Noble Woods and Rood Bridge Park

The other day, Charlie and I decided to go jogging. The fact that we're working out isn't as surprising as our parents might think.. For the record, we have both been working out about three times per week, just FYI. Don't worry Mom-- even though I've been eating a lot, I still look the same. A few weeks ago, I discovered two parks. One of which we went to for our jog, but both of which are perfect for an afternoon work-out: Noble Woods Park and Rood Bridge Park. Both parks are just a short drive from where we live as well (Charlie even thought we could have jogged to Noble Woods, but clearly we have different ideas about how long of a jog we both are comfortable with). Noble Woods Park has a one-mile paved loop trail. There are two or three side loops, packed with either gravel or wood chips, which can add another mile or so onto the smaller loop. It's unique in that it is literally sitting within a residential area. Sure, there are larger parks like Central Park in New York that are amidst the city; yes, there are smaller parks with swings for children within neighborhoods; but, Noble Woods is is a full-on small forest. You probably would not guess that you were in a city unless you drove yourself here.

Also, as seen near University Falls, I spotted some large, fairy-tale mushrooms. This time, they were yellow and, this time they were, in fact, accompanied by a little family of gnomes!

Charlie and I jogged twice around the trails at Noble Woods Park. I might have complained just a little bit at the start of the second loop, but he rightfully convinced me that a one-mile jog probably wasn't enough for either of us. I agreed though.. The first time I jogged at Noble Woods park, I was ready for a bit more of a work-out as well and asked a fellow jogger near the parking lot if she was aware of any similar-length trails nearby. Her answer: Rood Bridge Park.

Equally as beautiful, yet slightly different than Noble Woods Park, the main jogging path of Rood Bridge is probably around 2 miles long. There are also multiple variations of the trails here, which could elongate or shorten a jog, but the main path that I took snaked around a small reservoir -- which I believe is the confluence of Rock Creek and the Tualatin River, and -- which seemed like a reasonable jog.

Adjacent to the Rood Bridge Park is The Rhododendron Garden, which contains over 550 species of rhododendrons (!) and even a small pond! Unfortunately, I missed the blooms, but I'll be back next year! While allowing one to absorb the quiet of nature, both Noble Woods Park, Rood Bridge Park, and The Rhododendron Garden were sprinkled with their fare share of families with small children and dogs. I have spent some time meandering around each area and will definitely be back to enjoy the unique peacefulness (and perfect trail lengths!) that each one offers.