BEST FULL-DAY EXCURSION
Located less than an hour from downtown Portland, Henry Hagg Lake and Scoggins Valley Park (Trails Map) features more than 14 miles of easy to moderate multi-use trails that loop around the man-made reservoir. The loop includes short, technical sections with climbs and descents.
Whether you and your dog plan to hike the entire loop or explore the short stretches in between day-use areas, the level trail will lead you through old-growth forests and lush wildflower fields with sweeping views of Hagg Lake. The beautiful landscape offers ideal spots to stop and enjoy a picnic with your pup.
In addition to trails, the park offers many recreational opportunities, including disc golf, boating, fishing and swimming.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 13.6 miles (trail segments range from 0.6 miles to 3.1 miles)
Elevation Gain: 520 to 1,450 feet
Time Commitment: 30 minutes to 5.5 hours (depending on trail)
Surface: Dirt/Gravel (2 miles on paved path)
Restrooms: Yes
Picnic Area: Yes
ADA Accessible: No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Drive Time from Portland: 45 minutes
Parking: $7 ($5 for 55+ and veterans)
Pro tip: Trails may get muddy during rainy seasons (March-May and October-November)
Brew Spots: Grab a bite and a local craft brew at Forage Grove Food Hall and Taproom, which features wine from Pelagic Brewing and cider from Bull Run Cider. Enjoy a bite and a brew with your furry friend on the outdoor patio.
BEST RIVERWALK
Nestled in a heavily forested canopy, the Tualatin River Greenway Trail closely follows the river while offering access to several meandering side trails. This beautifully maintained path features a mix of paved and natural surfaces. The trail seamlessly connects Jurgens Park, Cook Family Park, and Durham City Park, granting easy access to restrooms, water fountains and picnic areas. Along the way, hikers can step back in time on the Ice Age Interactive Trail, a unique segment that physically maps out the geological history of the ancient Ice Age Floods.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 82 feet
Time Commitment: 1-1.5 hours
Surface: Paved/Natural
ADA Accessible: Yes (paved section only)
Restrooms: Yes
Picnic Area: Yes
Parking: Yes (at Jurgens Park, Cook Family Park and Durham City Park)
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Drive Time from Portland: 30 minutes
Pro Tip: Trail gets crowded on weekends; best time to hike the trail are weekday mornings.
Brew Spot: With 28 taps of craft brews, Stickmen Brewing serves up the ultimate post-hike reward.
BEST “HIDDEN GEM” TRAIL
Located in the Chehalem Mountains, one of the Willamette Valley’s wine growing regions and Tualatin Valley’s southern border, the 1,260-acre Chehalem Ridge Nature Park (Trail Map) offers an easy to moderately challenging hike.
With 10 miles of multi-use trails, three miles of paved and accessible trails combine with more than seven miles of unpaved, gravel surfaces. The park is home to multiple habitats, including upland forests, oak woodlands and wetlands and has some of the most picturesque and impressive views of the Tualatin Valley.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10 miles (out-and-back); trail segments range from 0.2 miles to 1.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Time Commitment: 2-2.5 hours
Surface: Partially paved; gravel
ADA Accessible: Yes (paved portion only)
Restrooms: Yes
Picnic Area: Yes
Dogs Allowed: No
Drive Time from Portland: 45 minutes
Brew Spots: Venture into Forest Grove to Waltz Brewing for a pint of locally produced craft brews. Cool down with a cool brew on the dog-friendly patio.
Next time you are looking to spend some quality time outdoors, take in the sights while hiking in Tualatin Valley’s natural beauty. Looking for accessible trails?
Find us on The Outbound and explore our outdoors.
