Brown's Ferry Park in Tualatin has easy trails that allow for year-round walks in nature to view wildlife.

This year-round park is perfect for those who like nature, wildlife, and an easy walk. The park itself is 28.33 acres of flat beauty. Placed right next to the Tualatin River with a pond in the center, it's the perfect place for an easy, kid-friendly walk. You can view the pond near the end of the loop on the path adjacent to the road. During most seasons, there are small paths along the pond where you can walk to look closer. Tips for each season are below. Each season has something to offer!

Winter: During the winter months, all the wildlife is out and about. You can spot nutrias, ducks, squirrels, bunnies, woodpeckers, and a wide variety of birds. Most of them are around the pond in the middle of the park, but sometimes you can see the ducks in the river. Access to the pond is easier during this time, but be cautious of the mud. It may seem solid but you can sink very fast and deep. 

Spring: The wildlife still frolic about in the spring, and you have the bonus of wildflowers blooming. The pond gets covered with beautiful lily pads, with flowers all around. Pond access is a little more challenging during this time because of the growing greenery, but still accessible. Be careful of the mud during this time if it has been raining a lot. 

Summer: Depending on when you go in the summer, the pond is not as lively because of the heat. Sunscreen is highly recommended during this time since the loop does not supply much shade (the side paths are shadier). The park offers kayak and canoe rentals in the summer as well. 

Fall:  The colors of fall are beautiful during this time. The variety of leaves falling and the different fall colors are a beautiful sight to take in. We love going during this time and finding as many different shapes, sizes, and colors of leaves as we can find. 

General Tips: The park doesn't seem crowded since it is so big and spread out. You occasionally will see people on the trail, especially closer to the pond or near the river during summertime. There are still many empty benches and picnic tables available all year round. Bathrooms are available in the parking lot. Parking is easy and never an issue. Summer is the only time where it seems to be more crowded, but still not completely full.

The loop is to the right of the parking lot if you are facing the river. If you go over the bridge, you will see the open space and the pond ahead. There are small paths that lead to the river for a beautiful view. Most riverside stops have a bench or picnic table, which makes it great to share a snack or have a scenic lunch or dinner. Once you pass the pond, you can turn left after the bridge to loop back around the pond back to the parking lot, or you can continue straight through the forest for a long walk. No matter how far you go, the trail will loop back around to the sidewalk along the road. Once you loop around the pond on the sidewalk next to the road, there is a little area for kids to play in. It's a wooden structure (not a playground) where our kiddo likes to play peekaboo (pictured) or climb around. There are also these cute little duck statues right next to it that kids love. Strollers, balance bikes, and scooters (for younger kids) are great on the paved paths and easy to maneuver. 

I hope you enjoy this park as much as we do!