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TRACK Trails |
Have you been looking for a fun and new way to get your kids engaged with nature? Look no further than the TRACK Trails program, which is available at three parks in Mt. Hood Territory: Metzler Park, Eagle Fern Park and Timber Park!
Choose from different brochures filled with facts about the park. (Image courtesy Oregon Parks Forever)
TRACK Trails change a traditional walk or hike into a scavenger hunt for the great outdoors. Designed for young adventurers, these self-guided journeys allow families the opportunity to discover the wonders of the park they are in. Each park features four different brochures filled with fun facts about birds, trees, flowers, animal tracks and local history, making the learning process enjoyable and engaging. Through these brochures learning becomes an exciting journey, with one brochure catering to Spanish speakers and another focusing on sensory exploration.
Through these brochures your hike becomes a learning journey, with one brochure catering to Spanish speakers and another focusing on sensory exploration. (Image courtesy Oregon Parks Forever)
The newest of the three trails, Timber Park opened in April 2024. This trail features a .25-mile path, with an optional 1.25-mile trail. Enjoy scenic views of Estacada Lake along this trail. The path winds past ball fields, offering glimpses of the historic River Mill Dam and Powerhouse. This is the final dam in a series along the Clackamas River.
BEFORE YOU GO
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Fees: $5 parking (May-October)
Metzler Park is located approximately five miles from the town Estacada along beautiful Clear Creek. This park feels wonderfully isolated. On the .5-mile path you’ll be surrounded by hills covered with towering Douglas-fir and western red cedar trees.
BEFORE YOU GO
Hours: 6 a.m. to dusk
Fees: $8 parking
Surrounded by old growth forest, Eagle Fern Park is the perfect place to take in the natural beauty on this .35-mile trail. Situated along Eagle Creek allows for adventurers to learn more about creek life and discover how a creek transforms the area around it while supporting life.
BEFORE YOU GO
Hours: 6 a.m. to dusk
Fees: $8 parking
TRACK Trails offer a perfect blend of physical activity, interactive learning and nature exploration. As a bonus kids can register their adventures online and earn prizes for future outdoor adventures. See you on the trails!
Many species of amphibians, birds, butterflies and mammals can be found throughout Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory. You "otter" view wildlife from a safe distance. Use binoculars or a camera with zoom to view animals. This will help to protect you as well as them.
