Explore the Nature Park

Demonstration Gardens

Beautiful summer gardens surround the Nature Center. Learn about heirloom flowers in the front gardens or explore the wildlife habitat gardens behind the Nature Center. Both gardens are organic, sustainable and wildlife-friendly.

Trails

Take an easy, short walk on the bark-chipped trails leading through the natural area, which offer opportunities for bird-watching, wildlife-viewing and exploring nature close up. A paved bike path also runs through North Mountain Park, making it wheelchair accessible from the Nature Center to the southern parking area.

Nature Play Area

In 2020 the Nature Center opened Ashland's first Nature Playground. With a water pump, sandbox, climbing rocks, and building materials, it's a natural wonderland for adventurous and imaginative kids!

Interpretive features

Throughout the natural section of the park, discover interpretive features that kids can climb on, play in, or build imaginative stories around. Interpretive signs provide information about the natural and cultural history of the area.

Streams, Ponds and Wetlands

North Mountain park is bordered to the east by Bear Creek, and has a smaller seasonal creek running through it, making it a wonderful wildlife habitat for birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. *Please maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife and leave pets at home.



An interpretive watercolor map of North Mountain park

Nature Park Features

A hike leader points to a bird while a man with binoculars looks in that direction
Pacific Tree Frog on Echinacea flower
a beaver keeps it's head out of water as it swims in Bear Creek
large salmon swimming in Bear Creek
bright yellow butterfly on flower
two grey foxes exploring an open area in North Mountain Park
bee on sunflower
Heirloom sign 2009
Community Programs Paint out