Oregon Ridge Park: Gazebo and Play/Learn loop

Oregon Ridge Park has a variety of trail options. Perfect for the sure footed is this one mile loop. You’ll gain elevation but the view and seat will be worth it. Plus, what little child (or adult) doesn’t love sprinting downhill? Start by parking in the lot closest to the Nature Center, walk up to the center, but don’t go in just yet (or do and take your bathroom break). Wave to the oppossom and cross the bridge. Turn right up the red trail and follow along until it splits to the left. Follow the ridge trail (yellow) uphill until you reach the gazebo. Oregon Ridge is an old quarry site, so you’ll see flecks of Mica in the rocks and soil. On sunny days we often call this the golden trail for just that reason. Be on the lookout for toads and snakes as well as spiders. After taking a rest or snack break in the gazebo, turn RIGHT down the red logger trail (if you continue the way you came up you’ll eventually loop back to the parking lot but it’s a much longer trail). This shadded portion of the red trail cuts down to a steam which can either be covered in skunk cabbage or frozen over depending on the time of year. It’s also full of oaks so beautiful acorns abound. Once you’ve reached the stream you’ll be changing elevation and will soon reach a point (painted tree arrival) where you can walk down the painted tree trail to the backside of the nature playground OR you can continue on the red trail until you reach the same bridge you started at.