TRACK Trails are a type of environmental treasure hunt for young children and their families to become more active outdoors. It offers a series of self-guided activities that turn an ordinary hike into a fun-filled, discovery-packed adventure. Each trail will have four brochures available that help kids learn about topics such as birds, trees, flowers, ferns and animal tracks. The trails also provide families with multiple opportunities to learn about the natural, cultural, and historical resources at each site.
Kids who participate in the program can register their TRACK Trail adventures at www.KidsInParks.com to earn a series of prizes designed to make their next outdoor adventure even more fun and meaningful. Since the program’s inception, children have completed more than 1 million TRACK Trail adventures.
Oregon Parks Forever has set a goal of funding 50 TRACK Trails across the state of Oregon.
TRACK Trails can be found at:
- Morgan Lake in LaGrande,
- Mount Emily Recreation Area in Lagrande,
- Willow Creek Canyon in Madras,
- Crooked River Wetlands in Prineville,
- Barnes Butte in Prineville
- Rimrock Park in Prineville
- Metzler Park in Clackamas County,
- Eagle Fern Park In Clackamas County
- Rickreal Trail in Dallas
- Roger Jordan Park in Dallas
- Ocean to Bay Trail in Newport
- Timber Park in Clackamas County
- Disc Golf Course at Metzler Park in Clackamas County
Trails coming in Spring 2024:
- Community Park in Pendleton,
- Riverfront Park in Hermiston,
- McNary Dam near Hermiston,
- Riverwalk in Boardman,
- Malheur Refuge
- The Dalles Dam (3 Trails)
“With each of our TRACK Trails, we hope to engage children in the joys of outdoor exploration,” said Jason Urroz, director of Kids in Parks. “Our ultimate goal is to help families fall in love with nature, so they can recognize the value our parks and public lands hold for their lives.”
“We are are glad to arrange funding for the growing network of TRACK Trail locations in Oregon,” said Seth Miller, executive director of Oregon Parks Forever. “Our mission is to enhance the experience and accessibility of Oregon’s Parks & Forests, and this is an important project for us.”
To learn more about TRACK Trails visit www.kidsinparks.com
To learn more about Oregon Parks Forever visit www.orparksforever.org