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Willamalane’s Thurston Hills Natural Area in Springfield, Oregon, is the perfect hike for families and it’s right in town, making it even better. There are lots of options for trails, including mountain biking trails.
Thurston Hills Natural Area
Parking is off Main Street and 75th street in Springfield’s Thurston neighborhood. There are ample parking spaces, bathrooms with flush toilets, and even a bike washing station. (Note: The trail goes all the way to Mt Vernon off Bob Straub, but there’s no parking there yet and the trailhead isn’t obvious.)
The north trailhead and parking area is off Main Street in Springfield, near 72nd Street.
The beginning of the trail sets out from the parking lot across a broad field. The trail is wide and easy here.
Easy Hiking
The first two miles are uphill, but the switchbacks are broad, creating a gentle slope. None of us had any trouble with the slope, and no one else that we encountered appeared to be out of breath either.
Looking downhill toward the parking lot, the switchbacks are long and easy, creating a gentle slope that nearly anyone can hike.
Before long, we were under the trees and the trail is jaw-droppingly beautiful. The trail winds through a lovely forest with mosses, frequent small streams, and a few views of the mountains.
Along the way, we met a lot of people. The trail wasn’t crowded, by any means, but clearly lots of people had the same idea: to enjoy a beautiful winter day exploring the Thurston Hills hiking trail. We met people from all age groups–babies in carriers, older gentlemen with canes, little kids running amok (ours, too) and every age between.
Our kids stopped to throw small rocks into one of the many streams we crossed.
Thurston Hills hiking trail amenities
We hiked for about a mile before our little ones were tired. We turned around and headed back to the parking lot, determined to come back again soon. My husband wants to hike it in the rain, and I think that would actually be a fun experience. I’d like to hike the whole trail from Main Street to Quartz Park off Bob Straub Parkway.
The trailhead features a bike washing station.
Amenities & Other Details
Amenities: flush bathrooms, bike washing station, interpretive signs and maps, water fountain
Cost: zero, nada, nothing, free!
Handicap & Stroller accessibility: the parking lot is paved with marked handicapped spots. The trail is wide and a gentle slope. It’s gravel, so may not be accessible for some wheelchairs and strollers.
Dog-friendly: yes, leashed dogs are welcomed, doggie bags and trash cans are provided.
