It’s hard to find a place with more outdoor activities than the Lake Oswego/Portland area. The city of Lake Oswego has, in fact, created a recreation loop system of running/walking/biking pathways around the community; each connect neighborhoods with parks, schools, and commercial centers. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Oswego on the miles and miles of tree-lined paved pathways, while getting some great fresh air and physical exercise.
Favorite pathways include the Old River Road Pathway, with its scenic route along the Willamette River. Another great path to check out is the Lake Loop, which takes you all the way around Oswego Lake. The beautiful clear waters of the lake are visible from many scenic views, as the route weaves around the perimeter.
Explore expansive lava fields at Cooks Butte - Stevens Meadows regional park, home of an extinct volcano rising 718 feet above the immediate area. You can hike, bike or walk along two miles of trails that are part of the much larger Stafford Basin Pathway and Trail System. Stevens Meadows is a beautiful open area with another path that circles the butte site. You can easily access this area in your Lake Oswego rental RV, from the small parking area just off of Atherton Road. There are moderate elevation gains, but it’s doable for most folks.
Also nearby is the Bryant Woods Nature Park, a gorgeous wildlife-rich area with seasonal wetland and meadows as well as an upland forest area. Make sure to visit the natural spring. Bordered by Oswego Canal, you can get to this area in your Lake Oswego rental camper by parking on Childs Road. Nearby Canal Acres is an undeveloped natural area with a trail that links to others in the area. River Run, which also borders this area, as well as the Tualatin River, is the site of the historic Oswego Canal, and offers great wildlife viewing, bird watching, and more, with relatively flat, easily accessible trails.
Just a little out of town, check out the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. This suburban nature preserve has a walking trail and a lovely visitors center with educational workshops, displays, and interactive exhibits. The clean, well-maintained trails weave throughout the park - make sure to bring your binoculars to help identify all the birds you’ll see. Viewing platforms allow you to take in the views, and the staff is happy to answer any questions you have.
Ninety minutes southwest in your Lake Oswego rental motorhome is the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge, near
Lincoln City
, OR
. This is a truly unique spot that contains at least seven different types of habitat, from ocean tidal marshes to tidal mudflats, grasslands to woodlands, and pasture with forested peat bogs. There are interesting and unusual species of plants and animals, including the insect-eating sundew plant and bog cranberries. Chinook and coho salmon are all native to the Nestucca Bay, as well as coastal cutthroat trout, so this is also a great place to drop a line. You might also see notable winged natives like peregrine falcons and bald eagles. Hiking, kayaking, hunting, wildlife viewing, and photography are all popular activities here.
A 90-minute drive southwest in your Lake Oswego motorhome rental will land you at Knight County Park, right on the Salmon River, which offers a public boat launch, great hiking trails, boat and canoe tours of the Salmon River Estuary, and Citizen Science demonstrations. Parking is plentiful here, so you won’t have any problems getting in and out.
