Spring Garden Park and Marshall Park

Another beautiful, sunny day!  I knew the rain was coming back tonight, so we had to act fast.  We headed back across the river, this time to Spring Garden Park.

I found out about Spring Garden Park from local blog Exploring Portland's Natural Areas.  From his pictures, it was hard to tell if it was an awesome place or a so-so place.  So we headed out there first, knowing it was at least sunny there.



The park itself is an open area in a neighborhood.  Not much more than a big off-leash dog area.  The nature play area (which is only a few months old) is on the top of the hill, and is only a small portion of the park area.



As far as I can tell, the nature play area is one cut-up tree in different configurations, plus a sand pit with some boulders in it.



My kids went mostly for the sand pit.



And then I dragged them away.  I let Stuart choose our next destination, and he chose Marshall Park.



Marshall Park is where Tryon Creek goes after it leaves Tryon Creek State Park.  It's a nice combo of hills and flat areas.



Like many wooded areas in SW Portland, it's very wet and shady.  How wet and shady, do you ask?  Well, you see this tree?  See all that moss?



Look a little closer.  That's a fern growing halfway up in the tree.

Those are my kids looking so very cute as they cross the stone bridge over the creek. That must mean they are about to start fighting.



Here, take a look at this other bridge and the creek while I break up the fight.



Stuart pointed out a snag as we walked past.  He was speculating what had made the big hole.



Marcus wouldn't come up the hill for this picture.



Did you notice that the last sign said, "Playground Equipment Removal"?  Here's where the playground equipment must have been.



And here's the crankypants going down the hill instead of up.  At this rate he may never like having his picture taken in front of park signs.