Opening Dec. 13: Chehalem Ridge Nature Park – features new equestrian trails

Offering an array of wildlife habitats and stunning views of the Tualatin Valley and the Coast Range, Chehalem Ridge is the perfect place to enjoy the wonders of nature.

Chehalem Ridge Nature Park provides plenty of opportunities to view wildlife and take in scenery, whether you’re walking, off-road bicycling or riding horseback. Featuring 1,260 acres of diverse habitat and wildlife – from old Oregon white oaks to Pacific madrone trees to shrubby habitat where deer, coyotes and birds live – this gem is just 15 minutes south of Forest Grove and is the largest Metro park on the west side of greater Portland.

See and do

  • Walk, ride a horse or off-road bicycle on about 10 miles of trails.
  • Enjoy a picnic at a reserved space in the park’s entrance.
  • Be on the lookout for coyotes, black-tailed deer, alligator lizards, and (in rare cases!) bobcats.
  • At the highest point of the park, view the Tualatin Valley and Coast Range, see wildflowers, listen to birds, or simply sit and appreciate the land still known as the Outside Place (Chehalem) by the Atfalati people (also known as the Tualatin Kalapuya).

Know when you go

  • Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Parking, restrooms and picnic areas are wheelchair accessible.
  • Dogs and other pets are not allowed, because they can damage sensitive habitat and threaten wildlife.
  • Smoking and vaping are not allowed.
  • Hunting is not allowed.
  • Drones, model planes, model boats and other remote-controlled vehicles are not allowed.
  • During inclement weather, please check oregonmetro.gov/parks for information about any closures.

Off-road bicycle rules

  • Bicycles must yield to pedestrians and equestrians on shared use trails.
  • Ride responsibly at your own risk and ability. Monitor your speed.
  • Ride carefully. Trails are often crowded.
  • Helmets and other protective equipment are recommended for all, and required for riders under 16 per Oregon law.
  • Stay on the trails. Do not alter any park trails or features. This helps us protect sensitive habitat.
  • Trails are subject to changes in condition due to weather and other impacts.
  • Please stay off the trails following heavy rain events. If you leave a boot or tire track, don’t use the trail.

Equestrian rules

  • Dogs and other pets are not allowed.
  • Hay is not allowed at the park or trailhead.
  • Share the trail. Hikers and cyclists must stop and yield the right-of-way to horse riders.
  • Ride horses on designated trails only.
  • Tie horses and gear to designated hitching posts only
  • Horses must be under rider’s control at all times and should not be left unattended.
  • Remove manure and other waste from the parking area.
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