I’m a walker. Growing up with three older brothers, I discovered I could get alone time with my dad by going on long walks with him. Dad liked to walk on backwoods trails, along old railroad tracks in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and even at an old racetrack where I would look for dropped coins under the bleachers. As an adult, when I had lost my dad, I kept walking. As a fourth-grade teacher, I started a Walking Club. Each day, during lunch period, I would take a different group of students walking around the nearby park. As a widow, I moved to Corvallis and walked daily at Bald Hill. My day hadn’t begun until I’d walked its 2.5-mile path. I met and saw all sorts of characters there, and some of the nicknames I gave them were Nudey, Knifey, Saddy, Crouchy, and Loudy. You can imagine the stories behind those names.
Almost every week, I see a different article discussing the virtues of walking for seniors. I understand the physical benefits, but I equally appreciate the mental aspects. Sometimes, I will chat on the phone with a friend or listen to music while walking, and sometimes, I will think deep and hard about whatever is on my mind. Other times, I happily walk with a walking buddy. The Health in Aging Foundation has a tip sheet for walking that explains the physical reasons to walk, tips for safe walking, and suggestions on how to get going. (healthinaging.org Walking Tips for Older Adults)
Recently, a fellow senior asked me how to get started with walking. She was interested in taking a stroll and spending time outdoors, with a goal of walking about 2 miles. She brought up a problem many have: where to go. I had some favorite walks, but decided to start asking around and finding what walks others in the area enjoyed.
First, it’s good to know that the Juanita Pohl Center in Tualatin has a Monday Walking Group. This seems like a great place to start and to find walking buddies. The group accommodates walkers of different ages and walking paces. (Seasonal: April – September)
Here are some of the favorite walks that were repeatedly mentioned to me:
Ibach Park (10455 SW Ibach St.)
The trails throughout the park easily lend themselves to a two-mile walk if you repeat some of the loops. The outside loop is about a half mile. You’ll meander through a wide-open space near sports fields and a pollination habitat. A small creek gurgles behind the park.
Atfalati Park (6600 SW Sagert St.)
The park loop is only about half of a mile, but it can be repeated and wanders past pretty sports fields. This park offers some gentle hills that require a bit more effort than a flat trail.
Browns Ferry Park (5855 SW Nyberg Lane)
Many friends mention this as their favorite Tualatin walk. There’s a peaceful nature setting, and the loop provides time along the river.
Tualatin River Greenway Walk/Ice Age Trail
The trail, used by walkers and bikers, drifts through scenic wetlands, majestic trees, and along the riverbank. This is actually a network of trails, but I like to start by the library and follow the path to Brown’s Ferry Park.
Tualatin Community Park (8515 SW Tualatin Rd.)
There are many places to explore. I usually park by the soccer fields and walk down the paved path to the bridge that spans the Tualatin River. Past the bridge, there are different trail options to try.
Little Woodrose Nature Park (21045 SW 90th Ave.)
This is a short walk, but it will allow you to immerse yourself in tall trees, whistling birds, and a true out-in-nature feeling.
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge (19255 SW Pacific Hwy., Sherwood)
We saw deer, nutria, snakes, and many birds on this lovely walk. While not in Tualatin, it’s close by and a beautiful place for wildlife viewing.
Go online to get more details about each of these jaunts. Many of them have a series of side trails and options that can add to the length of the walk. There are other trails and walks in Tualatin, too. Safety is always a factor when walking. Only walk where you feel safe and avoid being alone in isolated areas. Buddy walking is fun and gives you the opportunity to socialize and exercise at the same time. Additionally, you’ll want to keep water handy and wear appropriate footwear. Happy Walking!
