Living on a forested (modest) mountaintop outside of Portland, OR. is in some ways a perfect fit for me–it is billed as “nature’s neighborhood”, and I greatly appreciate trees and other nature offerings. We left a densely populated if charming neighborhood in NE Portland two and a half years ago for what seems nearly like country in comparison. I am grateful we moved, now–the last few years have been trying, often sad. But here we daily can find increased health and serenity in the natural world.
Mountain Park offers 8 miles of well maintained trails throughout 200 acres of wooded, hilly landscape. I now and then have shared the trails in different seasons and weather. Today I set out to snap photos of greenery aglow with sunshine that will diminish as months of rain return, the daylight dimmed by repetitious cloud cover. Of course, the terrain remains greener than most places all year long… (We had the first true rainfall over the week-end after months of drought–a joy to hear, feel and smell early autumn rain.)
My hour walk today began at our higher elevation by entering a tunnel. It took me down steeper paved trails, though there are some dirt pathways. The neighborhood was designed in 1968 as a planned community amid woods, and there are typically modern NW-style houses that I like–sharp, clean angles of natural materials with large windows/skylights– ranging from good-sized but simpler homes to impressive ones, all blending in with muted woods and stone. They are half-hidden among foliage, often sequestered behind fences.
The paths are often steep and windy–great “interval training” for the body.
There are brighter areas along the way with open spaces to relax, where residents’ dogs can play.
A favorite tree, below, lovely as it spreads its great limbs up and out. There are lots of mighty Douglas firs and other conifers, but also wonderful big leaf maples and madrone trees, among others.
In the midst of shadows are occasional play areas–and seven small parks. Often they’ve been empty since the pandemic has taken hold. I have brought my twin grandchildren to play a few times–outdoor play and fresh air are required for kids!
Please click on the slideshow to view the end of today’s enjoyable meander. There are many more miles of trails to explore in beautiful Mountain Park; all I have to do is turn in another direction outside my front door and go forth. I am guaranteed great exercise and a peaceful spirit as I roam.
Rising from shady forest, I emerged into brilliant sunshine, breezy air warmed–not quite abandoning tail end of summer weather. But very soon. Chilly rains won’t stop me. There are always more trails to appreciate in the great outdoors, even in the city.
Tales for Life 
Thank you for sharing. I found Oregon to be a beautiful but sad state due to all the rain and cloud cover. It has an atmosphere for tea.
I like the botanical gardens in St. Louis. We have places to hike in Missouri. I think you said you lived around here at some point? Forgive my memory.
Well, off to bed.
Welcome–my pleasure. I mostly post about OR. outings these days since travel is so limited now. I do miss going much further afield…as so many do. (Though my brother and sister-in-law are travelling in Europe right now!)
I loved wandering around the Jewel Box in St. Louis as a child when my family visited relatives. And isn’t there a Forest park, as well? (Portland has a huge urban wilderness called Forest Park.)
The Northwest is surely not for everyone–I mostly enjoy the rain 6 months of the year; the other 6 are sunny and dry.
Thanks for the comment.
Fine photos of the dappled woodland – and I especially like the composition of the Tualatin foothills one.
Thank you, Derrick. That view caught my eye, too! I can climb high enough that mountains are seen in all directions. (I have posted on Nansen Summit with photos to demonstrate.)