Just minutes from downtown Beaverton, the Cooper Mountain Loop Trail offers a perfect blend of open prairie, oak savanna, and forested hillside, all set within the Cooper Mountain Nature Park. This family-friendly loop provides beautiful views of the Tualatin Valley and is one of the best places in the Portland metro area to experience native Oregon landscapes in a peaceful, well-maintained setting.
Location: Cooper Mountain Nature Park, 18892 SW Kemmer Rd, Beaverton, Oregon
Surface: Gravel and compact dirt
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall (especially for wildflowers and clear valley views)
The Cooper Mountain Loop connects multiple trails within the park—Little Prairie Loop, Overlook Trail, Cooper Mountain Loop, and Blacktail Way—offering a diverse route that winds through meadows, past interpretive signs, and up to scenic overlooks with panoramic views. The trail is popular for hiking, birdwatching, and peaceful nature walks.
Open daily from dawn to dusk
Free parking at the Cooper Mountain Nature Park main entrance off SW Kemmer Rd
Restrooms and a water fountain are available near the trailhead
Trail signage and park maps are posted at key intersections
No permits or fees are required to hike or park at Cooper Mountain
No, dogs are not allowed on any trails in Cooper Mountain Nature Park, in order to protect sensitive wildlife habitats and ground-nesting birds
Some short, paved segments near the entrance are ADA-accessible, but the full loop contains gravel paths with moderate elevation change and is not fully ADA-compliant
Comfortable walking or trail shoes
A water bottle—there is limited shade in open areas
Binoculars for birdwatching (this is a hotspot for kestrels, bluebirds, and seasonal migrants)
Sunscreen and hat for sunny days
A camera for sweeping views and wildflower displays in spring