Wonder Windows Reveal the Magic of Hagg Lake

Public art does more than decorate the landscape. It frames the landscape in new ways, guiding the viewer’s attention to features they might otherwise overlook—like the curve of the shoreline, the pattern of tree branches, or the quality of light at dusk.

“Wonder Windows” is the latest public art installation at Scoggins Valley Park/Hagg Lake in Gaston, Oregon. Designed by artist Emily Jung Miller, the project is a series of 18 unique, transparent Windows exploring the vibrant ecosystem at Hagg Lake. Miller developed the artwork through a six-month study of the connections between local plants, animals, and human activity. The six-foot panels feature over 80 local species and are nestled at trailheads and recreation areas along the park’s 14-mile loop trail.

Miller’s Windows are inspired by the style of traditional layered woodcut prints and the transparency of stained glass. They feature colorful, double-sided images highlighting the specific ecosystems of each site. These illustrations offer visitors a glimpse into the natural scenery.

 “I approached this project as a nature lover and water lover, with an open mind about how I would respond to each site,” says Miller. "They are meant to shift. Seasonal changes in the landscape will change the Windows, too. The transparency suggests a memory or a glimpse of a moment, past or future, held in the story of each place.”

“Emily’s work invites visitors to look at and through the Windows with wonder. The playful details in each piece – a sly slug or buzzing bumblebee – showcase her intentional research. I’m excited for park guests to discover the hidden creatures and layered richness of each Window throughout the different seasons at Hagg Lake,” says Karine Kadyan, Parks Management Analyst. 

The goal of the public art program at Scoggins Valley Park is to spotlight local artists with a connection to the landscape, while creating opportunities for reflection. “We want the art to encourage the public to pause, observe, and experience their environment in new ways,” adds Kadyan.

Learn more about the “Wonder Windows” installation and view our handy Public Art Map to visit all the art projects at Hagg Lake. Please note that five of the 18 windows are currently installed, and the remainder will be placed by September 30, 2025.

This project was supported by Travel Oregon, Explore Tualatin Valley, and Washington County Parks.