Need some solace and zen in these crazy, uncertain times? Find some inner peace and unwind in nature at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge.
These days, the world seems a little bit topsy turvy, inside out, crazy town, doesn’t it?
That’s why I feel I am so lucky to live in the Pacific Northwest, where a forest is usually just, literally, a stone’s throw away. We have so many heavily forested city parks that make you feel like you’re far outside of the city. We have wildlife nature parks, trails that connect towns and cities and follow rivers and lakes, all within short bike rides or drives from our front doorsteps.
One of those beautiful places is the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge.
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
Located in Sherwood, Oregon, a few miles southwest of Portland, Oregon, the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is one of only a handful of urban wildlife refuges in the United States. Onsite, there’s an education center, and you have about 4 miles of designated walking path that is mostly flat and super easy for adults and kids of all ages.
The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is a calm, beautiful, open space where you get to experience a little bit of everything: a little wooded forest here and there, open fields, little creeks and streams with frog sightings, the Tualatin River running through it, gorgeous old trees (one that has resident eagles!), lots of pretty flora and fauna to identify and admire, and plenty of bird watching (over 200 species of birds!).
My favorites are the massive groupings of daisies along the trails.
Daisies are my favorite flowers. I just love them so much.
Oh, and dandelions, too. Huge, perfect, sweet, full-of-hope-and-wishes dandelions.
It’s a great place and time to make a wish, don’t you think? When you’re on a nature walk, in the middle of an urban wildlife refuge?
There are fun, educational posts throughout the refuge with information about the land, what you might find in that area, and a bit about the history of the refuge.
Most of all, there’s just you, the sky, the ground, and your thoughts.
So this space, and this space, and this space… these are my contributions to the world. However small they are, however insignificant they may be in the larger scheme of things… this is what I can do right now, for my friends and family, for myself, and for, I hope, you too.
A little peace. A little something to make you smile. A little hope. A little inspiration. A lot of bliss.
Because the world is full of beauty and bliss. We just have to let it shine more.
What do you do to find centered peace when the world around you seems all off-center?
I’ve driven by these parks a whole bunch of times but have somehow never stopped to explore them. We need to make a trip out there soon!
What a lovely post!! I need to remember where my place is and find peace within that. I love that you highlighted Washington County’s own Tualatin River, too! My dad loves canoeing on it and has been involved with the Tualatin Riverkeepers for years. I should visit more and do some hikes/walks! “Forest baths”–LOVE it.
We love canoeing and kayaking down the Tualatin River as well! It’s so peaceful :) Thank you!
“Forest baths” – I love that phrase. I also use nature to regroup emotionally, and that phrase perfectly sums up the feeling. After the last few weeks I think I just need to build a cabin in the woods and be done with it….
Sounds like you’ve had a rough few weeks… so sorry to hear that, Jen :( Forest baths/nature baths really do wonders in helping to put things into perspective. I hope you are able to take lots of these and can find some peace and strength from them!
I definitely do NOT take enough nature baths, although we do get to head to the beach quite often. This is one of those weekends and I will take all of this into mind to just be more present in the moment. Thanks Marlynn!
Ahh the beach has a similar soothing and centering effect, I think!