It may be a while before I get to a Portland Metro kid’s hiking book. But I’d like to share some great kid-friendly trails for different areas of the Metro area. Below are trails east of I-205, but also not considered to be in the Gorge or at Mt. Hood.
Oxbow Regional Park:
- Many trails from which to choose
- Recommend the Ancient Forest Loop
- Highlights include: shady forests, wildlife, river access
- Risks include: lack of cell service swift and cold river
Main website: https://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/oxbow-regional-park
Brochure and map: www.oregonmetro.gov/sites/default/files/2022/03/01/Oxbow-Regional-Park-brochure-with-map-20220301.pdf
Kids’ Activity Guide:www.oregonmetro.gov/sites/default/files/2019/02/08/Oxbow-kids-activity.pdf
Powell Butte:
- Many trails from which to choose
- Recommend the 1.4 mile round trip to summit
- Highlights include: volcano views, wildflower meadows, shady forests
Main website: www.portland.gov/parks/powell-butte-nature-park
Hike description: www.hikeoregon.net/powell-butte.html
Mt. Talbert Nature Park
- Up to 4.2 miles of hiking
- Highlights include: hiking atop an extinct volcano, creek access, shady forest, city views, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Main website: www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/mount-talbert-nature-park
Great trail description:www.accesstrails.org/overview/mount-talbert/index.html
Scouter’s Mountain
- 1.25 miles of trail
- Highlights include: views of Mt. Hood, old forest, picnic shelter, spring flowers, and the opportunity to hike on top of an extinct volcano
Main website: www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/scouters-mountain-nature-park
Access Trails hike description: www.accesstrails.org/overview/scouters-mountain/index.html
Hike it Baby hike description: https://trails.hikeitbaby.com/trail/scouters-mountain-nature-park
Tickle Creek:
- Up to 1.8 miles one-way
- Highlights include: creek access, pretty western red cedar trees, nurse logs, and five fun bridges
Hike it Baby trail description: https://trails.hikeitbaby.com/trail/tickle-creek-trail
Hiking project trail description: http://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7034010/tickle-creek-trail
Cazadero State Trail
- Up to 6 miles round-trip
- Recommend starting from Boring trailhead (although it is uphill on the way back)
- Highlights include: creek access (keep an eye out for unmarked trails taking you down to the creek), old western red cedar trees, and wide gravel path
- The trail follows the old Oregon Water Power and Railway Company line
Access Trails hike description: www.accesstrails.org/overview/springwater/cazadero.html
Trail Link hike description: www.traillink.com/trail/cazadero-trail/
Milo McIver State Park
- Up to 6 miles of trails (consider checking out the 2 mile Riverbend Loop)
- Highlights include: Clackamas river views, shady forest, Mt. Hood views, and lots of amenities
State Parks website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=102
Great write-up from Our Big Little Adventures: https://ourbiglittleadventures.com/milo-mciver-state-park-a-local-outdoor-getaway
Brochure and trail map: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=main.loadFile&load=_siteFiles%2Fpublications%2F45362_McIver_Brochure%28web%29102058.pdf
Eagle Fern Park
- Up to 4 miles of trails
- Highlights include: old-growth forest, ADA-accessible interpretive trail, creek, nurse logs, birds, playground, and more
Main website: www.clackamas.us/parks/eaglefern.html
Trail guide: https://dochub.clackamas.us/documents/drupal/b1585121-6469-421e-9a03-d39859449fd3
Trip Report from Trail Dad: http://www.trail-dad.com/trip-reports/eagle-fern-park
little feet hiking 