It was a warm, cloudy day in early November, unseasonably warm by any measure. Clearly it was a good time to do the 4.2-mile loop hike in the Tualatin Hills Nature Park a few miles west of home in the heart of the city of Beaverton. The 222-acre Park surrounds the confluence of Cedar Mill Creek and Beaverton Creek.

It is a remarkably diverse wildlife preserve with wetlands, forests, ponds and streams. 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 highlight of the hike was spotting a garter snake curled up on a large maple leaf, trying to stay above the wet forest floor.

Always a pleasant place to visit.

Garter Snake attempting to stay dry

A Maple Leaf dressed in bright autumn colors

A pleasant portion of the hike

A Western Robin looking for a meal

Large fungus growing on the side of a tree

Snow Berries