McKay Creek Greenway Trail - Image 1
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McKay Creek Greenway Trail

4.7
·288 reviews·Hillsboro, United States

A scenic paved greenway trail connecting neighborhoods, offering wildlife views and recreational opportunities like disc golf.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for peaceful walks.

CrowdLow
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McKay Creek Greenway Trail - Image 1

McKay Creek Greenway Trail

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for peaceful walks.

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic paved greenway trail connecting neighborhoods, offering wildlife views and recreational opportunities like disc golf.

4.7
(288 reviews)

"Well-kept trail, great for walks, runs, and spotting wildlife, though be mindful of flies!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Eye Protection

Tiny flies can swarm; glasses are recommended to keep them out of your eyes. :eyeglasses:

Check for Closures

Trail may be impassable due to high water in fall. Look for temporary signage. :warning:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Paved Greenway Path

Paved Greenway Path

A smooth, well-maintained paved trail perfect for walking, running, and biking through scenic meadows.

Reddit
Wildlife Spotting

Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for rabbits, deer, and even coyotes in their natural habitat along the trail.

Reddit
Disc Golf Course

Disc Golf Course

A popular disc golf course is integrated into the greenway, adding to the recreational atmosphere.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Trail Etiquette & Conditions

This paved greenway is popular with walkers, runners, and disc golfers. Be mindful of others and check for temporary closures due to high water, especially in fall. Reddit

Wildlife & Insect Awareness

Enjoy spotting rabbits, deer, and coyotes, but be prepared for swarms of tiny flies, especially near the creek. Consider wearing glasses to protect your eyes. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, ideal for peaceful walks.
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, good for photos.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Recommendations on running paths in and around Hillsboro

Wear Eye Protection

Tiny flies can swarm; glasses are recommended to keep them out of your eyes. Reddit :eyeglasses:

Check for Closures

Trail may be impassable due to high water in fall. Look for temporary signage. Reddit :warning:

reddit.com

Beginner hiking trail near Hillsboro?

reddit.com

Places to run 8+ miles in Hillsboro?

Good for Runners

Relatively flat and minimal traffic interruptions, ideal for longer runs. Reddit :runner:

Bring Water

No public restrooms available, so plan accordingly and stay hydrated. :droplet:

reddit.com

Favorite local parks to explore for quick trip

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Eye Protection

Tiny flies can swarm; glasses are recommended to keep them out of your eyes. Reddit :eyeglasses:

Check for Closures

Trail may be impassable due to high water in fall. Look for temporary signage. Reddit :warning:

Good for Runners

Relatively flat and minimal traffic interruptions, ideal for longer runs. Reddit :runner:

Bring Water

No public restrooms available, so plan accordingly and stay hydrated. :droplet:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(288 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the McKay Creek Greenway Trail for its well-maintained paved paths, making it ideal for walking, running, and biking. The opportunity to spot local wildlife is a highlight, though some note the presence of small flies and the lack of restrooms. Occasional high water closures in fall are a minor inconvenience. Reddit+2

"I had a pleasant afternoon exploring the trail system. The trails, bridges and boardwalks are well maintained. Plenty of signage along the trail makes it easy to navigate. The well-designed disc golf course seems popular"

Opinion Worth a Thought

"The trial is mainly cement and wooden bridge.... it's not a dirt trial therefore a hardcore hiker wouldn't enjoy much. There is no public restroom and there is a whole bunch of tiny flies flying in groups along the trail therefore I suggest wear a glasses before it gets into your eyes like it got into mine. Trail is clean with no trash littering. There's a small little creek flowing along the trial. There's people there playing or shooting disc golf."

The One You Hate

"Nice trail in town. It is located right by my company and I like taking walks during lunch. Some places with notices that trail maybe impassable due to high water. Looks like that sign is temporary for fall when it rains a lot
Spotted variety of animals during hikes: rabbit, deer, coyote"

Artem Metelskiy

What People Like

Well-maintained paved path
Wildlife spotting opportunities
Good for running/biking

What People Dislike

Swarming tiny flies
No public restrooms
Occasional high water

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trail connects various neighborhoods in Hillsboro, Oregon. Access points can be found throughout the city, often near residential areas and parks. Parking availability may vary by access point. Reddit

Parking availability can differ depending on the specific access point you choose. Some areas may have dedicated parking lots, while others might rely on street parking in adjacent neighborhoods. Reddit

While specific transit routes directly to trailheads might vary, Hillsboro is served by public transportation. Check local transit schedules for bus routes that may get you close to an access point. :bus:

Yes, the trail is paved and well-maintained, making it excellent for cycling. It's a popular route for both recreational riders and commuters. Reddit :bike:

The trail has plenty of signage along its length, making navigation easy. For more detailed planning, you might find local park maps online or through city resources. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the McKay Creek Greenway Trail is a public park and is free to access. Enjoy the natural beauty without any admission cost. :moneywithwings:

As a public greenway, the trail is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. Always be mindful of local park regulations regarding hours. :clock1:

There are no tickets or reservations required to use the McKay Creek Greenway Trail. It's open for public use. :ticket:

The main restriction to be aware of is potential temporary closures due to high water, especially during the fall rainy season. Always check for posted signs. Reddit :warning:

The trail is generally accessible year-round, but be aware of potential muddy conditions or high water during wetter months. Reddit :snowman:

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The trail is primarily paved cement with sections of wooden bridges and boardwalks. It's not a traditional dirt hiking trail. Reddit

Unfortunately, there are no public restrooms directly on the trail. It's advisable to use facilities before you start your walk or run. :toilet:

Visitors have reported spotting a variety of animals, including rabbits, deer, and coyotes. Reddit

The paved surface and generally flat terrain make the trail accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Reddit :wheelchair:

The trail is popular for walking, running, biking, and disc golf. Many people also enjoy simply relaxing and observing nature. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

Look for scenic views of the meadows, the creek, and the wooden bridges. Wildlife sightings also offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour lighting. Early mornings can also be serene with soft light and fewer people. :camerawithflash:

The various bridges and boardwalks over McKay Creek offer picturesque backdrops. The open meadows also provide lovely natural settings. :bridgeatnight:

Maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals. Be patient, as wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Reddit

Drone usage is typically regulated in public parks. Check local city ordinances and park rules regarding drone operation before flying. :aerial_tramway:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The McKay Creek Greenway Trail offers a safe and accessible environment for families. Its paved, flat surface is perfect for strollers and young children learning to ride bikes. The abundance of signage makes it easy to keep track of where you are, reducing parental stress. Reddit

While there are no restrooms directly on the trail, planning ahead with a picnic and ensuring kids use facilities before starting can make for a great outing. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife like rabbits and deer, which can be a fun educational experience for children. Reddit Just be mindful of the small flies and consider bringing hats or glasses for the little ones. Reddit

🏃‍♀️ Runners & Fitness Enthusiasts

For runners, the McKay Creek Greenway Trail is a fantastic option in Hillsboro. Its continuous paved path offers a smooth surface with minimal interruptions from traffic lights, making it ideal for logging miles. Reddit The relatively flat terrain is perfect for tempo runs or long-distance training. Reddit

It's a popular spot for both casual joggers and more serious runners, so you'll likely encounter others enjoying the same activity. Remember to bring your own water, as there are no water fountains or restrooms directly on the trail. Reddit The scenic views of meadows and the creek add a pleasant backdrop to your workout.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Greenway

The McKay Creek Greenway Trail is a well-signed, paved pathway designed for easy navigation. Its continuous nature makes it ideal for longer runs or bike rides without frequent interruptions from traffic lights or busy intersections. Reddit The Tualatin Parks and Recreation Department has maintained it beautifully, ensuring a pleasant experience for all users. Reddit

While the primary surface is paved cement, you'll also encounter charming wooden bridges and boardwalks that cross over the creek and marshy areas. This variety in scenery adds to the trail's appeal. However, it's important to note that this paved surface might not satisfy hardcore hikers looking for a more rugged, natural terrain. Reddit

Be aware that during the fall, especially after heavy rains, sections of the trail may become temporarily impassable due to high water. Look for posted signs indicating these closures. Reddit This is a crucial piece of information for planning your visit during wetter seasons.

Wildlife Encounters & Insect Preparedness

One of the joys of the McKay Creek Greenway Trail is the opportunity to observe local wildlife. Visitors have reported spotting a variety of animals, including rabbits, deer, and even coyotes, adding an element of natural discovery to your outing. Reddit

However, nature also comes with its less pleasant aspects. A common point of feedback is the presence of swarms of tiny flies, particularly noticeable along the creek. These can be quite bothersome and may even get into your eyes, as one reviewer experienced. Reddit To mitigate this, it's highly recommended to wear glasses or sunglasses to protect your eyes. Reddit

While the trail is generally clean with no littering, being prepared for these small flying insects is key to a more comfortable experience. Remember to also bring water, as there are no public restrooms available along the path. Reddit

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