Hagg Lake
This 1,200-acre reservoir is nestled in the foothills of the Coast Range, just west of Forest Grove. It reaches depths of over 100 feet and is well-stocked with rainbow trout, some reaching 7 pounds. Small-mouth bass and brown bullhead are also present. Many a young angler has landed his or her first fish at Hagg Lake!
There are two boat launches on the lake and several picnic grounds. Enjoy great waterskiing and other boating pursuits. Hagg Lake is surrounded by 15 miles of biking and hiking trails, where you might encounter the elk, deer, or coyote that call these woods home. The mixture of habitats around Hagg Lake also attracts a variety of bird life, including nesting pairs of bald eagles and ospreys.
Fernhill Wetlands
Less than 30 min from Gimre's Shoes Hillsboro
Wildlife viewing, migratory birds, walking trails
Fernhill Wetlands is located near the confluence of Gales Creek and the Tualatin River. This peaceful site, located just minutes from downtown Forest Grove, attracts wildlife including herons, hawks, eagles, and beavers.
This is an ideal place to spot migratory birds and waterfowl. There are short trails and viewing stands that make it easy to view the myriad wildlife. Waterfowl populations are daily in the thousands from November through March. Shorebirds occur (at least 17 species recorded thus far) in numbers frequently exceeding 100 birds in spring, fall, and sometimes in winter.
Note: Also consider visiting Jackson Bottom Wetlands
Banks-Vernonia State Trail
Less than 30 min from Gimre's Shoes Hillsboro
Cycling, horseriding, hikingTualatin-Valley-Scenic-Bikeway Banks-Vernoniaweb
This was the first “rails-to-trails” state park built in Oregon. It is built on an abandoned railroad bed that stretches 21 miles from the nearby town of Banks to the city of Vernonia. The trail includes an eight-foot-wide hiking and bicycle trail paralleled by a four-foot wide horse trail.
The gentle grade allows hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and people of all abilities to enjoy the scenic mountains, fields, and forests of Washington and Columbia counties.
(source: Forest Grove Parks and Rec)