Scouter’s Mountain Nature Park
Scouter’s Mountain Nature Park is nestled in the neighborhoods of Happy Valley. With wooded trails and a gorgeous view of Mt. Hood, it is the perfect spot for bringing therapy to the outdoors.
Our eco-therapy specialty service (walk-and-talk therapy) is a nature-based modality that promotes physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing by fostering a connection with the natural world. To learn more, visit our Ecotherapy webpage.
To reach the park, drive through the surrounding neighborhood and continue past a small gravel parking area on the left. Enter through the main gate and follow the paved road to the main parking lot.
Free public parking is available in the main lot. ADA-accessible parking, restrooms, and drinking fountains are located near the picnic shelter up the hill from the main parking area. The nearest TriMet bus stop is approximately 1.5 miles from the park's lower trailhead. Learn more about this location at the Oregon metro website.
Meet your therapist at the information sign next to the main parking lot.
Contact: (503) 334-3035
11000 SE Honorable Way, Happy Valley, OR 97086
FAQs
What should I wear?
Please dress comfortably for walking outdoors and appropriate for the weather.
What should I bring?
You do not need to bring anything specific. If you’d like, you may chose to bring a backpack with a water bottle, bug-spray, sunscreen, jacket, hat, snacks, or personal first aid kit.
What if it rains or the weather is poor?
We love and embrace the rain! Part of eco-therapy is experiencing nature in all forms, and rainy days are great for a little adventure as well as discomfort. However, if the weather is dangerous (excessive heat, smoke, storming, torrential downpour), your provider will notify you and the session will either be moved to telehealth or cancelled.
What is the activity level?
There are several ways to enjoy therapy outdoors, depending on your comfort level. From the main parking lot, it's a short uphill walk to the picnic shelter, which we can take at your pace. From there, you can choose between a flat 0.2-mile loop, a longer loop of about 1 mile, or simply sit together on a picnic bench or the lawn instead of walking.
Can I bring my dog or pet?
Unfortunately, no. While our pets play an integral role in healing and growth, we ask that they remain home for your session. We also request that they are not left in your car during your appointment either, for safety reasons.
Are there wild animals?
We often see chipmunks, bunnies, birds, bugs, and slugs. While it is possible to see larger wildlife like dears, foxes, or bears, this is less likely.