It’s always a good day when you can lace up your hiking boots and head out onto one of Oregon’s beautiful trails. While an eight-mile hike is a worthy pursuit on a long afternoon, sometimes you need to find a short trail that you can access quickly. If you’re in the mood to bask in the beauty of Oregon’s nature, but you don’t have a lot of time, head to Happy Valley Park to hike this short boardwalk trail that will completely mesmerize you.
The Wetland Park Loop trail at Happy Valley Park is perfect for just about everyone. Lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera and head out on an adventure that’s just a few miles from downtown Portland.
PhLo S/Alltrails The address of the park is 13770 SE Ridgecrest Rd., Happy Valley, OR 97086.
This loop trail is less than a mile long, so you can complete it in no time at all, but you’ll want to allow yourself plenty of time to stop along the way and soak in the sights.
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Boardwalks wind through 24 acres of wetlands, and you’ll love the peaceful scenery here.
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Wildlife is plentiful - keep an eye out for rabbits nibbling on the lush vegetation…
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…turtles basking on sunny logs…
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…and ducks swimming lazily through the calm wetland waters.
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While you can certainly race through this hike in just a few minutes, slow down a bit and enjoy the atmosphere. You’ll find several benches that encourage quiet contemplation of nature.
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There are plenty of picturesque spots here, so have your camera ready.
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You never know what you might find around the next bend!
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The Wetland Park Loop is perfect for adventurers of all ages and abilities. You can also bring your pup on this boardwalk trail - just keep him on leash and clean up after him.
Sergio M/Google Happy Valley Park is open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Looking to take a stroll on another beautiful boardwalk trail? Check out this trail in the Darlingtonia State Natural Area.
PhLo S/Alltrails
The address of the park is 13770 SE Ridgecrest Rd., Happy Valley, OR 97086.
Anthony Dalton-Atha/Google
Katy Austin/Google
Jim St. John/Google
Sergio M/Google
Happy Valley Park is open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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