Check out the best outdoor activities near Holt Homes' communities
Do you mildly panic when the summer starts winding down and you can feel that your days of swimming and kayaking on the lake are numbered? Was that a pumpkin latte that person was carrying? Oh, the dread! Luckily, when the temps move into the 70s, it is prime time to get outside and enjoy the Pacific Northwest's best trails and parks!
Our communities in Washington and Oregon are near some of the most amazing forests and landscapes, with jaw-droppingly beautiful views. Welcome to the season of hiking and biking adventures! Read on to find your new favorite outdoor spots.
Tualatin Hills Nature Park
Glide along easy nature trails on your bike or explore the beautiful hiking paths at Tualatin Hills Nature Park, located in the Portland metro area! This 222-acre park in Beaverton offers eight truly accessible trailheads, each leading you through mossy-covered forests and wetlands with an incredible variety of wildlife.
The trails are lined with soft ferns and ancient Douglas firs, maples, and dogwoods towering above you. You may see little rough-skinned newts or even spot a rare northern pygmy owl hidden in the lush trees! With mostly flat trails and some paved sections, it's perfect for adventuring in any weather. Enjoy trails guided by the songs of over 100 bird species—bike or hike at the Tualatin Hills Nature Park today!
Additional Tips:
● Best Time to Visit: Any time of year is great, with new things to experience each season.
● Accessibility: Awesome for all skill levels, including families and those with mobility needs.
Latourell Falls Loop Trail
Latourell Falls is a bit of a best-kept secret but an absolute favorite for locals in the Portland Metro area. Near some of the more touristy parts of the Columbia Gorge, this gem has one of the most stunning waterfalls you’ll find. The Lower Latourell Falls Loop is perfect for the casual hiker and only takes 2.5 miles, making it a very family-friendly outing.
From the minute you step onto the trail, you know you are somewhere special, with the sound of the waterfall as you breathe in the fresh air. You can see the 224 ft. waterfall at a distance for almost the entire hike. When you reach the falls, you can dip your toes in the pool below and feel the refreshing mist of water. For a hike with truly magical views, this is the place to go!
Additional Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: In the morning to avoid crowds.
- Parking: Can be limited, so arrive early!
Willamette Mission State Park
This park nestled in the Mid-Willamette Valley may just have it all. This spot, thick with trees, seasonal wildflowers, and natural beauty, is popular for its bike path and 16 miles of nature trails. Another cool part of the park is its equestrian paths, where visitors love to ride horses through the meadows and tranquil forests.
The park is especially fantastic for picnics, with three covered kitchen areas with benches, running water, and barbecues for rent. In the picnic area, there are large walnut trees where you are welcome to come walnut picking in the fall. In the mood for a game of golf? The Wheatland Disc Golf Course has 18 holes and is located in a relaxing hazelnut grove.
Whether you're biking around the Willamette River, exploring the trails, enjoying a family barbecue in the park, or picking walnuts, you’ll find countless ways to enjoy yourself at the Willamette Mission Park.
Additional Tips:
● Best Time to Visit in Fall: September and October are especially fantastic for experiencing the park’s vibrant fall colors and crisp weather.
● Parking: There’s plenty of parking near the main trailheads and picnic areas, but it can get busy on weekends. Arriving early is a good idea to snag a spot.
McDowell Creek Falls Trail
Experience truly magical views on the McDowell Creek Falls trail in the Mid-Willamette Valley. The trail you take through the woodlands is an easy 1.5-mile hike that leads you to two different cascading waterfalls. There are places to stop along the way for a delicious picnic, where you can hear the sounds of the roaring waterfalls as you lunch!
Making your way through the sword ferns, you’ll be surrounded by an impressive variety of trees, such as mossy big-leaf maples, red alder, western red cedar, and grand fir. The first waterfall you’ll visit on the loop is the three-tiered 120 ft. stunner, Royal Terrace Falls. Next, you can wander past wild grapes, red huckleberry, salal berries, thimbleberry, and blackberry on your way to Majestic Falls, a 40 gorgeous ft. waterfall.
With the magic of nature all around you and jaw-dropping waterfalls, you are sure to have a day to remember at McDowell Creek Falls.
Additional Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall is great for seeing the park's beautiful plants and trees. Fall is also a lovely time for colorful leaves.
- Trail Conditions: Remember to wear sturdy shoes, as some sections of the trail can be muddy, especially after rain.
Rogue River Greenway Trail
The Rogue River Greenway Trail, located in Southern Oregon, is a mostly paved trail, offering you a smooth 30-mile bike ride along the incredible Rogue River! The trail has been imagined for many uses and is also a lovely place to walk and jog, with some options to be on unpaved ground as well.
Imagine yourself biking or strolling along the river for miles and miles, wind in your hair and greenery all around you! Breathe in the delightful smells of ponderosa pine and incense cedar as you journey and take in your surroundings. You’ll see wild grapes ripe for the picking in the early fall, beautiful weeping willow trees, and even have the pleasure of passing by a monarch butterfly garden.
With lots to experience as you journey alongside the flowing water of the Rogue River, spending time on this trail will be just the sort of relaxing yet energizing day you need!
Additional Tips:
- Hiking during the Fall: The trail is beautiful year-round, but fall offers particularly colorful leaves and ripe wild grapes to enjoy.
- Seasonal Considerations: Prepare for cooler temperatures and occasional rain during fall time, and bring layers to stay comfortable.
Lower Table Rock Trail
Do you crave a unique hiking adventure with mountain peaks? Then you will love this popular horseshoe-shaped trail that takes you through mixed terrain in Southern Oregon. The hike is fairly easy, with an elevation level of 800 feet. The trail gives you a feeling of wandering under a big open sky, with each stretch offering different trees and wildlife to experience.
Adventuring through, keep your eyes peeled for blue-bellied lizards scurrying by! You will be met by oak savanna, madrone, white-leaf, and manzanita, and you may hear the echoing caws of redwing blackbirds soaring above you or even spot a turkey vulture!
When you reach the top, you’ll marvel at the panoramic view at this height! You will see vineyards and farms below, with a spectacular view of Mount McLoughlin, making this day trip well worth the journey.
Additional Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are the best for hiking Lower Table Rock, offering mild weather and clear views.
- Safety: When you reach the top of Lower Table Rock, the cliff is a steep drop, so be sure to use caution and not get too close to the edge!
Lacamas Regional Park
Lacamas Regional Park, located in SW Washington, is filled to the brim with 312 acres of scenic woods and fun outdoor activities! You’ll find wonderful areas to picnic with table areas scattered about and many hikes and nature walks to explore. The gentle waters of Lacamas Lake are a main attraction and are great for a day of fishing or water activities during the summer.
The park has 6 miles of trails to explore, one of the most popular being the Loop-to-Loop trail. This is a fabulous 2.5 mile trail that goes around Lacamas Lake, allowing you to watch the water as you walk amongst the forest. The trails are all excellent for those of you who love birding! You may see ospreys, bald eagles, and a ton of other migrating birds. Pothole Falls Trail is another one to definitely check out for a lovely 3.5 mile hike along Lacamas Creek that leads to a waterfall!
Come explore Lacamas Regional Park for a day of variety and adventure!
Additional Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall have pleasant temps that are ideal for enjoying the park’s trails and birdwatching.
- Wildlife Watching: Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times for spotting wildlife. Look out for deer, beavers, and various birds.
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Looking for a peaceful escape to breathe in the fresh air? Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, located in SW Washington, is great for a serene day of unplugging and connecting with nature.
There are 5 different trails that are great for leisurely walks and bike riding. When you explore the Refuge, you’ll experience wetlands, prairies, and woodlands where you’ll be surrounded by tall Douglas firs, graceful willows, and vibrant cottonwoods. A great trail to try on your visit is the 4.5 mile River ‘S’ Trail, which winds through wetland areas and is rich with wildlife. This path takes you close to Lake River's edge, where you may encounter playful little sea otters swimming about! As you explore, you will also more than likely run into an exciting number of birds, such as majestic bald eagles, great blue herons, and colorful wood ducks.
With stunning views throughout the year, you’ll enjoy visiting any season for relaxing days immersed in nature.
Additional Tips:
- Different Trails to Explore: For a shorter, easy walk through the wetlands, try the 1.5 mile Carty Trail. It offers beautiful views and the chance to see a variety of bird species up close.
- Seasonal Wildlife: Visit in late winter or early spring for the best chances to see the many migrating birds that pass through the refuge.
Mount Rainier National Park
Located in the South Puget Sound region, Mount Rainier National Park is hands down one of the most magnificent places to experience in Washington. The mountain sits at the center of the park and is a glacial covered live volcano that can be seen hundreds of miles away. The park is also home to mesmerizing waterfalls, old growth forests, and lakes. There are tons of trails for the more adventurous, and plenty that are great for those of you who prefer shorter hikes that still have amazing views.
Where to adventure first? Check out the entrance to the park called Paradise! In Paradise, there are many popular hikes to choose from. Go on the short 0.5 mile trail that leads you to Myrtle Falls, a 60 ft. waterfall that cascades over the rocks in a lovely intertwined pattern. Or for stunning panoramic mountain views, go on the Skyline trail to Panorama Point.
When you come to Mount Rainier National Park, be prepared to be wowed. There really is not one foot of this land that isn't breathtaking to behold!
Additional Tips:
- Wildlife Watching: The park is home to black bears, mountain goats, and a variety of birds! The best time to catch them in action is the early morning and early evening.
- Prepare for the Weather: Autumn weather at Mount Rainier can fluctuate. While the days are often pleasant, be sure to dress in layers just in case.
Sumner Link Trail
The Sumner Link Trail is an 8 mile path located in the South Puget Sound region that allows you to wind through the Sumner Valley along the White River, shaded by big, lovely trees. The trail has smooth asphalt and mostly flat ground, making it perfect for a relaxing walk or bike ride. Dragonflies zoom around the water, and otters can often be spotted floating on by.
As you walk or ride along the trail, you’ll go over a rustic wooden bridge and a metal grated bridge, where you will be able to watch the rushing water below. The Sumner Link Trail also features workout stations and benches for breaks, as well as picnic tables, adding to this family-friendly and thoughtfully designed route, perfect for an outing all year long.
Additional Tips:
- Parking: There is usually tons of parking available at the main trailhead.
- Seasonal Highlights: In spring, enjoy the blooming wildflowers, and in fall, watch for salmon swimming upstream in the river.
Conclusion
Summer has passed, but we are entering the perfect season for biking, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors! Our Washington and Oregon communities are near the most beautiful parks and trails for you to hike, bike, and connect with nature. Enjoy your time chasing waterfalls, wandering through lush forests, and walking along beautiful lakes and rivers. Dress for the elements, pack a picnic, and go enjoy your day!
*All selections subject to change depending on availability
Posted: Oct 08. 2024