It was a cool but sunny day in early December. A good time for us to hike in a nearby area. The Tualatin Hills Nature Park lies a few miles west of home in the heart of Beaverton. The 222-acre Park surrounds the confluence of Cedar Mill Creek and Beaverton Creek.

I was again impressed with the Nature Park. It is remarkably diverse with wetlands, forests, ponds and streams. There are five miles of trails with about 1.5 miles paved and the rest well-maintained paths with wooden walkways over the marshy areas.

We did a 4.5 mile loop hike. The trails’ names tell the story – – – Oak, Creek, Old Wagon, Vine Maple, Big Fir, Cougar, Chickadee, Cedar Grove, Ash, Serviceberry, Big Pond, Trillium Loop and Ponderosa Loop. The trails were in great shape and led to many fun viewing areas.

I enjoyed the lily ponds, creeks and marshes with their ducks and other waterfowl. The variety of trees were also amazing. Mature Ponderosa pines, ash, maple and Doug firs all along the trail. What a pleasant outing. A true thumbs-up adventure.

Inquisitive Fox Squirrel

Slippery boardwalk over a wetlands area

Jumpin’ Mallard Drake

Maple leaves in autumn color

Stellar Jay

Large Mushroom

Your humble scribe giving a thumbs up to the Park