Nature Center

Nature Center Homepage Header Image

The Park is open from sunrise to sunset

Sorry pups, North Mountain Park is a DOG-FREE park

The Nature Center is located at North Mountain Park, between the sports field and Bear Creek. Come inside to sign up for classes, learn about upcoming programs, or bring your little ones to play in the playroom. Maps and other visitor resources are also available.

The Nature Center grounds feature a paved bike path, a covered pavilion with benches and picnic tables, pollinator gardens, a sandbox, and views of the natural area and ponds. Explore the natural area on a series of bark-chipped trails that lead to interesting play features and stream access points along beautiful Bear Creek. Opportunities for bird-watching and wildlife-viewing abound, with benches throughout the park, as well as a "Nature Play" area for kids to explore. 

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View of the Nature Center and heirloom gardens in front
Supporting Garden Volunteer
Tribal elder teaches kids about acorn processing

Discovery Kits - Website ImageStop by the Nature Center Tuesdays or Thursdays between 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM to check out a Discovery Kit and take your adventure into the park!

Explore the ecosystem of North Mountain Park as you search for birds, discover aquatic insects, spot animal homes, and uncover the many small wonders hiding in nature. Each kit is filled with tools and activities to help you look closer, ask questions, and learn along the way.

Discovery Kits are available with adult supervision only. When you’re finished exploring, please return your kit to the Nature Center.  Have fun discovering what’s waiting in the park!

Park Amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drinking fountains
  • Water bottle filling station
  • Gardens
  • Trails and interpretive signs
  • Stream access to Bear Creek
  • Ponds
  • Playgrounds
  • Education Center & playroom


Contact Us

  1. Nature Center

    Physical Address
    620 N Mountain Ave.
    Ashland, OR 97520


    Directions

    Phone: 541-488-6606

Explore the Nature Center

Sign about why dogs aren't allowed in North Mountain Park


Why no dogs at North Mountain Park? So you can see wildlife of course! Creatures of all kinds call this park home.

From the creek to the ballfields, North Mountain Park is a DOG-FREE park. 

Don't worry, there are 25 other parks and open-spaces for your pup to enjoy. Take a look at all the dog-friendly options!

Volunteers plant a ponderosa pine tree

Celebrate Arbor Day at North Mountain Park!

Join volunteers in our annual tree planting work party. Plant trees and shrubs that will help support wildlife and shade streams. Tools, gloves and friendly guidance is provided.

2026 Tree Planting information coming soon.

Red-winged blackbird

Summer Saturday Bird Walks begin June 13th and are offered once per month until August 8th.

Meet at the Nature Center at 9am for FREE guided bird walk in N. Mountain Park.

Registration Required.

Love North Mountain Park? Volunteer with us! 

Weekly work parties are held Wednesdays and Thursday mornings March to November. Join the flower gardeners on Wednesdays or join the wildland habitats crew on Thursday morning. Call the Nature Center to join the work party email lists to learn about weekly opportunities.

Several women stand next to a wheelbarrow full of weeds
a young girl looks at a book while sitting in the herb garden


Enjoy the beautiful gardens surrounding the Nature Center. The gardens demonstrate sustainable, wildlife-friendly, gardening techniques, highlighting pollinator-friendly plants, drought-tolerant herb gardens and native plant gardens.

Volunteers maintain the gardens every Wednesday morning from March to December. Stop in and say hi! 


The Nature Center Pavilion is available to rent, for small events and gatherings.

The pavilion features views of the gardens and pond, 10 movable benches, several picnic tables and an adjacent sandbox for the kids.

To learn more about reserving the pavilion visit Ashland Parks and Recreation Facility Rentals.

pavilion and herb garden