3 Fun Outdoor Activities in Driving Distance of Hillsboro, OR

Do you look back fondly on the days of your youth spent playing outdoors? If so, you will be delighted to know that there is a wide range of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed within driving distance of Hillsboro, OR. Today, we’re looking at our favorite ways to enjoy the great outdoors in the Hillsboro area.

3 Fun Outdoor Activities in Driving Distance of Hillsboro, OR 

1. Kayaking at Rood Bridge Park

Kayaking at Rood Bridge Park at 4000 SE Rood Bridge Rd is our favorite way to enjoy the outdoors in Hillsboro. You can also launch other non-motorized watercraft, such as canoes and short boats, between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

If the boat launch is closed, there are still plenty of ways you can enjoy the beautiful weather. For example, there are several walking trails and paved bike paths. Additionally, there is a tennis court and playground that your family can enjoy playing on. Moreover, you can find such amenities as: 

• A picnic area
• A pavilion
• Natural areas
• Benches

2. Hiking at Jackson Bottoms Wetland Preserve

We also love hiking at Jackson Bottoms Wetland Preserve at 2600 SW Hillsboro Hwy. Dogs are not allowed on this nature preserve, and over 150 bird species have been spotted here, so you can expect any hike you take to be peaceful.

If you want to spot waterfowl, we recommend taking the Kingfisher Marsh Loop or Pintail Pond Loop. Neither of these loop trails exceeds two-thirds of a mile in distance, but they both loop around a body of water. The Jackson Bottom Wetlands Trail is also recommended. It is 1.43 miles long, passing by nearly a dozen bodies of water that many animal species call home.

3. Picking Produce at Smith Berry Barn

Finally, we think it’s fun to pick produce at Smith Berry Barn at 24500 SW Scholls Ferry Road. There are different ​fruits available during different times of the year, but we always ​love ​the sweet scent of fresh fruit and the warm sun on our skin as we pick our produce.

You can visit this farm between 10 and 5 ​on any day but ​Monday from ​summer through winter. In the spring, the farm is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. In the fall, you can pick ​apples, pears, grapes, blackberries, tomatoes, and peppers.

Regardless of how you enjoy spending time outdoors, there are activities you can enjoy within driving distance of Hillsboro. However, you need a reliable vehicle for the freedom to enjoy your time as you see fit. If you are in the market for a better one, a 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata may be a good fit. To take one for a test drive, visit us today at Royal Moore Mazda.

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