Happy Valley Nature Park
It’s easy to forget you’re just minutes from a city as you wander the trails here. Bring binoculars to see waterfowl in the wetlands and foraging perching birds.
This park is well-used and maintained by a dedicated community. A full range of recreational amenities are available, including sports fields and picnic shelters. Read this first!
Playgrounds
A kid’s dream playground awaits at Happy Valley Nature Park. With a modular play system, swings, jungle gym, tire tree, teeter totters, and sandbox this playground provides plenty of ways for kids to get their energy out and have fun. The park also offers picnic areas, horseshoe pits, and a fenced off-leash dog area.
The city of Happy Valley embodies the Pacific Northwest lifestyle and is located southeast of Portland with easy access to outdoor activities. Lace up your hiking boots and discover stunning scenic trails, or test yourself on thrilling mountain biking excursions. If tranquility is more your speed, cast your line in world-class fishing streams or simply admire autumn leaves that paint the landscape in a kaleidoscope of colors. Happy Valley is one of the most unique and diverse communities in the state. From modern shopping centers and upscale restaurants to forested nature parks, this compact city has something for everyone.
Picnic Areas
Happy Valley Nature Park is a great place for families to picnic, with a number of covered and uncovered areas. The park’s 24 acres of wetlands are also a draw, with a boardwalk that wanders through the natural areas allowing visitors to get a closer look at wildlife — particularly migratory birds.
On clear days, the top of Scouters Mountain offers a scenic view of Mount Hood. The park is wheelchair accessible, with a mile-long loop trail through centuries-old forests.
Follow the boardwalk through thickets of hawthorn, Oregon ash, willow, and spiraea to a junction with a paved trail. Veer left to reach the North Observation Deck, where a cluster of tame mallards pester hikers for handouts in spring and summer.
The park is also home to the Valley Public House, a taproom and food hall with over 70 different drafts, including local favorites like New Seasons’ Happy Valley Lager. The restaurant includes a family-friendly dining section, as well as an outpost of Portland’s popular Tamale Boy. Browse around this site.
Off-Leash Dog Areas
The dog park at Happy Valley Nature Park is a great place to let your dog off-leash and explore the natural area. This is a large park with paved paths and plenty of shade. There are also benches and seating throughout the fenced dog park to relax and take in the beautiful scenery. Please make sure to stay on the path, going off-path can cause a lot of damage to the environment.
One of the newer parks in Happy Valley is Chimney Park with over 18 acres, a fenced-in off-leash dog park, and a paved walking trail loop. This park has water stations, waste stations, and lots of shade to keep both humans and dogs cool on hot days.
This park also has a children’s playground, community garden, and sports fields and courts for baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, and more. It’s a wonderful place for a family outing!
Community Events
The community of Happy Valley embraces its rich history and culture with a variety of fun events that showcase the region’s unique flair. Discover the region’s thriving museum scene, sample local brews and wines at the Central PA Tasting Trail, dive into the world of cinema at the Centre Film Fest or enjoy a day of family fun with one of the town’s most beloved traditions.
The 8,898-acre Happy Valley Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is managed for wildlife habitat conservation and wildlife-associated recreation using various techniques, including old field maintenance, mowing, prescribed burning, green strips, slash openings, and water level manipulations. The WMA provides an opportunity to view wildlife associated with wetlands such as waterfowl and shorebirds.
Please practice Leave No Trace principles and outdoor safety when recreating on state lands. See the DEC’s Leave No Trace Guide and Outdoor Safety Tips for more information. Funding for the care and maintenance of this land is provided through excise taxes collected on sporting arms, ammunition, and archery equipment. Continue reading the next article.
Driving directions from Rise and Shine Cleaning Service to Happy Valley Nature Park
Driving directions from Happy Valley Nature Park to Mary S. Young Park
