Tualatin Mountain Forest

The Oregon you experience today is no accident. Its world-famous landscape of lush forests, gleaming streams, and endless opportunities for adventure are where millions of outdoor enthusiasts find their solace. Located just 30 minutes outside of Portland—the state’s largest and most densely populated urban city—and within proximity of the beloved Forest Park, the Tualatin Mountains are where many residents go to recreate and revel in Oregon’s natural wonders.

This connection and enjoyment of the land, in a myriad of ways, creates a sense of identity and culture for many Portland residents. Their saying is “Keep Portland Weird,” but we believe in “Keep Oregon Green.” Given the population growth in the area, the conservation of this close to home forest is essential for resiliency and access to nature.

Through partnership with Oregon State University (OSU) and consultation with the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, this vital section of forestland is a resource for everyone to enjoy. OSU will manage the land for science research, advancing the field of forestry with data that could be beneficial nationwide.

Beyond research benefits, the public is also gaining opportunities to connect with this landscape through hiking, biking, bird watching, and more. Historically, access to the property was membership based—now, public ownership provides free and close-to-home access to over 40 miles of trails, especially benefiting nearby underserved communities within 12 miles of the property, where 36 percent of residents are people of color and 23 percent of households are low income.

This is good news for Oregon’s outdoor tourism and recreation economy, which generates billions in revenue each year and relies on healthy ecosystems. As an important wildlife corridor this property provides habitat while also conserving water quality that supports salmon and other fish downstream, which are essential to the local economy and hold cultural significance to many tribes in the area.

In a time where the Lower Columbia River has lost more than half of its forested uplands, Tualatin Mountain Forest provides essential green space for future generations to experience and enjoy Oregon’s lush landscapes, forever.