Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
140.00 ft (42.67 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.40 mi (5.47 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

A beloved walking route by neighborhood locals, Beaverton's North Johnson Creek Trail is perhaps an unexpected hiking destination for others in the Portland metro area, but it serves as an excellent retreat for anyone seeking some fresh air, a dose of nature, and some exercise without having to leave the city.

The paved 8-foot wide trail starts at the intersection of NW Barnes Road and 118th Avenue (across from the Market of Choice) and meanders along the fringe of Johnson Creek for 1.7 miles uphill cutting through second-growth forest, quintessential Beaverton wetlands, and several residential neighborhoods. A perfect trail for families, the hike provides opportunities to see a well-preserved temperate Pacific Northwest forest ecosystem dominated by marshy wetlands and stands of Douglas fir, western redcedar and bigleaf maples. Johnson Creek is protected by Clean Water Services and the Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District and serves as a home for a myriad of species including rough-skinned newts, American toads, wood ducks, mallards, great egrets, and the occasional great blue heron.

Route Directions

Below is a step-by-step set of directions as the North Johnson Creek Trail weaves in and out of residential neighborhoods on a designated paved trail and on sidewalks.

  • The trailhead is located just east of the intersection of NW Barnes and 118th Avenue.
  • From the trailhead, head east (up stream).
  • After 0.3 miles on trail turn left onto NW 114th Avenue and head into a residential area.
  • After 0.2 miles on the road turn right onto NW Leahy.
  • After a few hundred yards on the sidewalk turn right onto NW Cedar Hills Boulevard.
  • After 0.3 miles on the sidewalk cross over NW Cedar Hills Boulevard and continue onto the trail.
  • After 0.3 miles on trail turn left onto SW Valeria View Drive.
  • After a hundred yards on the sidewalk turn right (up hill) onto SW Taylor Street.
  • After a few hundred yards on the sidewalk, turn left and head back onto the trail leading into Merrit Orchard Park.
  • After 0.2 miles on the trail turn around at the footbridge over Johnson Creek.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Natural wetland sanctuary in an urban core. Broad, kid-friendly trail.

Cons

Parts of hike are on sidewalks through residential subdivisions.

Trailhead Elevation

260.00 ft (79.25 m)

Features

Bird watching
Wildlife
ADA accessible

Suitable for

Biking

Location

Comments

05/12/2018
It was a beautiful day in May and we just had to get out and enjoy a walk. Since we didn't have much time but wanted to try something new, I looked here and found this gem only a few miles from our house. A great mix of sun and shade, neighborhoods and trees, there's just enough uphill to label it "exercise" for couch potatoes! Seriously though, this topped off our 10,000 steps for the day and allowed us to get some fresh air and discover a hidden trail practically in our back yard!

We took a slight detour to go through Foege Park (pictures attached) which took us on a bridge over Cedar Hills Blvd.
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