Chehalem Ridge Nature Park, Gaston, Oregon
Hiking · NATURE Park · views
Once a commercial timber farm, Chehalem Ridge Nature Park is one of Metro’s largest restoration projects. Opened in December 2021, this 1,260 acre nature park offers 10 miles of trails to be explored - with 3 of those miles rated for all ages and abilities. The park also has an accessible day-use area with picnic shelter rentals available. Located 15 minutes south of Forest Grove, this sprawling nature park is sure to become a new favorite!
Getting there
From Portland, Chehalem Ridge Nature Park is a 45 minute/25 mile drive west on OR-10. The drive will take you through some beautiful Washington County farmlands - so if it’s berry season or you’re into wine, you can happily plan some nearby stops. The park itself is located in rural Gaston. Google Maps has been great about getting us there, but there’s no internet once you arrive - so remember which way you came in.
There is a huge parking lot which I thought was ambitious the first time we went out on a weekday and were one of five cars. The second time we went out it was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and there were so many cars that they were lined up on the side of the road. I guess the secret is out! Crowds thin once you’re out on the trail, so don’t worry if the lot is full.
Trails at the park are available for hiking, off-road cycling and horses. Dogs and other pets, however, are not allowed.
Day-use Area
An accessible day-use area is located adjacent to the parking lot and has restrooms, picnic tables, and some beautiful shelters that can be reserved. There are no toilets on the trail.
The Trails
The trails at Chehalem Ridge are an out and back system with several side trails. 3 of the 10 miles of trails are rated for all ages and abilities. Trail markers are well positioned at each trailhead but unfortunately they do not list the mileage. Bring the map from Metro or take a picture of the map at the day-use area to best plan your trip. AllTrails - which I love - doesn’t work here yet because the park is so new, although it can be used to track mileage.
Metro says that there are 10 miles of trails here, but since this is an out and back system the mileage can quickly add up. My son and I recently hiked just five of the ten trails and clocked 10 miles! The beautiful thing here is that you can tailor your trip to your time constraints and abilities. To see the entire park, however, is probably going to take a few trips.
trail descriptions at chehalem Ridge Nature Park
Timber Road
1.4 miles each way
If you’re short on time, Timber Road can be useful in accessing trailheads further into the park. This gravel and dirt road has steep grades in parts but is a faster (though less scenic) alternative to the Woodland Trail.
Woodland Trail 1.4 miles each way
The Woodland Trail is rated for all ages and abilities and makes a nice family hike or ride through the forest. It intersects with the Timber Road at several points so hiking parts of the trail is an option. Consider combining this trail with the Ammefu Trail for a family hike.
Ammefu Trail 0.2 miles
On a sunny day, three peaks can be seen from this trail (though you might have to really stretch your neck to the right to see Mt. Hood). On a cloudy day the views are still well worth the 0.2 mile effort. Combine with the Woodland Trail, for a 3.2 mile hike rated for all ages and abilities.
Chehalem Ridge Trail 1.8 miles each way + return
This pleasant forested hike becomes magical in the late afternoon light. There are two viewpoints on this trail - the second being the most impressive. For even more views, keep going!
Madrona Trail
1.4 miles each way + return
The Madrona Trail is one of my two favorites in the park (the other being the Mampaɬ Trail). Here the views open up and the trail grows more interesting with changing scenery and elevation. Beautiful Pacific Madrone trees can be spotted throughout the forest. Due to the mileage, you’ll see fewer people which can make for some peaceful moments in nature. The hike concludes with a gravel road which is less interesting. I recommend heading back up once you get to the gravel road to explore the Mampaɬ Trail.
Mampaɬ Trail 1.1 miles each way + return
If it’s views your after, the Mampaɬ Trail is where it’s at. Sitting atop an open hill at the highest point of the park, the viewpoint here offers panoramic views of the Tualatin Valley and Coast Range. There’s a stone circle here and several benches that make sweet picnic spots.
More Trails to explore at Chehalem Ridge
Castor Trail 0.3 miles - this is a short alternate route back to the parking lot. There is a viewpoint listed on the map, which was a bench looking out into a brushy ravine. I am sure there is something beautiful to see here but we’ll have to come back to look for it.
After two trips and 14.5 miles of hiking, we have yet to explore the Ayeekwa Trail 0.7 miles, Witches Butter Trail 0.7 miles, and Zorzal Trail 0.5 miles. We’ll update this list with future trips.
The Experience
I’m hooked! This is the kind of place where each visit is its own adventure. My biggest advice is to plan your trip ahead by looking at the mileage. It would not be fun to be caught on the trail in the dark without a flashlight here. Give yourself time. There are a lot of trails to explore and it will probably take more than one trip.
Our favorite routes so far:
For a great family hike that’s about 3 miles, try the Woodland and Ammefu Trails.
For a fun tour of the park that’s about 10 miles, use the Timber Road to access the Chehalem Ridge Trail, Madrona Trail, Mampaɬ Trail and Ammefu Trail.
Nearby Attractions
Fernhill Wetlands is 15 minutes north in the historic town of Forest Grove. Forest Grove is famous for being the birthplace of Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley - and you can go to David Hill Vineyard where it all started. There are 65 wineries in the surrounding area that in addition to Pinot Noir produce Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and Riesling. Forest Grove is also home to America’s first craft sake brewery - SakéOne.
The Pink Spoon in Forest Grove serves up some refreshing froyo after a long hike. And if you are visiting during berry season, definitely make a stop by the Unger Farm Store in Cornelius. There you can have lunch with a view, play ball with the kids, shop for gourmet treats and pick up a flat of fresh berries.
McMenamins Grand Lodge is a unique experience on its own with food, historic lodging, spirits (both kinds!), two secret rooms on the third floor, a spa and beautiful gardens. There is often live music - which pairs perfectly with a hummus plate and pint of Ruby Ale at the Yardhouse Pub on a summer evening.
If traveling back to Portland via OR-10, check out Scholls. It’s one of my favorite places to go for fresh berries and lavender!
And there you have it, Portland’s newest outdoor adventure at Chehalem Ridge Nature Park. As always, be sure to check local resources for weather, road conditions and COVID-19 related closures when planning your trip. And don’t forget to post your photos to #lifelivedoregonstyle on Instagram. We’ll see you out there!