Looking for something amazing to do this summer? How about exploring one of Oregon's hidden natural wonders?
While certain places like Crater Lake and Multnomah Falls are known throughout the country, there are a few lesser-known wonders scattered throughout the Beaver State that you won't find in the guide books. A visit to this one otherworldly place hiding in the Oregon desert will drop your jaw to the floor. Check it out:
The Sheep Rock unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a stunning hidden gem located in the Central Oregon desert near Dayville. This unique, breathtaking landscape will make you feel like you've landed on another planet.
Unique circumstances led to the preservation and uncovering of millions of years worth of delicately layered volcanic ash and clay, creating colorful rock formations that would look right at home on mars.
While people far and wide know about the famous Painted Hills unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, far fewer know that this amazing place exists.
The Blue Basin Overlook Trail is another great hike that loops through the incredible scenery and offers stunning vista views of Blue Basin and the the John Day River Valley. This hike is 3.25 miles long.
Sheep Rock is also home to the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, a wonderful museum where you'll find interactive displays and hundreds of rare fossils that were collected throughout the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
Oregon in the fall is a magical time, and there are few better places to experience the seasonal beauty than Chehalem Ridge Nature Park. Located just outside of Gaston, a small town southwest of Portland, this nature park offers a 5-mile, out-and-back trail that winds through breathtaking oak savannas, meadows, and woodlands. The combination of sweeping valley views, diverse wildlife, and vibrant fall colors makes this hike a perfect fall getaway.
If you’re planning to visit for peak foliage, late September through early November is the best time. During these months, the trees and plant life explode into warm autumn hues, transforming the landscape into a colorful wonderland. The park’s iconic oak trees, in particular, put on a dazzling display of reds, oranges, and yellows. Cooler temperatures make the hike especially enjoyable, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the changing season.
Chehalem Ridge’s 5-mile trail is moderately challenging, making it suitable for both experienced and beginner hikers alike. With about 600 feet of elevation gain, the hike offers a steady but manageable climb through a variety of landscapes. The trail is well-maintained, though Oregon’s fall rains can leave parts of it a bit muddy, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots. As you make your way through the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a series of stunning overlooks offering sweeping views of the Tualatin Valley. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of Mount Hood in the distance, framed by the rolling hills and vibrant foliage below.
One of the highlights of this trail is the variety of landscapes it offers. The hike begins by winding through open meadows dotted with wildflowers, which later give way to dense woodlands where you’ll find towering oaks and Douglas firs. Along the way, you’ll pass through several different ecosystems, from open grasslands to shady, forested sections where moss-covered trees create a peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere. In the fall, these sections of the trail are particularly beautiful, with the sunlight filtering through the golden leaves above.
Wildlife is abundant in Chehalem Ridge Nature Park. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, coyotes, and a variety of birds that call this park home. Birdwatchers, in particular, will enjoy the chance to spot species like the red-tailed hawk, great horned owl, and western bluebird. The park’s diverse habitats attract a wide range of wildlife, making it a great destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Chehalem Ridge Nature Park is relatively new, having opened in 2021. One of the park’s main attractions is its accessibility. It’s located just 45 minutes from downtown Portland, making it an easy day trip for city dwellers looking to escape into nature. The park is open year-round, but fall is arguably the best time to visit due to the stunning foliage and cooler weather.
Parking at Chehalem Ridge is free, and there are no entrance fees, making it an affordable option for those looking to explore Oregon’s natural beauty. The park’s main trailhead offers plenty of parking, though the lot can fill up on weekends, so it’s a good idea to arrive early if you’re visiting during peak hiking hours. Basic restroom facilities are also available at the trailhead, so you can comfortably prepare for your hike.
One of the things that makes Chehalem Ridge Nature Park stand out is its multi-use trails. The park is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, so you may encounter others enjoying the trail in different ways. While pets are not allowed on the trail to protect the local wildlife, the park still offers a serene, family-friendly environment for visitors of all ages. The wide, well-maintained paths make it easy to navigate, even for those with little hiking experience, and there are plenty of spots along the trail to stop and take in the views or snap a few photos of the stunning fall foliage.
Chehalem Ridge also offers several picnic areas, perfect for enjoying a meal with a view. Bring a packed lunch and settle in at one of the park’s scenic picnic spots, where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the valley below. If you plan to spend the day, it’s worth packing a camera to capture the incredible landscapes and vibrant colors surrounding you. The park’s open meadows and wooded trails provide endless photo opportunities, especially when the foliage is most colorful in the fall.
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Chehalem Ridge Nature Park is a must-visit destination during the fall. Its 5-mile trail provides a perfect mix of scenic views, wildlife encounters, and the vibrant colors of autumn, making it one of Oregon’s best-kept secrets for leaf-peeping.
Need some new boots for your autumn hikes? I love the ones at REI. There are tons of great hikes in Oregon to catch the autumn foliage.
Oregon has no shortage of incredible places for a day of exploring. While I have a deep love for the coast, there are countless other destinations in the Beaver State perfect for an unforgettable adventure and Chehalem Ridge Nature Park is one of them. This beautiful and exciting area is the ultimate outdoor playground where you can observe wildlife, hike, go for a horseback ride, and take in the incredible views of the Tualatin Valley. It’s a place where you will find yourself coming back time and time again.
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With so many places to explore the great outdoors in Oregon, it is hard to narrow down your options. However, if you’ve never visited Chehalem Ridge Nature Park, add it to your bucket list today.
Located just outside of Portland, in the small town of Gaston, this park is owned and operated by Metro. In fact, it is the largest Metro park on the west side of Portland. Offering 1,260 acres, you can enjoy every season of the year here from spring wildflowers to breathtaking fall foliage.
If you are in the mood for a lazy day outdoors, you’ll find plenty to love. Come and simply admire the views of the Tualatin Valley. You can also sit and watch for wildlife that roam the park such as deer, lizards, and even coyotes. There are also picnic spaces you can reserve at the entrance to this park for a picture-perfect lunch.
However, if you want a little more adventure, grab your gear and go. There are approximately 10 miles of trails for you to explore whether by foot, mountain bike, or on the back of a horse. Some of these trails are quite short and simple, and others will get you away and allow you to immerse yourself in Mother Nature’s creations.
The Chehalem Ridge Trail via Timber Road is one of these delightful trails that has a little something for everyone. This out-and-back trail is approximately 5 miles long and you will gain approximately 600 feet in elevation.
This trail is well-maintained but not too crowded. In fact, it’s a delightful hike if you want some time alone in nature. And, if you want to change up your route a little bit, there are many side trails you’ll come across where you can branch off and explore even more if you desire.
I recommend that you take your time and don’t rush through this hike. Not only will you want to give your body a bit of a break as you climb, but you’ll also want to enjoy the incredible views. You will come to several overlooks where you’ll capture gorgeous valley views and can even see for miles on a clear day. And in between these overlooks, you’ll walk through dense forests and beautiful meadows. It is hard not to love this route.
As you explore this trail, watch for mountain bikers and equestrians who may be sharing the road with you. Also, dogs and other pets are not allowed on the trail as they can damage the habitat and threaten the wildlife that calls this area home.
Chehalem Ridge Nature Park in Oregon is a beautiful place for an adventure. Put on your hiking boots and see for yourself.
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Have you ever visited Chehalem Ridge Nature Park in Gatson, Oregon? What did you do during your visit? Did you hike? Please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear from you. And, if you’d like to learn more about this park and others in the area, visit the Metro website and AllTrails.
