Jenkins Estate Loop Hike

Overview

In 1912, Ralph and Belle Ainsworth Jenkins purchased these 68 acres of farmland, 16 miles from downtown Portland and nestled on the northern slopes of Cooper Mountain, as their summer home. By 1915, most of the current buildings had been constructed, including the main house, which is designed after an English hunting lodge. The gardener for the Canadian prime minister laid out the English/Oriental gardens that take up 28 acres of the current park. After the passing of both Jenkins, who had no children, the property was slated for development but was put up for sale because the area was still not connected to city water and sewer. The Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District purchased the estate for $525,000 in 1976 and has been managing it as a public park and special events venue ever since. Part of the property is now taken by Camp Rivendale, a retreat for children and adults with disabilities. The rhododendron garden here, best visited in spring, is maintained by members of the American Rhododendron Society. In 2013, Elephants Delicatessen became the events caterer for the Jenkins Estate. The public can stroll about two miles of trails through native woodland and acres of gardens to enjoy this century-old country spread. From the bottom of the parking lot, strike out on a paved trail that leads into woods of Douglas-fir, madrone, hazel, alder, hemlock, and Oregon ash. Look for bushy-tailed gray squirrels scuttling through the undergrowth. Pass a large madrone and go straight at a junction through a small Douglas-fir plantation to a parking area. Cross the grass to the right and head into woods of big-leaf maple and Douglas-fir. At a junction, drop down to the right and then go left at the next junction over a footbridge. At a junction, turn right and rise to make a left at the next junction and skirt the edge of the property. The Farmington Quarry can be seen to your right. At the next junction, turn left and head up to a junction, where you make a right on a gullied trail through leafy woods to the edg

Trail Stats

Photos

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