Mt. Scott Nature Park Loop
The Mt. Scott Nature Park Loop at Mt. Scott Nature Park in Happy Valley, Oregon is an easy 0.8-mile loop trail that encompasses the whole park.Mt. Scott Nature Park is a natural nature park reserve on the lower middle eastern slope of Mount Scott. Surrounding the park, is newer suburban development from the city of Happy Valley. Some maps also call this Happy Valley Nature Park, but the official name is Mt. Scott Nature Park.
There is one major loop through the park, and several spur trails going out to different residential streets. The loop meanders across a fairly steep slope of Douglas Fir conifers, Western Red Cedars; with deciduous trees like Oregon Ash and Alders that provide color interest in fall.
To stay on the loop trail, always stick to the left when going counter-clockwise, or to the right when going clockwise. At the upper northwestern end of the park, there is a large panhandle portion of the park that has a narrow trail going steeply up to a northwestern trailhead. Take this optional spur to lengthen the hike (not shown on GPS track here).
Along the main loop, the trail is wide and lined in shade loving native understory plants. Trilliums, Bunchberry, and other various shade wildflowers bloom in springtime.
Bisecting the park is a seasonal creek, that may be dry by late spring or early summer. During rainstorms, it will probably be running. The loop trail crosses it twice. Next to the upper crossing, look towards the ravine to spot an old, rusty vehicle likely from the early 1900s.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and their waste must be carried out by the hiker. There are signs at each trailhead for the park, with doggie bags provided for your dog too, if you happen to bring a dog.
Parking
There is no official parking area for this park, but you can park on the side of the street by any of the trailheads.
