2 min
Overview
The Tualatin River forms the southern border of this suburban wildlife refuge managed by Hillsboro Parks and Recreation. The Nature Center here has a store, some excellent exhibits (including a 1,600-pound bald eagle nest!), and classroom space. Trails lead around the the small upland area near the Nature Center and Hillsboro Clean Water Services complex. A more extensive complex of trails investigates the riparian woodland along the river and the diked floodplain east of the center. Birdwatching is excellent here any time of year, so make sure you bring binoculars: in winter, look for buffleheads, pintails, gadwalls, blue-winged teals, redheads, ruddy ducks, wigeons, shovelers, mergansers, tundra swans, and dusky Canada geese as well as bald eagles and other raptors. Fall and spring witness the passerine migrants, especially warblers and finches. Wood ducks, Canada geese, and mallards are common in the summer, when blackbirds, cowbirds, and swallows also take up residence. Look for non-native South American nutria and native muskrats. Beaver and mink are also present although not commonly seen. Note that at times of high water some of these lower trails may be inaccessible. From the parking lot near the Nature Center, head down the wooden staircase at the south end of the parking lot on the River Trail. This wood chip trail leads along above the Tualatin River. Interpretive signs explain the natural history of the riparian forest. This is an Oregon ash woodland with hawthorn, hazel, ninebark and big-leaf maple. There are tables along the way for outdoor exhibits. Soon, the trail heads away from the river. A spur right leads to a viewing platform. Then the trail runs parallel to the river again, separated from the water by a thicket. Stay right at a junction with the Connector Trail. Then turn right at the next junction to enter Vic’s Grove, named in honor of Vic Madsen, a volunteer who was instrumental in the creation of the preserve and spent many years restoring these thickets. This in and out trail leads t
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Photos
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