The McGloughlin Promenade is one of my favorite spots in the Portland metro area. The promenade…read moreoffers gorgeous views of Oregon City that change seasonally, and allows visitors an opportunity to learn about the city's history through signage and information kiosks. The stretch overlooking Willamette Falls near the VFW parking lot is my favorite, boasting stunning views of Willamette Falls. In addition, the pollinator garden with lavender, poppies and other colorful flowers makes my heart skip a beat in the spring and early summer months. There's no better site in town for an impromptu picnic or an afternoon stroll.

An unexpectedly cool, somewhat shady walkway along the top of the ridge overlooking the Willamette…read moreRiver and Willamette Falls. I parked on High St, and accessed the Prom from the backside (via an alley), or take the Municipal Elevator to the top and hang a right to get onto the Promenade. Walking south/west toward the Falls, you'll pass a couple of benches, little pocket parks and several overlooks, all great spots to stop and take it all in. All in all, a short but pretty enjoyable stroll with nice views.

Came here for the first hike '26. The hike started at the Guy Talbot park area. Got confused as I…read morewas up at the Latourell Falls parking lot. It's a short hike from the park area to the waterfall. The Ranger had a lot of info on the family that started the area. It was cold and a little misty. Not a lot of views of the Columbia or the waterfall from the park but it's secluded and would be fun to picnic at.

This park includes Latourell Falls, which is/are such a gem (you can see my 2018 rotd for deets) --…read moreI'll even say it again: BETTER than Multnomah! There's a small lot off hwy 30 with pathways up and down to two different loop hikes (long and short, respectively) and all also a lower picnic area with street parking if the top lot is full. Did not see that a $5 state park day use pass was required, and there was no place to purchase one anyway. Restrooms currently closed (Jan 2021).

Great relatively flat walking loop, about 20 minutes. Lots of shade and different walking grounds.read more

This is a rather small wooded area that dodged at least one proposal to convert it to soccer…read morefields, and has been set aside as a nature park. The trails are basically in a large loop, with a long, medium and short loop possible. Some trails will be quite muddy after rain. Nature buffs (not including naturists in the buff) will enjoy the birds, especially spring and summer. All in all, it's a nice little spot for those in the area -- I'm not sure it's worth the effort to visit if you live on the other side of PDX.

A cool park tucked away from traffic. Has a nice grass field and is next to the river.read more

Tucked away right off the main street in Canby, behind Safeway and Starbucks, is a small river/pond…read morepark. I didn't see anyone fishing in the pond. But as soon as you drive in becareful it is one way in the same way out. A lot of young kids come here to play in the Molalla River. It is a one-way once you come in. The bathrooms are within walking distance, but driving distance (again one way) is another way to go. The bathrooms were clean and 2 available. There are picnic areas and a good little walk/hike around the park. We met my nieces up at the lake to soak up some sun and spend some time together. Great place for teaching, skipping rocks, or catching and releasing tadpoles! My sons first experience, and he got really good. I've been informed that this place gets super packed when school is put for summer, and there are a handful of kids around. I also saw them riding boogie boards and a kayak. There was a family who came down to fish but didn't seem like they caught anything. The water is super cold until your body gets used to it. Definitely recommend flip-flops. Rocks are a bit rough in the feet!

I love this park especially in the summer. There is a good size parking lot, the restrooms are…read moreclean and it is just off the beaten path. There is a nice playground, basketball court and baseball field. I like the loop walking trail along the river that has signage so that you learn about the things that are cool to the area. Like the meteorite. It was a rainy day today but there were still a few people enjoying the walking trail.

A beautiful little oasis, with a slice of Main Street USA.....This lovely small park rests between…read moreWillamette Falls Dr and the Tualatin River. There are little league fields, a place to fish or watch the water, trails to walk your dog, neighborhood garden..what else could you possibly want? Pay a visit, if even for 15 minutes, to transport yourself into a small town park

Beautiful trail through nature anytime of the year, but absolutely stellar mid to late April and…read moreMay when the field's namesake, the blue camas, are in bloom and and along with other wildflowers, blanket the fields I'm soft shades of blue, pink, purple and yellow. It's spectacular! There are lots of other wildflowers, too, so keep your eyes out for the many tiny varieties. There's pink sea blush, western yellow buttercup, Oregon grape, pink purslane, trillium (even plum colored ones,) saxifrages and more. I even spotted a handful of white camas amongst the thousands of blue. It's a gorgeous walk, immersed in nature, with birds chirping, bees doing their pollinating thing, butterflies, squirrels, hummingbirds, and even turkey vultures flying above. There are also osprey. Its's an easy trail, .8 miles if you stay in the main loop. With just slight elevation in a few places and sometimes narrow areas, the vast majority of people, including kids, will find it an easy, pleasant walk. The trail itself is dirt and wood chips, and definitely some rocks and basalt in places, with wooden planks guiding you through the pastel wildflower prairies. However, if you require a cane or walker, this trail can be challenging in some parts. I'm using a cane due to labral tear, and the few places where there were slightly steep rocky paths, I waited until a passerby came by and asked for assistance. Fortunately fellow hikers were kind and happy to lend a hand or shoulder. There was a group of four with walkers and canes and they only made it a third of the way and had to turn back. In some parts the path is too narrow or too steep for a walker. The nature reserve is at the end of a neighborhood street so on a weekend in April or May when wildflowers are in bloom, parking is challenging. Definitely go on a weekday if your schedule permits. There is a porta potty on site. And a volunteer on the path should you have any questions about the wildlife and plants you encounter. Dogs are not allowed.

I love this hidden gem of a nature park! My family has come here to see the spring camas and…read moreseablush show a few times now, and we have a great time. Need to know: One-way trail, loop but connects to the high school and wilderness trail too Steep incline at beginning Can be muddy fall to spring Great signage Lots of Oregon natives Sensitive habitat, so stay on trail! Great views Yakima basalt formations Parking is extremely limited, and the reason I removed one star

The funny thing about dwelling outside of Portland is sometimes you feel like you have to apologize…read morefor not living in the 'city.' Because obviously, all the coolest stuff must be in Portland, right? Just like some New Yorkers can't understand why you'd ever leave the island of Manhattan. So the other day, I had such a swell of pride for one of my favorite burbs and I felt sorry for Portlanders that couldn't be where I was that very minute... in Wilsonville. Years ago, the Magness family donated property to the World Forestry Center. The 80 acre property is now a demonstration forest and outdoor education site. It was my first visit, but my kids have been coming here once or twice a year for school field trips and scout activities. Once you leave I-5, it only takes a couple minutes to pass the stores and subdivisions before you are in the country. Beautiful country filled with hazelnut orchards and horse farms as you drive along the Willamette River. Then you start heading up into the hills. My moment of ahhh was when I crested a hill and all of Oregon seemed to be laid out before me... Mt. Hood was just one star in the show. A visit to the tree farm is free and they offer a guided tour every Sunday at 2:00p. But my guys were going there for overnight camping in the log cabins. Yurts are wonderful, but they aren't nearly as cool as a log cabin! (see pics) Bare bones with triple bunks toward the ceiling - perfect for a group of boys on an adventure. They have covered shelters and a fire pit all arranged around an open field. If you decide to rent the structures you have several options. Please note that the basic option contains no bathrooms (just port-a-potties) or running water, so this may be more rustic than many are comfortable with. Also, there is no heat in the cabins so camping in February was chilly. But I left hearing the sounds of boys whooping and yelling as they ran across fields, leapt over ravines and got ready to make dinner (themselves) and go on a snipe hunt. And you know s'mores and campfire stories would soon follow. So Magness might not be your thing, but come on Portlanders, live a little, and take a day trip somewhere outside the city limits.

I have been going here since I was just a little girl. My family used to rent out the cabins in the…read moresummer and I have pictures of me in the cabins dating back to 1999. This place holds a special place in my heart! So peaceful. Such a great place to go for a walk. You can tell the owners care so much about it as do I. Hope to see it opening back up soon!

This is a great hike! There are some steep areas but if you're in the right shoes it's o problem.read more

I've driven past this park a thousand times to and from Lake Oswego along the Stafford corridor. My…read morefocus has usually been on the large homes dotting the hillside and didn't realize there were two nature preserves on the hill. Cooks Butte Nature Park is primarily accessed by local residents at four trailheads so parking is minimal at the entrances. The lower entrance also grants you access to Stevens Meadows which is 20 acres of green space, largely undeveloped, and no dogs are permitted. However Cooks Butte has a well maintained trail system full of dense trees, Oregon grape, and trillium and four legged friends are welcome on leash. Be prepared for a climb. Cooks Butte reminds me of a smaller version of the mighty Tryon Park on the other side of Lake Oswego. However, Tryon with its variety of wide trails and (mainly) flat trails is definitely more family friendly. Cooks Butte is more nature preserve, in this case an attempt to reestablish a forest after clear cutting, and doesn't offer many recreational activities or scenic views other than an enjoyable hike. And did I mention the hills? Up, up, up along a switchback trail, or down, down, down along a fire trail. Along the way you'll see a few water towers (tagged with origami flowers, 'cuz even the graffiti is high end in LO) and enjoy a natural landscape. Nice to see a different part of the city, but not one of Lake Oswego's best destinations. Note: The map marker was incorrect, so I've submitted an update.