famous banana slugs and rough-skinned newts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Tualatin Hills Nature Park for its well-maintained trails, diverse wildlife, and educational Nature Center. It's a peaceful escape with accessible paths for all, though some dirt trails can get muddy in wet seasons. The park's commitment to nature and community programs makes it a beloved local gem.
"This local small park is home to many birds that we won't out on our hikes in nature unless we look for them.
-
Nature Center with bathrooms inside, nice museum inside the Nature Center too. Bathrooms outside the center open everyday.
-
Large parking lot at main entrance with picnic tables in one area close to Nature Center.
-
Staff are very accommodating.
-
There is a nice large map and map brochures to guide visitors through the park.
-
There are 2 main ponds with Beaverton Creek connecting one of them. In the mid to late fall the migrating diving ducks return and leave sometime in March.
-
There are plenty of Trails such as;
The Vine Maple Trail (paved)
Oak Trail (paved & wooden boardwalk)
Big Fir Trail - dirt
Ponderosa Trail - dirt
Owl Trail - dirt
Old Wagon Trail - dirt & boardwalk
Mink Trail - dirt
Trillium Loop Trail - dirt
Ash Loop Trail - dirt
Chicadee Loop Trail - dirt
Tadpole Pond Trail - dirt
-
You will encounter walkers/hikers, birders, photographers, runners, children educational groups, families and cyclists on the paved trails.
-
This park has 2 ponds (1 is near the Big Fir Trail / boardwalk - the other is near the Vine Maple Trail )
-
Typical species of birds here?
Woodpeckers
Robins / Thrush
Spotted Towhee
Sparows
Jays
Red Tail Hawk
Coopers Hawk
Barred Owl
Great Horned Owl
Sapsuckers
Nuthatch / Brown Creeper
Vario
Bush Tits
Crow
Northern Flicker
-
There are squirrel here;
.
Fox Squirrel
Eastern Grey Squirrel
Douglas Squirrel
-
Black Tailed Deer
Mink (rare)
Long Tailed Weasel (rare)
Coyote (rare)
Brush Rabbit
-
The park is well known for banana slugs and the Rough Skinned Newt.
-
There are lots of mushrooms out there and other fungi.
-
Some areas get pretty muddy in the winter months so if you plan to go onto the dirt trails after it has been raining you will encounter mud and water.
-
NO DOGS ALLOWED!!
HAVE FUN OUT THERE, IT IS A SUPER PARK :)"
Peter Disbury
"Love this place. Very well taken care of. Trails for everyone. This place can get busy. But i see why. Clean restrooms. Native plants for sale, loved that. Information center for learning about animals to plants. These trails were beautiful. The smells were real. I could hug a big tree and lay in an lily garden. I did see some squirrels but I was also walking fast and listen to a podcast. I walked 3 miles. I had to go twice around. But I'm sure with all the trails opened (closed for repairs) you could easily do a 2 mile loop. I'm going back to do it again"
Candy H
"The last day of our week in Portland (10/14/25) and we came across this wonderful park. What a find! Wonderfully maintained trails. We walk the trails and before we knew it, it was 2 hours later! Not real busy for a Tuesday midday. Lovely end to our vacation. I was so busy taking photos, I didn't notice that my eyeglasses fell off my head until we got back to the car.
While at the airport the next day, my husband suggested I send and email to THNP and maybe someone turn them in. By that afternoon I received emails and a phone call. By Saturday I had received my eyeglasses in the mail.
I would like to give a huge THANK YOU to the person that found them and turned them in. Also, a THANK YOU Greg C., Aimee N. and the staff at THNP. Kindness is still among us these days."
Terri Garcia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is accessible by car, with a large parking lot at the main entrance. Public transportation options may be available; check local transit schedules. Some Reddit users suggested improving access from nearby roads.
Yes, there is a large parking lot available at the main entrance, conveniently located near the Nature Center and picnic areas.
Yes, biking is permitted on the paved trails. The park is a great destination for a leisurely bike ride.
The main entrance offers the most amenities, including the Nature Center and ample parking. Some users have suggested improving other entrances for better accessibility.
The paved trails and boardwalks are generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, making it a good option for visitors with mobility challenges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Tualatin Hills Nature Park is a public park and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to explore!
The park grounds are typically open from dawn until dusk. The Nature Center has specific operating hours, which may vary.
There is no admission fee to enter Tualatin Hills Nature Park. Enjoy the natural beauty for free!
Yes, the park often hosts educational classes and family-friendly events, including 'Park After Dark' programs. Check their official schedule for details.
Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. While reservations aren't typically required, arriving early is recommended during peak times.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a variety of trails, including paved paths (Vine Maple Trail), wooden boardwalks (Oak Trail), and unpaved dirt trails (Big Fir, Ponderosa, Owl, Old Wagon, Mink, Trillium, Ash, Chicadee, Tadpole Pond).
You can spot numerous bird species, squirrels, chipmunks, black-tailed deer, and if you're lucky, mink or weasels. The park is also known for its banana slugs and rough-skinned newts.
Yes, there are restrooms available inside the Nature Center, and additional outdoor restrooms are open daily.
Absolutely! The diverse trails, ponds, wildlife, and seasonal foliage make it a fantastic spot for nature photography.
Kids can enjoy the Nature Center, explore the various trails, and participate in educational programs and camps. There are also playgrounds and sports facilities nearby.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park has picnic tables available for visitors to enjoy their own food. There are no restaurants or cafes within the park itself.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at the designated picnic areas.
Yes, the park is located in a suburban area with various dining options available in nearby Beaverton and Tigard.
Typically, alcohol is not permitted in public parks. It's best to check the park's specific regulations regarding alcohol consumption.
Barbecue grills are usually not provided, and open fires may be restricted. It's advisable to use the picnic tables for your meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The Oak Trail boardwalk offers great views of the wetlands, the ponds are excellent for bird photography, and the diverse trails provide opportunities for capturing wildlife and seasonal foliage.
You can photograph various bird species, squirrels, chipmunks, deer, and smaller creatures like banana slugs and newts. Keep an eye out for owls and hawks.
Yes, especially after rain, the park is known for its abundance of mushrooms and fungi, offering unique photographic subjects.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best natural light for photography, and these times also increase your chances of seeing wildlife.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and to protect wildlife. Check park regulations for specifics.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider attending one of the park's family-friendly programs or camps for an enhanced experience. While dirt trails can be muddy, the paved and boardwalk options ensure fun for everyone. Remember, dogs are not allowed, so plan accordingly for your pets.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Runners
Many visitors enjoy looping through the park multiple times to increase their mileage. The park's natural beauty and the chance to spot wildlife add an extra layer of enjoyment to your workout. Just remember to wear appropriate footwear, especially if venturing onto the unpaved paths.
📸 Nature Photographers
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best natural light. Be prepared for varying trail conditions; while paved paths are always accessible, dirt trails can be muddy, offering unique textures and reflections after rain. The Nature Center can also provide insights into seasonal photographic opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
Navigating the park is made easy with clear signage and available map brochures. Visitors can choose to stick to the main paved loops for a shorter, more accessible walk, or combine various trails for a longer excursion. The park's diverse terrain ensures that every visit can offer a new discovery, from dense woodlands to open grassy areas. Remember that dogs are not permitted, helping to maintain the natural tranquility and protect the park's inhabitants.
Wildlife Encounters
While sightings of rarer animals like mink, weasels, or coyotes are uncommon, the possibility adds an element of excitement to any visit. The Nature Center provides valuable information about the park's inhabitants, and staff are often happy to share insights. Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon generally increases your chances of encountering active wildlife.
The Nature Center Experience
Beyond its educational role, the Nature Center is a hub for community engagement. The park frequently hosts classes and workshops for all ages, from guided nature walks to 'Park After Dark' events, making it a fantastic resource for families and curious minds. The staff's kindness and helpfulness have been noted by visitors, with one reviewer even sharing a story of lost eyeglasses being returned thanks to their efforts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit