Giants Live In This Oregon Park And You’ll Want To See Them For Yourself
By Catherine Armstrong|Published March 24, 2019
×
Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
A trip to a nature park is the perfect way to spend any Oregon day, but when it includes an outdoor art installation by a world-renowned artist, it’s even better! Have you been to Orenco Nature Park to see what’s peeping out from behind the trees there?
Located on the banks of Rock Creek, this land was once inhabited by the largest nursery on the west coast.
Today, it's owned by the city of Hillsboro and Metro, and it's a wonderful outdoor space for Oregonians. Orenco Woods Nature Park includes a pretty play area, picnic shelter, and more.
In fact, you never know what you might find nestled in the trees at Orenco Woods Nature Park. These huge, whimsical faces peek out at visitors and invite them to play.
The stickwork sculptures were created by artist Patrick Dougherty. There are seven of these 18-foot-tall sculptures - each with its own personality. The art installation is called "Head Over Heels."
These creatures were originally inspired by Native American totems, and as the artist created them, they gradually took on other characteristics. Each has a look of surprise - almost as if it can't believe the beauty of the Pacific Northwest!
One of the best things about these stickwork sculptures is that they encourage you to explore them firsthand. While you should never climb on them, you're welcome to step inside them.
Like all of Patrick Dougherty's installations, "Head Over Heels" is only temporary. It's only expected to last from two to four years, and it was installed in April, 2017, so you'll want to pay it a visit soon!
