Spring into Nature: Top 5 Trails to Explore near Lake Oswego

When looking for your perfect home location, consider the area you’re moving to. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, need an excuse to get the kids out of the house or have an active dog, or two, you’re gonna want to know what some of the nearby trails look like. Luckily, Oregon and specifically the Lake Oswego area near Portland, have a plethora of scenic hiking and walking trails ranging from Easy to Difficult for you and your family to enjoy! 

As the season starts to change to Spring, chart out your next adventure with the 5 Best Trails in Lake Oswego OR:

  1. Middle Creek, Cedar, and Old Main Trail - Tryon Creek State Natural Area: 

At the top of the list is the Tryon Creek State Natural Area, a sprawling 650-acre area located between Lake Oswego and the Portland Metro Area, containing walking, biking and equestrian trails. This park is pet friendly but make sure they’re leashed at all times - For cyclists, there are also paved biking trails that run from Hwy 43 through to Boones Ferry Rd. The most recommended trail is Middle Creek, Cedar, and Old Main Trail - a 2 Mile loop known for beautiful wildflowers, lush greenery and easy accessibility. Visitors will find that public parking is available at all park entrances and can stop by The Nature Center for more park information. 

  1. Cooks Buttes Loop - Cooks Butte Park

Cooks Butte Park is a 42 Acre area located near Lake Oswego known for soft surface trails on a volcanic butte and fantastic views - there are a few separate trails but the most popular being the Cooks Buttes Loop. The shaded trail is a 1.1 Mile loop located within the park - this trail is good for all skill levels and offers the chance to see a variety of songbirds and raptors in the Douglas fir and maple groves. Regular visitors estimate that this loop takes about 35-40 minutes to complete and is best used from May until October. If you’re looking to bring your dog along, make sure to keep them on a leash while in the park. 

  1. Iron Mountain Trail - Iron Mountain City Park

The Iron Mountain Trail is a 2.1 mile out and back trail near Lake Oswego that takes about an hour on average to walk through. This trail is a scenic forest walk, good for all skill levels and is generally a popular spot for hiking and walking. Regulars have reported limited parking in the past but with the Iron Mountain Park Project nearing its close, there will be newly built public parking available in the Spring of 2021. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed while on the trail. 

  1. William Stafford Pathway - George Rogers Park 

The William Stafford pathway starts in George Rogers Park and crosses Oswego Creek to a path along the Willamette River. It's a leisurely 0.8 mile out and back trail that takes an average of 20 minutes to walk - enjoy the calming sounds of the water and forest scenery. Towards the end of the trail, you’ll pass a peice of Lake Oswego history: the Crown-Willamette Paper Company Log Loading Station - a log loading station built in 1914 and abandoned in 1933. This trail is accessible year round and welcomes dogs but asks that visitors keep them leashed while on the trail. 

  1. Rosemont Trail - Luscher Farm Park 

Located at Luscher Farm Park , the Rosemont Trail is a 4.7 mile out and back trail that is lightly trafficked - on average it takes 2 hours to walk start to finish. The trail tracks beside Rosemont road however hedges separate the road and path, allowing visitors to enjoy beautiful farmland views. Make sure to wear sunscreen or a hat to account for lack of shade if you go during the day as there is a little tree coverage for the majority of the walk. This trail is also a popular spot for dog walkers but dogs must be kept on leash.

Renaissance Homes is happy to offer move-in ready homes in Lake Oswego, near the Portland area and have many more under construction - for more information Click Here