Rood Bridge is a municipal park in southeast Hillsboro that provides visitors with a vast range of recreation opportunities.

Opened in 1999, the park encompasses 58 acres on the north bank of the Tualatin River at its confluence with Rock Creek. It is one of my favorite parks outside Portland because of the amazing views and large list of amenities. You can take one of the many paved paths through the different developed and natural areas like the Rhododendron Garden, the pavilion near a beautiful pond, visit the playground with swings, climbing structures, and slides, or even one of the three picnic shelters. You can also take one of the many dirt paths leading further into wetland and wooded areas around the Tualatin River if you like hiking. The park also offers a BBQ, tennis court, parking lot, and restrooms.

Besides that, a watercraft launch for non-motorized watercraft to access the Tualatin River. The boat launch is a car-top launch only for canoes, kayaks, and boats (15-feet long at maximum). It typically opens around Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) and closes after Labor Day (the first Monday in September). Check with Parks Maintenance (503-615-2400) first before you drive there.

During weekdays it is a very calm and quiet place, but on weekends is usually busier. Bring snacks, water and have a picnic there, because this residential area doesn’t have many nearby options. Also, bring a camera if you visit Rood Bridge Park during spring or fall seasons to capture the colors of the flowers and trees.

I love this place and highly recommend it for you and your kids. I hope you all make good memories and take good pictures of the breathtaking views that this park offers to the community.