Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park — Attraction in Cottage Grove

This versatile park is a beautiful place to get in some nature time! There's all sorts of paths (paved and unpaved). You could easily spend 4-6 hours to explore all of the trails. This is my go-to place for hikes, cross country running, and nature photography! The Ravine is teeming with wildlife, especially birds, turtles, and dragonflies. They recently decided to use live goats as eco-friendly lawn mowers; you can tell that this park is well-kept and ecologically-minded.

Tip: bring a pair of tweezers with you, especially if you're looking to traverse the many beautiful trails they have. Unfortunately the ticks this year have been especially aggressive!

Tip: This is a paid park- you will need a Washington County park permit or pay at the entrance to the park. I believe it's 7$ to park without a permit.

Tip: Watch your step! Some inclines are pretty steep and the dirt is loose from erosion. Consider if you can 1) climb the incline, AND, 2) descend safely.

Again, I love this park so much! A hidden gem in good ol'...

This is a great place to walk! I have been there during spring, summer and fall enjoying the seasons. During winter you can cross country ski if enough natural snow is present. They have a paved walk and there are many trail choices to go deeper into the woods on unpaved paths. Maps placed at each major intersection make it easy to know where you are and how to proceed. Buy your daily or yearly pass at the big building by the lake from the person at the desk. The bathrooms are clean and there is a wheelchair accessible one, too. Fill your water bottle at the fountain...

Very few people here on this Saturday afternoon. We saw maybe 5 on the trails plus a couple of county maintenance people. The paved paths and some of the grass paths were wide. Some of the narrow paths were very narrow with roots and low obstacles to trip on and clingy weed seeds to catch on your clothes. If you are prone to tripping on things, don't go on those trails. By the name of the park, you should expect ravines and hills, not just flat landscape. We didn't see any wildlife except for...