Hyland Woods Natural Area Trails

The Hyland Woods Natural Area, formerly known as Hyland Forest Park, is a neighborhood park in Beaverton that feels far removed from any neighborhood. This 30-acre densely wooded nature preserve is a great place for both two-legged and four-legged kids to get a little wild, and it's a pawfect place for everyone to get in touch with the natural world.

The main trail at Hyland Woods is a one-mile loop trail around the perimeter of the preserve. There's also about 0.5 miles of trails that run through the center of the park, connecting one side of the loop to the other. The trails are relatively flat and not much of a cardio challenge. The best way to enjoy hiking here is to take it slow and absorb the sights and sounds around you.

Douglas firs fill the air with the scent of pine while pileated woodpeckers fill the air with the sound of drumming. The tall trees that cover most of the park, including alder, maple, and hazel, are nearly a century old. As you expore the trails, you'll also find some open meadows and a pond where you can hear frogs peep. In mid-to-late spring, Oregon grape, the state wildflower, blooms in bright yellow clusters of bell-shaped flowers. 

One of the most interesting features of Hyland Forest Park is its "off-trail play area" on the east side of the park. The Natural Play Area was originally designed for two-legged children, but four-legged family members are welcome too as long as you keep them on a leash. You and your dog are sure to have a great time as you leap on and off logs, play with sticks, and see what treasures you can find. The boundaries of the Natural Play Area are marked with blue-tipped posts. 

The park lacks human bathrooms, but has abundant trash cans and doggie waste bag stations. It's never a bad idea to bring your own bags in case the dispensers run out, and you'll definitely need to bring your own water.

Bring your pup with you to Hyland Woods when you're wanting to get off the beaten path and in touch with your inner wild child.