Being outside has always felt peaceful and grounding to Jessica Hays. She loves summit hikes with epic views that make every hard mile worth it. After years of hiking all over, Hays explored backpacking as she wanted to go deeper into the wilderness and see places that can only be reached on foot. Some of her favorite moments are hiking with family and friends and getting to share those experiences together. Hays resides in Oregon, but her adventures take her far, escaping into a world of her own and truly being one with nature. Hays offers her insight on some of her favorite places to hike around the Tualatin, Sherwood and Wilsonville area so you too can hike like an expert.
1. Chehalem Ridge Nature Park-
The Mampa Trail Viewpoint, is one of the best payoff views in the area. The park has rolling ridgelines, open meadows, oak savannas, and forest sections with huge views out toward the Coast Range and Tualatin Valley as well as viewpoint of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate depending on route
- Typical distance: Most loops range from 3–7 miles; reaching the Mampa viewpoint is a 4-5 mile hike.
- What you’ll see: Wildflowers, oak trees, fern and moss covered forests, expansive valley views, birds and other wildlife.
- Parking/cost: Large free parking lot at the trailhead
Why Jessica likes this hike: It feels peaceful and expansive without being overly crowded even on weekends. The viewpoints are rewarding for minimal effort. The Mampa viewpoint especially has that “pause and breathe it all in” feeling that makes a hike memorable. It’s also far enough away from the city to feel like you're in the forest, but without the long drive to get there.
2. Bob and Crystal Rilyee Park-
This is a large, forested nature park on with multiple options of trails for hiking. Trail options include wider easy paths through the forest, flat trails around clover fields or more challenging trails that dip into moss and fern filled forests with a seasonal creek.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Typical distance: Most loops range from 2-3 miles, with options up to 8-9 miles for complete integrated loops.
- What you’ll see: Open grassy areas, gentle wooded sections, seasonal greenery, and views of the surrounding hills and farmland
- Parking/cost: Free parking lot available onsite
Why Jessica likes this hike: It’s the kind of place that works when you want nature without committing to a big physical challenge. It’s good for connecting to nature without a long drive.
3. Trappest Abbey-
The Abbey trails are unique because they combine forest hiking with a reflective, almost meditative atmosphere. The land has been cared for by the monks for decades and feels intentionally peaceful.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
- Typical distance: Multiple trail options, generally around 2–5 miles depending on route
- What you’ll see: Dense forest, mossy trails, quiet creeks, wildlife, and the monastery grounds
- Parking/cost: Free parking; trail access is free
Why Jessica likes this hike: The atmosphere is what makes it special. It feels quieter and more reflective than most trail systems. It’s a great place to unplug mentally and offers an opportunity for a unique hiking experience.
4. Tryon Creek State Park-
It’s incredibly accessible but still feels immersive into the wilderness once you’re inside the trail network.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
- Typical distance: Trails range from short 0.3-mile accessible loops to 5+ mile connected routes
- What you’ll see: Fern-covered forest, wooden bridges, creeks, giant trees, birds, and seasonal wildflowers
- Parking/cost: Free parking lots at main entrances, though they can fill on weekends. There is neighborhood access connection trails as well.
Why Jessica likes this hike: It’s one of the few places where you can feel genuinely surrounded by forest while still being close to the city. The trail network lets people customize the experience — whether they want an easy family walk or a longer challenging hike.