3 min
Overview
A network of trails links parks and greenspaces along the Tualatin River in Tualatin. This hike introduces you to the newest section of the expanding Tualatin River Greenway, but also takes in wetlands and natural areas in the center of the city. Some of the route follows city streets and the route of the Tualatin Artwalk. You also get to wonder at the bones of Tualatin's own mastodon at the Tualatin Public Library, where you will also see the fossil remains of other Pleistocene megafauna discovered in the area. The walk loops around the Hedges Creek Wetlands, a haven for herons, egrets, and various species of ducks. On a clear day, you will be treated to a view of Mount Hood. This hike could also be started at the Cook Park Trailhead or the Tualatin Library Trailhead; it could also be combined with the Browns Ferry Hike and the Cook and Durham City Parks Hike if you want to complete the trails along the Tualatin River in this area. From the Durham City Park Trailhead, take the paved trail across an open grassy area, and pass a covered picnic area. Cross Fanno Creek on a footbridge under an ash, oak, and maple canopy. Cross another lawn, part of the park’s off-leash area, and come to a junction at a rail trestle that carries the WES (Westside Express Service) commuter trains in addition to regular freight trains. Go left and keep left at the next two junctions to cross the Ki-a-Kuts Bridge, opened in 2007, over the Tualatin River: the bridge is named after a spokesman for the Atfalati (Tualatin) Kalapuyans. Look down to your left to see the confluence of Fanno Creek with the Tualatin. At the far end of the bridge, you’ll enter Tualatin Community Park. Leave the paved path to take the chip trail leading off to the left. This trail meanders through the woodland above the Tualatin River under big-leaf maples, Oregon ash, Douglas-firs, and grand firs. Eventually, come to a covered picnic area and a railroad trestle. To your right is a pump station constructed in 2009 to look like an old train station. Pass und
Trail Stats
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16 m
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Photos
400px-TualatinGreenwayMap
400px-TualatinGreenwayMap
250px-Hedges_Creek_wetland%2C_Tualatin
250px-Hedges_Creek_wetland%2C_Tualatin
250px-Sharing_ice-cream%2C_Tualatin_Commons
250px-Sharing_ice-cream%2C_Tualatin_Commons
250px-Saber-tooth_salmon_viewpoint%2C_Tualatin_River_Greenway
250px-Saber-tooth_salmon_viewpoint%2C_Tualatin_River_Greenway
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250px-Mastodon_skeleton%2C_Tualatin_Public_Library
250px-Tualatin_River%2C_Tualatin_Community_Park
250px-Tualatin_River%2C_Tualatin_Community_Park
400px-Heron_sunbathing%2C_Hedges_Creek_wetlands%2C_Tualatin
400px-Heron_sunbathing%2C_Hedges_Creek_wetlands%2C_Tualatin