North of Forest Park, old logging roads weave through clusters of Douglas fir trees and other upland forest habitat. Considered an arm of the Coast Range, this area is a bonus for the people who enjoy the natural area today and want those opportunities to continue into the future.
Drawing on two voter-approved bond measures, Metro has protected four properties in this area on behalf of the region: Burlington Creek Forest, McCarthy Creek Forest, Ennis Creek Forest and North Abbey Creek natural areas. Together, they’re known as the North Tualatin Mountains – 1,300 acres of forest habitat. You can access the areas via McNamee Road or Skyline Road.
In 2013, voters across the region approved a levy that allows Metro to undertake large-scale restoration projects like the rehabilitation of the North Tualatin Mountains. Metro will remove invasive species and plant natives in their places. The goal: create an incredible visitor experience by providing the opportunity to walk through a true native habitat, an extension of the jewel that already exists in Forest Park just to the south.
Metro is taking a holistic look at natural, scenic and cultural resources, as well as management needs, outdoor recreation trends in the region, community partnerships, and related ideas and concerns identified through public engagement.
The large area covered by the North Tualatin Mountains provides a lot of room to care for the habitat that voters have protected while also carefully planning opportunities for people to enjoy it. Metro isn’t looking at each of the four sites in isolation - but instead, creating a complete package that protects habitat while integrating opportunities for access.