Media Itinerary: A Walk Through Nature

Day One

Start the day at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, home to nearly 200 species of birds, more than 50 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles and amphibians, and a variety of insects, fish and plants. Explore the Wildlife Center, nature store and the one-mile trail that meanders through the refuge, providing great photography opportunities along the way.

Stop for a wine tasting at Cooper Mountain Vineyards, and sample a flight of its exquisite organic, biodynamically grown wine.

Next, migrate to Cooper Mountain Nature Park and traverse 3.5 miles of nature trails through several distinct habitats, from conifer forest to prairie to oak woodlands. Soak in the spectacular views of the Chehalem Mountains.

Enjoy lunch in Beaverton at the Cafe Murrayhill or La Provence.

Hillsboro’s newest natural space is Orenco Woods Nature Park. Jog or bike along the Rock Creek Trail, and watch great blue herons and beavers in Rock Creek and the wetlands.

Catch the last hours of sunlight at Fernhill Wetlands, where round-headed American Wigeons bob in the water and Great Blue Herons will calmly nestle themselves into the wetlands’ marshes.

Overnight in Hillsboro or Forest Grove.

Day Two

Catch the early morning light at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, a 725-acre wildlife preserve with 4.5 miles of trails, wildlife viewing blinds and picture-perfect views. Visitors also enjoy the 12,000-square-foot education center, which has hands-on exhibits and an authentic bald eagle’s nest recovered from the wild. The attraction also houses a nature store and expansive deck with views overlooking the preserve’s acreage.

Then venture out to Killin Wetlands, the region’s newest nature park. Killin Wetlands offers more than 370 acres of lush habitat for flora and fauna alike. This vibrant location for bird watching also boasts easy walking trails for a tranquil nature outing.

Enjoy early lunch at ABV Public House. Enjoy a light lunch with a salad or share a pizza, or go all in with a hearty sandwich or burger. ABV is known for its burgers, such as the lamb burger, pastrami burger, and for lacto-ovo-vegetarians, the ABV garden burger is sure to please.

After lunch, visit the Rice Museum of Rocks and Minerals. The largest museum of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, this one-of-a-kind museum houses an impressive collection of rocks, gems, gem stones, petrified woods, geodes and more.

Finally, venture over to Tualatin Hills Nature Center and explore its 222-acres, check out the exhibits and the nature store, or ask the center’s experts about wildlife in the area.

Dogs and other pets are prohibited at most wetlands and nature parks in Tualatin Valley. Learn more about dog-friendly parks in Tualatin Valley >>>

Interested in visiting the Tualatin Valley? We offer media familiarization tours to qualified media. Contact us for more information.