8 min
Overview
From 1956 to 1994, young participants Camp Fire Columbia used this block of forested land as a day camp during their outdoor school. The 28-acre site then became a park under the aegis of the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District. The park remained mostly undeveloped and a network of user trails laced the interior, often disturbing sensitive wetlands. Beginning in 2012, THPRD worked on building an official system of trails that avoid the wetlands west of South Johnson Creek, which runs through the middle of the park. Tall Douglas-firs shade an understory of vine maple, which puts on a brilliant display in the fall. The park also shelters several specimens of Western wahoo (spindle tree or burning bush) (Eounymus occidentalis). Look at the map on the information board before beginning this loop walk. Take the universal access Fir Tree Loop, which leads off behind the restroom, and enter an understory of hazel, elderberry and sword fern under tall Douglas-firs. Pass an overlook platform, which offers a very limited view towards South Johnson Creek and the trailless area of the park. Then, at a junction, go right on the Snowberry Trail to descend the slope to the junction with the South Johnson Creek Trail at a bench and a large, woodpecker-perforated Douglas-fir. Go left here for a few yards, and then turn left onto a pea gravel trail that loops up to cross a footbridge and reach the paved South Johnson Creek Trail. Go right to descend the latter trail, crossing a footbridge and passing two junctions to reach the “gathering area,” where Camp Fire Columbia girls made a fires and sang songs for almost 40 years. A flagpole and sign are memories to that time. Cross the wide footbridge over South Johnson Creek, and take a left on the gravel Madrone Loop Trail. This trail parallels the west bank of South Johnson Creek and then loops up the slope under a relic stand of Oregon white oak. The woodland on this upper slope has been thinned and there are many downed trees, but among them are a number of Pacific ma
Trail Stats
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42 m
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Photos
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