Why You Should Visit Tualatin Hills Nature Park

In the heart of Beaverton, Oregon, sitting among the chaos of urban life, is the Tualatin Hills Nature Park. The park is on 222 acres that have been developed into a habitat mosaic; which is where multiple habitats blend together for animals that need more than one type. A visit to the park can start at the Interpretive Center.

The park's Interpretive Center has a lot of park information: brochures, maps, books, and gift items are just a few of the things you can find at the Interpretive Center. The center also has a variety of programs and classes available for those who wish to learn more about nature or maybe take in a fitness class among such beauty. There is something for everyone, but let's not forget the trails that surround the park.

The paths that surround the park, of which some of them are paved and some are not, is where you get to see the main reasons why most people come to the park. The sights consist of marshes, ponds, creeks, and forests, and that's only the beginning. Here are a few of the sections of the park.

The West Woods
This section is separated from the rest of the park by Beaverton Creek. Belted Kingfishers or red-breasted nuthatches can be observed among the western red cedar trees.

Big Pond
In this section great blue herons, turtles, beavers, muskrat, and nutria (which is like a water rat) can be observed.

Big Fir Woods
In this part, which is the most mature forest in the park, the pileated woodpecker and wrens are the main inhabitants of this shaded area.

Wildlife Preserve
This section of the park can be found via the Oak Trail that goes by the Cattail Marsh. This area is a sanctuary where animals can live undisturbed, and one can see the many birds that inhabit the area perhaps even a great horned owl.

The park does not charge admission fees to use the trails or visit the Interpretive Center unless you want to take a guided tour by an informative trail guide for which they charge a very reasonable group fee.

A visit to the park, whether you want to see wildlife, the many types of trees and flora, or just to jog or walk makes a trip to this nature park one well worth making the trip for.