The park was named after the Oregon Nursery Company, founded in 1907, which once employed a significant portion of the local population.
The site includes over 1.5 miles of soft-surface trails and paved regional paths suitable for diverse trail users.
The park contains a prominent 'creek crossing' bridge that connects the upland meadows to the forested lower regions.
The property was acquired and restored by Metro, the regional government, as part of the Natural Areas bond measure.
The landscape includes remnant heritage fruit trees from the property's former nursery days.
Orenco Woods Nature Park is a 42-acre expanse in Hillsboro, Oregon, characterized by a diverse landscape of wetlands, rolling meadows, and mature forests. The site formerly functioned as the historic Orenco Nursery, once the largest fruit tree nursery in the United States. Visitors can access a network of interconnected trails that traverse Rock Creek and provide connections to the regional trail system. The park serves as a habitat for local wildlife, including deer, owls, and migratory birds. It features elevated boardwalks designed to protect sensitive ecological zones while allowing for pedestrian exploration. Restoration efforts have focused on re-establishing native oak woodland and riparian vegetation along the creek banks. The park is managed as a natural area with limited developed amenities to preserve its ecological integrity.
The wooden footbridge spanning Rock Creek during the golden hour provides the most scenic perspective.
Bring waterproof footwear during the rainy season as trails near Rock Creek can become muddy.
Utilize the designated bike racks near the main entrance if arriving by trail, as parking can be limited during peak weekends.
Bring binoculars, as the elevated boardwalks provide excellent vantage points for birdwatching.
Do not wander off-trail into the restoration zones, as these areas are actively protected to support native plant regrowth.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive habitat; dogs must remain on-leash at all times.
