On a sunny day this not so hidden gem is a refuge from the bustling city although it's in the…read moremiddle of an upscale neighborhood in west Linn you can't tell it's quiet secluded and a pleasant experience to indulge in nature or read a book. I've seen lots of wildlife here from eagles to deer and much more

'Tis the season to enjoy Maddax Woods Park…read more Like many parks in West Linn, a group of volunteers aid the city with seasonal displays and activities to make each public park a little unique. At Maddox Woods that means this is the 10th year of the Lighting of Maddax Woods, a seasonal light display and a wildlife scavenger hunt for the kids. There are 36 animals (woodcuts) throughout this 7 acre park along the Willamette River to try to find during your visit. This is a natural park and nature trail that is part of the Willamette Greenway Trail and when you head up the hill and cross the bridge that trail connects you to Burnside Park. Thanks to land donations to the city by early West Linn families there is a lot of open space along the river to enjoy with your human and canine companions. This location is also a prime spot for birders to view one of the largest heron rookeries in our area, that is across the river on Goat Island. This park is pretty hidden and I only discovered it a couple of years ago when you head downhill from the West Linn Public Library. It is more of a nature preserve and walking park without a playground or other amenities. There is a handicapped accessible porta-potty near the entrance. The volunteers sell Christmas trees for $20 to help fund their activities throughout the year. They also have a monthly work party to help maintain the space. You can contact the Friends of Maddax Woods here: http://westlinnoregon.gov/parksrec/friends-maddax-woods. ---- The Lighting of Maddax Woods - 4-9 pm November 16 - December 31, 2013.

Beautiful trail through nature anytime of the year, but absolutely stellar mid to late April and…read moreMay when the field's namesake, the blue camas, are in bloom and and along with other wildflowers, blanket the fields I'm soft shades of blue, pink, purple and yellow. It's spectacular! There are lots of other wildflowers, too, so keep your eyes out for the many tiny varieties. There's pink sea blush, western yellow buttercup, Oregon grape, pink purslane, trillium (even plum colored ones,) saxifrages and more. I even spotted a handful of white camas amongst the thousands of blue. It's a gorgeous walk, immersed in nature, with birds chirping, bees doing their pollinating thing, butterflies, squirrels, hummingbirds, and even turkey vultures flying above. There are also osprey. Its's an easy trail, .8 miles if you stay in the main loop. With just slight elevation in a few places and sometimes narrow areas, the vast majority of people, including kids, will find it an easy, pleasant walk. The trail itself is dirt and wood chips, and definitely some rocks and basalt in places, with wooden planks guiding you through the pastel wildflower prairies. However, if you require a cane or walker, this trail can be challenging in some parts. I'm using a cane due to labral tear, and the few places where there were slightly steep rocky paths, I waited until a passerby came by and asked for assistance. Fortunately fellow hikers were kind and happy to lend a hand or shoulder. There was a group of four with walkers and canes and they only made it a third of the way and had to turn back. In some parts the path is too narrow or too steep for a walker. The nature reserve is at the end of a neighborhood street so on a weekend in April or May when wildflowers are in bloom, parking is challenging. Definitely go on a weekday if your schedule permits. There is a porta potty on site. And a volunteer on the path should you have any questions about the wildlife and plants you encounter. Dogs are not allowed.

I love this hidden gem of a nature park! My family has come here to see the spring camas and…read moreseablush show a few times now, and we have a great time. Need to know: One-way trail, loop but connects to the high school and wilderness trail too Steep incline at beginning Can be muddy fall to spring Great signage Lots of Oregon natives Sensitive habitat, so stay on trail! Great views Yakima basalt formations Parking is extremely limited, and the reason I removed one star

We used your service for a wine tour of the Williamette area of Oregon and thanks to your company…read moreand our awesome tour guide Daniel Johnson we had the best experience. Our guide was punctual and very knowledgeable of the area and the van was very comfortable. Will use this company again for a future trip

We did a day trip of hiking, sightseeing and wine tasting with Kieron. Can't recommend First Nature…read moremore highly enough. It was a fantastic day and very memorable. Felt like we were able to fit in so much in one day. Kieron is a wonderful, knowledgeable guide and an absolute pleasure to spend your day with.

Overcrowded May - August. Not enough parking…read more Check the water quality- it's often polluted Expensive $120 parking tickets $145 fine for dog off leash "Beach" is very small Construction during summer 2026 on river path Go visit spring, fall or winter Or go very early in the morning in the summer

t's great for families and solo visitors alike. You can kayak here, but be prepared for a steep…read moretrail down to the water; bringing kayaks on dollies is recommended. Head past the bathroom and down the road to the launch area, then go right from the beach to reach Hog Island. The water is calm and relaxing. It's a nice spot for walking dogs, with easy trails and a sandy area by the river for them to enjoy.

I don't have a dog and I don't live anywhere near here. This place is gorgeous! What an amazing…read morespace and I really want to bring some friends and go exploring. There is an ample parking lot and seems like a great spot to spend a day wandering around and having a picnic. I came for an event in the evening which was just gorgeous an even with a huge crowd in one area, it was pretty perfect.

Really cool dog park with a nice trail through the woods at mostly leveled elevation so it's a…read morefamily friendly walk. There's abundance of parking in the main parking space with a lot of shaded parking as well do it all the trees . If I lived a lot closer, I will definitely come here regularly just for a nice fresh air walk. Starting to hike near the bathrooms, there was a couple steep section so I would recommend not wearing sandals like I did and something a little more comfortable just in case.

I went on a 6 day rafting trip on the Grand Ronde with ORE. I had a wonderful time. All of the…read moreriver guides were awesome and they knew so much. The food was excellent and plenty of it. I cannot say enough good things about the guides and this company. I would go anywhere with them!

Me and my girlfriend did the upper clackamas river full day experience and it was nothing short of…read moreamazing. From start to finish we had the absolute best time. Ari our guide was super fun and helpful. I had some worries going in as it was my first time but they went through all the safety precautions and eased my nerves. They provide lunch half way through and we even got to cliff dive and swim. Cannot recommend enough.

Burnside Park is a nature park set aside for hiking, river access, and wildlife viewing in West…read moreLinn. It is located along the Willamette River. You can walk along the main Willamette Greenway Trail, cross a bridge over Bolton creek and eventually enter into the adjacent Maddax Woods Park. There are also views of Goat Island in the Willamette where an important Great Blue Heron nesting area is located. There are actually several entrances to the park. The easiest access is at the Edgewater Court Trailhead. The next easiest trailhead would be at the end of Holmes Street. This trail has nice views, and some fairly steep steps that lead down to the Greenway Trail. Many Trillium flowers can be seen along here in March and early April. A third trailhead leads down from the end of Buck Street. The Buck Street trail is a dirt trail that is steep in parts. I have seen Bald Eagles, Red Tailed Hawks, and Hummingbird nests along this trail. The trail is scenic but it can be slippery when wet. Traction shoes and/or hiking poles would be good to have here. Basic park rules are: 1) Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash at all times. (Leash law strictly enforced) . There is a dog park at nearby Mary S Young Park. 2) No fires allowed anywhere in Park. 3) Park closes at dusk 4) No littering 5) No removal of native plants and trees. The trees have all been rescued from invasive English Ivy at least once by wonderful volunteers. If you wish to join a Burnside Park volunteer group you can sign up at solveoregon.org . This nature park was set aside many years ago by Mrs. Caufield to preserve and protect it in a city park. It is a natural little paradise which has been preserved for future generations.

Burnside Park is connected to Maddox Woods Park along the Willamette River on the Willamette River…read moreGreenway Trail. It is common for hikers to start their trip in one park and then walk through the other over the connecting bridge. I should note that this park has two entrances in the local neighborhood. If you enter the park on Buck Street, your hike will start with quite a steep downhill path, so it definitely is not the place to start for those with mobility issues or any concerns about rolling ankles. Or if you have a dog that tends to pull you down trails. The entrance off of Edgewater Court would be a better bet. This is a 10-acre nature park ideal for wildlife viewing and hiking along the lovely Willamette River under a nice canopy of trees. No play structures or amenities.