In true Portland fashion, we took the Hike of the Month and we put a bird on it — well, several actually. On a crisp March morning at Cooper Mountain Nature Park , we stretched our legs, observing darting Anna’s hummingbirds, noisy Steller’s jays + and one sleepy barred owl.
Quick facts
- Starting point: Cooper Mountain Nature Park , 18892 SW Kemmer Rd., Beaverton
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Distance: 2.1 miles (varies depending on path)
- Route type: Trail network
- Elevation gain: ~324 ft.
- Trail surface: Dirt
- Wheelchair accessible: Only at Cooper Mountain Nature House
- Open: Dawn to dusk, year round
- Dog friendly: No
Brief overview
This 230-acre park overlooks the Tualatin River Valley, treating you to views of the Chehalem Mountains on the horizon. There, Metro + Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District work together to restore habitat, monitor wildlife, maintain hiking trails, and provide nature education programs for people of all ages. Ample parking, bathrooms, and a nature-inspired playground are also on site.
Why you should try it
Walking the paths takes you on a journey through diverse environments, starting in conifer forest before opening up to untouched prairie and then oak woodlands; it feels like there’s something new to discover around every corner. Native plants like Oregon grape and red-flowering currant are abundant, adding splashes of color among the greenery. Keep your eyes low for blooming wildflowers , and of course critters.
Pro tip
Dispersed around the park are structures that look like oversized gramophones, but they’re not for playing music. Instead, they are pointed at bird hotspots — place your ear on the listening end, and if you’re lucky, birdsongs, chirps + trills will be amplified for your enjoyment.
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