Page 6 - Closer Look 2014

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FIND A PLACE TO ‘GET OUT’

AND RECREATE A LITTLE

It would be hard to find a better place to recreate than western Washington County, the perfect

destination for the outdoor enthusiast in all of us. Whether your “thing” is hiking, running or bicycling
— or quieter pastimes like bird-watching and fishing — it’s all here for you to discover and enjoy.

Trails, streams, lakes, forests and wetlands invite residents and visitors to enjoy a wide variety of recreational

pursuits.

From the gorgeous vistas at Stub Stewart State Park to the inviting waters of Hagg Lake and the peaceful
solitude of Fernhill Wetlands, everyone will find an outdoor venue and activities that speaks to their passion.

Lincoln Park
Only three years old, the dog park is governed by a number
Located in the center of town between Main Street and of logical rules, including one that keeps things relatively
clean: owners are responsible for picking up after their dogs,
Sunset Drive, the Lincoln Park recreation complex continues to
be a beacon for residents of the Forest Grove community.
using waste bags they provide.
The city’s largest park became a reality in 2007 after the city The park is open daily from sunrise until one hour after

entered into an agreement with Pacific University to redevelop sunset. An Off-Leash Citizens Advisory Group, which helps
property just north of campus to accommodate the school’s with maintenance and management of the dog park, can be
athletic teams. The public park boasts a running track and accessed by contacting Carrie Niemiec at carrie.a.niemiec@

stadium, an artificial turf field for soccer and lacrosse and intel.com.
softball and baseball fields. It also features picnic shelters,

playground equipment, a skateboard park, a BMX course and Hagg Lake
restrooms.
Every year thousands of visitors flock to Henry Hagg Lake
An in-town alternative to recreational opportunities found at
to view its pristine beauty and take advantage of countless
the Tillamook Forest and ocean beaches, Lincoln Park is a recreational opportunities. Named after prominent Washington
family-friendly place to exercise, relax and have fun.
County dairyman Henry Hagg, the 1,113-acre lake was created

when Scoggins Dam was built in the mid-1970s. Situated
Thatcher Road Dog Park
between Forest Grove and Gaston, the lake and surrounding
Scoggins Valley Park hosts folks who want to get away while
Like Disneyland for dogs, Thatcher Road Dog Park continues
to be a big draw for pooches and their people. Dogs can run (almost) staying home.
and play off-leash — in one area for large breeds and another The park is popular with bikers and birders and boaters as

area for small or timid dogs that weigh in under 35 pounds well as hikers, runners and anglers — the lake is stocked with
— at the park, located at the corner of David Hill and Thatcher rainbow trout.
roads in Forest Grove.
Hikers and wildlife enthusiasts may encounter a variety of

songbirds, as well as waterfowl, deer, elk, coyotes, bobcat,
beaver and squirrels. Fifteen miles of hiking/bicycling trails
surround the lake for those craving a workout in a natural

setting.
The parks offers numerous picnicking spots, a fully

accessible fishing pier, two hard surface boat ramps, food and
boat rentals and an 18-hole disc golf course.
To get to Hagg Lake, take Highway 47 south from Forest

Grove toward Gaston. Turn right at the Hagg Lake/Scoggins
Valley Park signs and drive 3.7 miles to the park entrance.

Fernhill Wetlands

Home to numerous migratory birds and waterfowl, 600-acre
Fernhill Wetlands is located just southeast of downtown Forest
Grove, off Highway 47 along Fernhill Road.

Sightings of shorebirds, songbirds and waterfowl are
common in the area’s lakes, ponds, marshes and woods,
located at the apex of the Willamette Valley and Yamhill

flyways. A nesting pair of bald eagles also call Fernhill home.
Area wildlife enthusiasts can enhance their chances of O
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seeing their favorite bird or critter by visiting the wetlands CA
year-round. Or, they can join the Friends of Fernhill Wetlands, E
a group of volunteers working together to improve and D
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preserve the wetlands area.
Fernhill Wetlands
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