Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint is an amazing place to go if you’re looking for somewhere to explore, a fun place to have a picnic, or simply to get away and enjoy nature. Once you reach the park a short hike through the trees gives way to breathtaking views of the valley.
The land on which Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint (Hillsboro, OR 97123) sits was bought from Samuel Otto in 1931 when officials from Washington and Yamhill county lobbied for a state park for their region. An annual Easter service began being held there in the mid-1930's by local churches and this tradition is still continued to this day. This year the service will be held on Sunday, March 27.
Visiting Bald Peak is definitely an adventure, starting with the drive. It’s quite long, as you must carefully navigate your way along winding roads 1,629 feet up into the Chehalem hills. I cannot stress enough the importance of being careful while driving up there (and down!), because the route is very curvy and most of the time there is a cliff on one side of the road. People also seem to drive somewhat fast on those roads… However, the drive is definitely worth it! Once you arrive (there are signs along the way that will point you in the right direction), you’ll see that there is a nice grassy area with some picnic tables and the beginnings of a couple trails. The trails then lead to a clearing with an amazing view, and on a sunny day you can see for miles (and maybe even the peaks of Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Jefferson, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainier). If you visit after it has recently rained, I recommend wearing either boots or shoes that you don’t mind getting a little muddy… I love this place because it doesn't look or feel like you're in Newberg anymore, so it's like a little escape. The weather is somewhat different up there and so are the plants, so it almost feels like you're in a completely different part of Oregon.
The land on which Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint (Hillsboro, OR 97123) sits was bought from Samuel Otto in 1931 when officials from Washington and Yamhill county lobbied for a state park for their region. An annual Easter service began being held there in the mid-1930's by local churches and this tradition is still continued to this day. This year the service will be held on Sunday, March 27.
Visiting Bald Peak is definitely an adventure, starting with the drive. It’s quite long, as you must carefully navigate your way along winding roads 1,629 feet up into the Chehalem hills. I cannot stress enough the importance of being careful while driving up there (and down!), because the route is very curvy and most of the time there is a cliff on one side of the road. People also seem to drive somewhat fast on those roads… However, the drive is definitely worth it! Once you arrive (there are signs along the way that will point you in the right direction), you’ll see that there is a nice grassy area with some picnic tables and the beginnings of a couple trails. The trails then lead to a clearing with an amazing view, and on a sunny day you can see for miles (and maybe even the peaks of Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Jefferson, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainier). If you visit after it has recently rained, I recommend wearing either boots or shoes that you don’t mind getting a little muddy… I love this place because it doesn't look or feel like you're in Newberg anymore, so it's like a little escape. The weather is somewhat different up there and so are the plants, so it almost feels like you're in a completely different part of Oregon.
One of the trails
The view
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