The park was designated as a Hokkaido Prefectural Natural Park in 1968 to protect the remnant primeval forest.
It is home to the Hokkaido Centennial Memorial Tower, a 100-meter-tall structure built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Hokkaido's development.
The forest serves as a vital refuge for Ezo squirrels and Ezo chipmunks, which are commonly observed by visitors.
The soil in the area is largely volcanic ash originating from past eruptions of Mount Eniwa.
The diverse flora includes over 600 species of higher plants and 100 species of mosses.
Nopporo Forest Park is a vast 2,051-hectare lowland forest located on the border of Sapporo, Ebetsu, and Kitahiroshima. It serves as an island of native vegetation, preserving a remnant of the primeval forest that once covered the Ishikari Plain. The park contains over 100 kilometers of hiking trails that remain accessible year-round, transitioning from snowshoeing routes in winter to bird-watching paths in summer. It is home to the Hokkaido Museum and the Historical Village of Hokkaido, both located within its boundaries. The park is characterized by its mixed forest of deciduous broad-leaved trees like Japanese oak and katsura, alongside conifers such as Sakhalin fir. Bird species such as the Ural owl, varied tit, and Japanese pygmy woodpecker are frequently sighted.
The elevated viewing platforms near the Hokkaido Centennial Memorial Tower offering panoramic vistas of the forest canopy.
Use the trail maps provided at the entrance to navigate the extensive network, as signage can be sparse in the deeper woods.
Bring binoculars if you are interested in bird-watching, as the canopy density often hides smaller species.
Check local notifications for bear activity before starting a hike, as sightings are reported periodically.
Do not attempt to hike the deepest sections of the trail network without a map or during low-light hours.
Park trails are open year-round, though specific museum facilities within the park boundaries have their own closing days, usually Mondays.
Stay on marked trails to protect the forest floor, carry out all trash, and refrain from feeding wildlife.
