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Recreation Guide
W
estern Washington County is the perfect destination for the outdoor enthusiast in all of us. Whether
you're into hiking, running and bicycling or quieter pursuits such as bird-watching and angling, it's
all here for you to discover and enjoy. The county's offerings of trails, streams, lakes, forests and
wetlands invite residents and visitors to enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities. From the inviting
waters of Hagg Lake to the beautiful vistas at Stub Stewart State Park to the quiet solitude of Fernhill
Wetlands, everyone will find an outdoor venue and activities to suit their lifestyle.
Banks-Vernonia State Trail
This 21-mile linear park connects the rural communities of
Banks and Vernonia.
From the 1920s to the 1950s, logs were transported to the
Oregon-American Mill in Vernonia from as far south as Banks. That
former railroad right-of-way is now the Banks-Vernonia State Trail,
the first of Oregon's rails-to-trails parks.
The southern trailhead in Banks opened in 2010, completing the
project. The linear park's biking, hiking, jogging and equestrian
trails are accessible at several trailheads along the route, including
Manning, Buxton (where it connects with Stub Stewart State Park),
Tophill and Beaver Creek.
If you travel the full length of the trail, you'll cross a dozen bridges
spanning Dairy Creek, Beaver Creek and the Nehalem River. Find
more about this historic trail at www.oregonstateparks.org
Stub Stewart State Park
Washington County's only state park offers a range of activities
for everyone.
Located on Highway 47 about four miles north of Highway 26,
Oregon's newest state park features 1,654 acres for hiking, biking
and discovery.
Spend a Saturday on a family picnic or make a weekend of it.
Choose from full hook-up campsites, a walk-in campground, a
horse camp or rustic cabins and yurts. Opened in 2007, the park
features forested hills, creeks and canyons that have been restored
as a native fish habitat.
Try out the mountain bike freeride skills area that opened last
spring or play the 18-hole disc golf course near the Hilltop day-use
area.
The park is open year-round.
Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-452-5687 or online at
www.oregonstateparks.org.
Tillamook Forest Center
The Tillamook Forest Center features interactive exhibits and
information on the past, present and future of the Tillamook State
Forest.
Located 35 miles west of Hillsboro and 22 miles east of
Tillamook on Highway 6, the center is a nonprofit interpretive
center.
Just a century ago, the area was served by stagecoach and home
to frontier families.
Learn about the world famous Tillamook Burn of the 1930s.
Take part in a variety of special events and programs. Climb a fire
lookout tower or watch for fish while standing on a 250-foot long
suspension bridge over the Wilson River.
Admission is free. Information about hours, events and programs
is available online at www.tillamoookforestcenter.org or by calling
866-930-4646.
Fernhill Wetlands
Fernhill Wetlands is located just southeast of downtown Forest
Grove off Highway 47, along Fernhill Road.
Stub Stewart State Park
Banks-Vernonia State Trail