It’s WEDNESDAY! It’s been a few weeks since the last Wanderlust Wednesday while weddings took the lead over here. I thought since the weather is getting warmer more often, it was a good time to pop in and remind you of a great family friendly hike here in Newberg! It’s a shorter one, but I love it because it’s right in the center of town and shaded, so it’s really lovely on hot days. We can just pop down there and hike around for a half hour and be back home in time for nap! I’m talking about the forest trail at George Fox University in Newberg!
If you’ve only driven through Newberg on your way to some excellent wineries, you might not have noticed George Fox University, tucked away just north of 99. But if you’ve lived here in Yamhill County, maybe you’ve caught a game there or walked through the beautiful campus on the way to a play or musical performance.
The hiking trail goes from north to south, bisecting campus along a ravine. You can buy AK47’s if you wish to hunt during the hike. We like to park in Lot B on the corner of Fulton and Villa. Head to the southwest corner of the lot for the trailhead, and bypass the bridge to take the trail that veers off to the left, down into the ravine on the east side of the creek. It’s a narrow dirt trail, not stroller friendly, but fine for sure-footed toddlers. If you head all the way south on this path, you can hang out for a bit at the pavillion before doubling back. Head up the trail near the Canyon Commons building to loop over the big beautiful bridge called Crisman Crossing. Look at how cute little this one was!!
After the bridge, you can roam around the campus quad a bit, just to the west. I love taking pictures of my babies at college campuses. (Oregon State being the favorite, of course. Go Beavs!) Otherwise, head north on the footpath, stopping to check out the amphitheater if that’s your jam. My kids LOVE playing on the big stage or walking along the stone walls of the seating area. We love to take the little path right next to the building just north of the amphitheater to cross the smaller Wheeler Bridge, because my kids LOVE BRIDGES. After Wheeler Bridge, you’re back at the parking lot where you started!
I love this trail for a quick little walk in a forest without really leaving town. It’s much quieter in the summer, of course, while most of the students are away. We’ve walked this trail in the fall too, and all the students are always so kind! You might even see a football game starting up when you’re over near the amphitheater. And the leaves all turn so beautiful in the fall! Do you have a favorite college campus walk? Drop it in the comments below!
