Natural Areas

Lowami Hart Woods is one of more than 150 properties covering nearly 1,500 acres of natural area.

Lowami Hart Woods is one of more than 150 properties covering nearly 1,500 acres of natural area.

THPRD's Nature & Trails staff cares for about 1,500 acres of natural area at more than 150 sites within the district. The variety of habitats includes evergreen forests, sunny meadows, wetlands and stream corridors.

Nature & Trails staff oversees conservation and planning, weed removal, native plant installation, wildlife management and other tasks. Volunteers play a vital role, participating in the vast majority of improvement and restoration projects. Our nature education programs offer activities and events for all ages. We also acquire new conservation lands and have brought more than 100 acres into stewardship since 2012.

Notable Natural Areas

Tualatin Hills Nature Park

Located in the heart of Beaverton, Nature Park is a remarkably diverse 222-acre wildlife preserve with wetlands, forests and streams. The park features about five miles of trail; 1.5 miles of trails are paved, while the remaining 3.5 miles are well-maintained, soft-surface trails.

Cooper Mountain Nature Park

Located in Aloha, the park spans 230 acres and offers visitors 3.5 miles of trails that pass through each of its distinct habitats - from conifer forest to prairie to oak woodlands. Visitors will be rewarded with grand views of the Chehalem Mountains.

Note: The two parks listed above are the only two natural sites that don’t allow dogs. See our Dog Parks page for a list of dog friendly parks within the district.

Jenkins Estate

This unique 60-acre property on Cooper Mountain provides a glimpse of early 20th century elegance. Follow the paths around the historic residence, through immaculate gardens and into the surrounding forest.

Koll Center Wetlands Area

Located on the east edge of Greenway Park along the Fanno Creek Trail, these wetlands provide great bird and wildlife viewing.

Bronson Creek Greenway

Located along the Waterhouse Trail north of Highway 26 (between NW Audrey Dr & NW Joscelyn St), this greenway features a boardwalk nearly 1,000 feet long that cuts through the floodplain and provides great dividends for birders.

Lowami Hart Woods Natural Area

A recently restored site, Lowami Hart Woods features several loop trails (paved and soft surface), and a viewing deck for patrons with limited mobility. Johnson Creek meanders through this 28-acre site, once the site of Camp Fire day camps.

Jordan Woods Natural Area

Adjacent to Jackie Husen Park in the Cedar Mill neighborhood, this forested area was restored in 2012. It includes an ADA-accessible paved trail and viewing area, as well as soft-surface trails and pedestrian bridges to explore near the banks of Cedar Mill Creek. Look for the interpretive art installation that shows the effects of moss growth.

Hyland Woods Natural Area

At the south end of the district, just east of Murray Blvd., escape to nearly 30 acres of Douglas fir forest. The soft surface trails will quickly transport you to a far away place, secluded from nearby civilation. Children, in particular, will love exploring the site's 1.5-acre natural play area.

Kaiser Woods Natural Area

Located at the northermost part of the district, along the Rock Creek Trail, this quiet upland forest area features soft-surface trails and is a great site to observe spring wildflowers. Its proximity to nearby Kaiser Woods Park provides a great opportunity to combine traditional and natural parks.

Mt. Williams / Thornbrook Park

Mount Williams, now accessible via recently completed segments of the Westside Trail, features great views of the neighborhoods below. On its west slope, Thornbrook Park provides paved paths winding up the mountain. A soft surface trail is planned to connect the park to the Westside Trail.

Summercrest Park

Easily accessible from the Westside Trail, Summercrest Park extends west to Rigert Rd. A paved path runs adjacent a stream, where ducks, beavers, and other aquatic critters can be spotted. Enjoy wetland, riparian vegetation and beautiful oaks, and make time to visit the play area, picnic tables and tennis courts.

Willow Creek Greenway

If you're on or near our primary campus, the HMT Recreation Complex, you're just moments away from the Willow Creek Greenway. A paved path and boardwalk wind through wooded areas at this site on the edge of Willow Creek. The area is easily accessible from the Waterhouse Trail.