We have lived near Happy Valley for three years but it wasn’t until recently that we ventured out to the Happy Valley Wetlands park. Actually I didn’t even know that it existed until I came across another local parent who shared a photo on Instagram of this beautiful boardwalk. So one day we gathered our morning basket, our natural journals and snacks and headed out to explore the Happy Valley Wetland Park.
In our bag we packed:
- Natural Journals
- Applesauce Packets and other snacks
- Books – On this day we brought this one and this one
Binoculars – we like these and these
- First Aid Kit including our favorite lavender essential oil roller and all natural hand sanitizer
- Pocket Nature Guides like this one
- Colored pencils, pens, markers
- Clipboards
The boardwalk loops around a pond that is filled with wildlife from ducks to geese to nutria. 
Features: Playground, bathroom, boardwalk, wildlife, trees, stroller friendly, picnic friendly
Distance From Portland: Approximately 25 minutes
Length of Hike: Boardwalk loop approx 1/2 mile but if you want to make it longer you could do the entire Happy Valley Park Loop which is three miles – more details can be found here.
Recommended For Ages: All ages! Perfect for new walkers.
Why We Loved It: We loved all the wildlife, the boardwalk, the playground and the pond.
Tip: Venture out for a visit at dusk and you just might spot rabbits, deer, nutria and other wildlife that likes to come out to play just before sunset. 
Half way through the loop there is a playground, picnic area and bathrooms. A perfect spot to stop for a little play break.
There are a number of spots along the way to sit, relax and watch the wildlife. We stopped to snack, read our morning basket books and draw in our nature journals.
// Is there a favorite spot in nature you like to go to with your kids? What are your nature pack essentials?
