magness memorial tree farm

I've been in Sherwood for years and never knew this place existed. Went for a walk with my daughter this week. A very nice place to walk and talk. Dirt paths winding through the forest, going over bridges and creeks. Saw several woodpeckers in the trees, along with a flicker and some other birds. I feel this place is a much nicer walk than the wildlife refuge. At the refuge the paths are all gravel, so you scare everything away with all the noise you make when walking. This place is quiet and serene, and you can walk quietly with the natural wildlife doing their thing around you. Will be visiting often. Went mid-afternoon after school, and there were some groups of what appeared to be high school kids visiting as well.

This was a great find. Although only minutes away from the city center of Wilsonville or Sherwood you will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere surrounded by nature. There is a call ahead option to arrange (for a fee) a tour guide to talk about the trees and their food and medicinal uses and to warn about the poisonous ones (which we found quite interesting). It was a fun and informational time out with the kids. Plenty of space to run and many interesting little insects to fuel their curiosity.

This can be a very peaceful place to go and relax when you are stuck close to the city. There is no public transportation option though :( It is managed by the World Forestry Institute, so be ready for seeing different type of logging "practices" on the property. I miss the lookout tower that once stood along a trail. The picnic areas and cabins are quite enjoyable. Some small summer camps are held here.

This is just a great way to get out in the trees - there is a short paved path that is flat and winds around a meadow and a stream - just a pleasant little meditative walk - there are also dirt trails that are all really easy and just a great little quiet escape.

A nice outting with the kids and friends, found it quite interesting.

This is a great place to go for a walk by yourself, with other people, and/or with your dog. It was wooded and had a babbling brook which made it naturally peaceful. There were some elevation changes on the hike. It took me less time to complete the loops than they suggested.

Getting here is really half the fun, especially on a sunny day in fall with the top down. Once you arrive, though, the trails wind along creeks and hillsides, past berry bushes and some interpretive exhibits. I've never stayed in the cabins on site, but they look inviting for a semi-natural visit -- great to go camping with kids who are not yet used to "roughing it."