NW ~ Deerfield-Bethany Meadows Parks

Date visited: May 5, 2006
Agency: Tualatin Hills Parks & Rec District
Path Surface: Paved
Elevation gain/loss: 60 ft
Distance: 2.6 miles
Ratings: Setting ++ Calorie-burning ++
Directions: From Hwy 26 (the Sunset) take the 185th Ave exit, go 1.1 miles north to West Union and turn right. After .4 mile turn left into Allenbach Acres (177th Ave) and go to the end of the street.

This section of the eventual 3.5 east/west route has less open water than Bethany Lake Park, but a “wilder” feel. Still, the path is in a slim corridor between subdivisions and the houses are plainly visible.

For the full mileage, turn west and walk back to West Union, where the path will eventually connect through to Bethany Lake. Take the side trail over a wooden foot bridge, where you can see lupine, English daisies and creeping buttercup. These two detours add .6 mile to your trip.

This is prime common yellowthroat country and be sure to look for the American goldfinches, especially at the feeders behind the houses. Swallows go sweeping by and you may see Bewick’s wrens, mourning doves, and house and song sparrows.

At .8 mile, the path splits, giving you the opportunity to go either north or south. For now, continue east past the Pirate Ship playground. After 1.3 miles, you reach the end of this section of the trail in Bethany Meadows Park. Return as you came or explore the short north and south extensions near the playground. If you still want more, return to your car and head west to Bethany Lake Park. (See that post.)

NW ~ Bethany Lake Park

Date visited: May 5, 2006
Agency: Tualatin Hills Parks & Rec District
Path Surface: Paved
Elevation gain/loss: 70 ft
Distance: 2.5 miles
Ratings: Setting ++ Calorie-burning ++
Directions: From Hwy 26 (the Sunset) take the 185th Ave exit, go 1 mile north on 185th to a parking lot on the left.

A small lake, cultivated lawns, fields and a tiny wetlands area provide wide open spaces to stretch your legs. This path is but one section of what is planned to be a 3.5 mile continuous east/west route running under the powerlines.

From the parking lot, the paved path skirts the lake, passing by hopeful fishermen. Mallards and some hybrid geese paddle around on the lily-pad surface. The occasional blue heron stalks its prey. Scrubby brush nearby yields the song of common yellowthroats, while robins, red wing blackbirds, scrub jays and song sparrows also make their presence known. Find a picnic table and a footbridge over Rock Creek after .3 mile. Next to the path here you might see bushtits and
a Bewick’s Wren or two, while tree swallows dart overhead.

The path curves through a diminutive area that is being rehabilitated as wetlands, then gently slopes upward, traveling through a golf course. After 1 mile, you will pass soccer fields on the left where you might see killdeer tottering through the grass. On your right the vegetation harbors towhees, starlings and perhaps a mourning dove. We saw gold crowned sparrows hopping along the path.

The paved path ends at Rock Creek Powerline Park, 1.25 miles from the start. It is possible to cross the street ahead of you and follow a poorly maintained path through the grassy field for .4 mile farther. This path is hard to follow, is often wet in places and simply ends at the freeway. Some wildflowers scattered throughout the field might make this trek worthwhile.

When you turn back toward your car, be sure to notice the view of the West Hills and look for red tail hawks perched on the power line structures. If you are ready for more, an additional section of the Powerlines Park grid is close by, from Deerfield Park to Bethany Meadows Park. (See that post.)