Wildlife Preserve
Tualatin Hills Nature Park is a remarkable 222-acre wildlife preserve situated in the heart of Beaverton, Oregon. Nestled where Cedar Mill Creek and Beaverton Creek converge, the park offers a diverse array of habitats, including wetlands, forests, ponds, and streams. Its extensive trail system, totaling five miles, features approximately 1.5 miles of paved paths, complemented by well-maintained trails with wooden walkways designed to traverse the wetland areas.
During an overcast, sometimes rainy day, the park presented an extraordinary spectacle of reflections. The still waters of the ponds and creeks mirrored their surroundings with striking clarity. The lack of any significant breeze contributed to the mesmerizing, almost exact, and highly photogenic reflections.
Reflections
Song Sparrow
Boardwalk
Lily Ponds
I embarked on a four-mile loop hike, and the trail names themselves were quite descriptive, including Oak, Creek, Old Wagon, Vine Maple, Big Fir, Cougar, Chickadee, Cedar Grove, Ash, Serviceberry, Big Pond, Trillium Loop, and Ponderosa Loop. The lily ponds, creeks, and marshes were particularly enjoyable, making for a truly pleasant outdoor experience.
Reflections
Reflections
Owls!
Vireo
Reflections
Song Sparrow
Mature Doug Firs lining the trail in places
Hi John! Beautiful photos and narrative as always. This is one of my favorite parks to explore. It amazes me that this is in the middle of an urban area next to a Max line and a stones throw from the Nike campus. Towering trees, lush riparian and wetland habitat, and active restoration with the plantings and large wood placement. We have a few priority weeds we treat there, actually will be sending a crew out soon. Thanks for all that you do and keep exploring natural areas and sharing about them. Enjoy your weekend! 😊☮️🌻
Thanks. It is a nice urban oasis.
I love the photos. It took me back to early childhood in Redmond before we moved to Omak. I spent nearly all my time outdoors, ponds, forests, and wildlife were a normal and comforting daily experience. Your photos took me there to that peace and calm of my outdoor life.
Thanks for the kind words Sandy. It’s a nice place to visit.