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Fernhill Wetlands
4.8 ★★★★★ 668 Google reviews · Running trail in Forest Grove, Oregon · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Fernhill Wetlands' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Bird-spotting refuge (where dogs and bikes are not allowed) featuring walking trails, picnic tables, wetlands and waterfalls.
What runners say about Fernhill Wetlands
“The fact that this wetland bird sanctuary is in fact a clean waters treatment area is astounding.”
“The nature sights are beautiful too, and it's a great reserve to get a taste of Oregon's wildlife, native and invasive(unfortunately).”
“It has a section that's particularly nice to walk in the hot summer due to the shade and flowing water.”
“Beautifully restored wetlands with easy trails, great birdwatching, and peaceful scenery—perfect for a relaxing walk or nature escape.”
“Beautifully restored wetlands with easy trails, great birdwatching, and peaceful scenery—perfect for a relaxing walk or nature escape.”
Beautiful place to walk and see wild life. Walking there this morning in 28 degrees was like walking inside a snow flake with everything being frozen around. I will definitely come back at spring time. Excellent place for bird watching.
Excellent walking area with three miles of paved trails. Large covered picnic area with 6 tables. 2 more picnic tables next to the road. Visitor center, bathroom, lots of parking. The walking paths and bridges are beautiful.
Perfect for shorter walks or loop around the ponds and make a longer route of it. No dogs or bikes so it’s a great place for little ones to go and feel like they are on a grand hike. Excellent for bird watching and Very scenic. Shaded gazebo look out points for observing the nature and benches to rest on.
Beautiful serene wetlands park in Forest Grove. Beautiful scenery, and a number of waterfalls, with lots of birds and other wildlife to watch. Excellent place to hike or stroll, and especially good for birding. The trails are well kept, the surfaces good, and it's an easy hike for anyone.
Trail conditions & character
“The nature sights are beautiful too, and it's a great reserve to get a taste of Oregon's wildlife, native and invasive(unfortunately).”
“Beautifully restored wetlands with easy trails, great birdwatching, and peaceful scenery—perfect for a relaxing walk or nature escape.”
“We were greeted with a wonderful storybook walk, a meandering path through a beautiful garden area, and nice wide gravel trails to get around the various lakes and ponds.”
“The paths are all level and are an easy walk and they have benches and blinds set up at various points.”
“It has a section that's particularly nice to walk in the hot summer due to the shade and flowing water.”
“They have a decent size picnic area with bathrooms.”
“It is wonderfully kept up, and has ample parking and services on site.”
“Absolutely beautiful Wetlands area with paved walkways, flat gravel paths and easily navigated trails.”
“Perfect for shorter walks or loop around the ponds and make a longer route of it.”
“We also had no trouble with a baby stroller.”
Plan your run at Fernhill Wetlands
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefernhillnts.org
- Phone+1 503-681-3600
Running trails near Forest Grove
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bard Park
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Harleman Park
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Dairy Creek Park
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Featuring baseball and soccer fields, as well as a disc-golf course, this park has many activities.