Jenkins Estate Loop Hike

The original farmhouse, Jenkins Estate (bobcat)

Madrones over the trail, Jenkins Estate (bobcat)

Lotus pond, Jenkins Estate (bobcat)

Path sign, Jenkins Estate (bobcat)

The walk around the Jenkins Estate (not a GPS track) (bobcat) Courtesy: Caltopo

Start point: Jenkins Estate Trailhead
End point: Grabhorn Road
Hike type: Loop
Distance: 1.7 miles
Elevation gain: 350 feet
High point: 545 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Seasons: All year
Family Friendly: Yes
Backpackable: No
Crowded: No

Poison-Oak

In 1912, Ralph and Belle Ainsworth Jenkins purchased these 68 acres of farmland, 16 miles from downtown Portland and nestled on the northern slopes of Cooper Mountain, as their summer home. By 1915, most of the current buildings had been constructed, including the main house, which is designed after an English hunting lodge. The gardener for the Canadian prime minister laid out the English/Oriental gardens that take up 28 acres of the current park. After the passing of both Jenkins, who had no children, the property was slated for development but was put up for sale because the area was still not connected to city water and sewer. The Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District purchased the estate for $525,000 in 1976 and has been managing it as a public park and special events venue ever since. Part of the property is now taken by Camp Rivendale, a retreat for children and adults with disabilities. The rhododendron garden here, best visited in spring, is maintained by members of the American Rhododendron Society. In 2013, Elephants Delicatessen became the events caterer for the Jenkins Estate. The public can stroll about two miles of trails through native woodland and acres of gardens to enjoy this century-old country spread.

From the bottom of the parking lot, strike out on a paved trail that leads into woods of Douglas-fir, madrone, hazel, alder, hemlock, and Oregon ash. Look for bushy-tailed gray squirrels scuttling through the undergrowth. Pass a large madrone and go straight at a junction through a small Douglas-fir plantation to a parking area. Cross the grass to the right and head into woods of big-leaf maple and Douglas-fir. At a junction, drop down to the right and then go left at the next junction over a footbridge. At a junction, turn right and rise to make a left at the next junction and skirt the edge of the property. The Farmington Quarry can be seen to your right. At the next junction, turn left and head up to a junction, where you make a right on a gullied trail through leafy woods to the edge of the property again. At a junction with a bench, keep straight and straight again at the next junction to head out to Grabhorn Road. Turn back and go right at the junction to head down to Camp Rivendale, with its play area across the way.

Make a left on the road to walk down to restrooms and a picnic area. Pass through a latched gate. You are now in the Jenkins garden, where you'll find a lotus pond, Japanese maples, and other exquisitely arranged plantings. You can see a pump house up to the right under tall Douglas-firs. Walk down past the Tea House, Carriage House, Stable, and then up around the Main House. Next, head up into the woods behind the Main House along a trail bordered by rhododendrons and shady Douglas-firs. Proceed straight through a junction and up to the sign for the Rhododendron Path. Go left here at a large Douglas-fir and pass the Moss Path and then a greenhouse. Take a gravel road down across a grassy expanse to the orchard, Root Cellar, Pioneer Herb Garden, and original farm house. Note that the main road connecting the old farm house and the main house is shaded by an avenue of elms planted by the Jenkins: these elms are Beaverton's only Heritage Trees. Below the farm house, a trail heads into a shrub garden under a couple of sequoias, and then crosses the entrance road to the parking area.

Fees, Regulations, etc.

Open dawn to dusk
Keep dogs on leash
Restrooms and picnic area
Camp Rivendale area sometimes closed
Other areas may be closed if there are special events

Guidebooks that cover this hike

Discovering Portland Parks by Owen Wozniak
Wild in the City: Exploring the Intertwine edited by Michael C. Houck & M.J. Cody

Page Contributors

bobcat (creator)

Jenkins Estate Loop Hike

Jenkins Estate Loop Hike

From Oregon Hikers Field Guide

Contents

Description

Fees, Regulations, etc.

Maps

Trip Reports

Related Discussions / Q&A

Guidebooks that cover this hike

More Links

Page Contributors