 Henry Hagg Lake, and the surrounding Hagg Lake Park, are located in rural Washington County, Oregon, 50250 SW Scoggins Valley Road, Gaston OR 97119 about ½ hour from Hillsboro and right outside of Forest Grove. The park is actually owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, but is managed by Washington County. There is a $6.00 fee per vehicle to enter the park.  ADA Accessible fishing pier Henry Hagg Lake was created in 1975 as a reservoir for neighboring populations and farm lands, providing “irrigation and drinking water as well as flood mitigation services. The cities of Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and Beaverton, along with smaller communities, rely on the reservoir for drinking water and other municipal needs, and for industrial uses. The lake also provides recreational opportunities, including trout fishing, swimming, and boating and several picnic areas and hiking trails.” The area that is now the lake was originally part of Scoggins Creek.
 Strawberry Tree The Oregon Garden, located at 879 W. Main St. Silverton, OR 97381 and offers 80 acres of botanical displays, a cafe and even a hotel . It's a bit pricey at $6-$14 a person, but it's a good place to go once or twice a year. We went in November and found lots of wildlife, but in keeping with Oregon's winters, it was very wet (umbrellas and rain jackets are recommended). The garden also boasts the only house in Oregon designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.  A little frog we found on the path Technically not a park, and technically not free (although you can absolutely apply for the family access pass which gives you admission all year round for only $15!), the Portland Children's Museum has just completed an amazing outdoor area for kids to run, frolic and get wet in! Located in Washington Park (sharing a parking lot with the Oregon Zoo), the Portland Children's Museum offers hands on outdoor and indoor exhibits, mainly for the 10 and under set.  Outdoor waterfall area. According to their website, "In 1946 visionary Portlander, Dorothea Lensch, founded the 'Junior Museum and Adventure House,' as part of Portland Parks and Recreation. Lensch, who served as Portland’s recreation director from 1937–1972, was particularly dedicated to meeting the needs of Portland’s underserved communities. She developed innovative programs for children with special needs and for economically disadvantaged families, a legacy that lives on in our mission and core values." While the steep price of $10.75 per person (including adults) doesn't scream helping the "economically disadvantaged" the family access plan and family access admission ($1) does help. The museum has rotating exhibits along with static ones such as a clay room, the "twilight forest," a construction area and an area for babies that will keep your little ones entertained. When we went, they were having a circus themed exhibit, and it was hit with the kids. All in all, it's a great way to spend your Saturday.
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