5 min
Overview
George Fox University’s campus in Newberg is spilt by a ravine carved by Hess Creek as it flows towards the Willamette. This green space has a trail running both sides of the ravine, while those seeking quick access from one side of the campus to another can make use of two sturdy pedestrian/bike bridges. The creek bottom, once a haven for invasive species, has seen over 2,500 trees planted, a project overseen by longtime Superintendent of Grounds Clyde Thomas. Ongoing work by volunteers continues the attempt to beat back the likes of Armenian blackberry and shining geranium. North of the campus, another short loop on Hess Creek, this time on the property of the Friendsview Retirement Community, takes you through a creekside arboretum exhibiting a number of tree species. Engaging wildlife sculptures adorn both trails. At the southwest corner of the parking lot, you’ll see a sign for the Wheeler Sports Center and Miller Gym. A paved trail takes you past the Wheeler Bridge. Just past a flight of stairs, take the trail leading down along the creek. Cross a wood bridge over a small gully, and then switchback down twice before passing under the Crisman Crossing, a trans-ravine span dedicated in 2016. The canopy here is composed of deciduous maple and oak, with a few Douglas-firs. Invasive shining geranium carpets the slope in places, but in spring the trillium and violets bloom. You’ll pass a tiny redwood, a sequoia, and a wood-carved mountain goat at a junction. Across from the goat are a shelter with fire pit and “The Peacable Kingdom,” where a cougar lies down with a deer family and an eagle spreads its wings above. Past the shelter, the trail rises and squeezes past a slump that has taken out much of the tread. At a fork, keep right to cross a footbridge and hike below Highway 99 before crossing the creek at a culvert. The trail passes over a rather swampy grass bench above thickets flitting with sparrows. The route crosses a paved turnaround behind the Carey Residence Hall and follows a section that is very
Trail Stats
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25 m
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Photos
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250px-HessCanyonLoopMap
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250px-Owl_in_a_juniper%2C_Friendsview%2C_Hess_Creek_Canyon
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250px-Under_the_Wheeler_Bridge%2C_Hess_Creek_Canyon
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400px-Looking_up_the_creek%2C_Hess_Creek_Canyon