8 min
Overview
The Oaks Bottom wetland, mainly fed by springs at the base of a Willamette River bluff, has become one of Portland's most beloved wildlife parks. The original acreage here was acquired by the City of Portland in 1959, and the northern section, once a landfill and then slated for industrial development was added in 1969. Unusually for a wildlife refuge, dogs are allowed here on leash, and the loop hike takes you along a small stretch of a major cycling trail, the Springwater Corridor. Waterbirds can be seen any time of the year, small passerines pass through on migration in the spring and fall, and beaver and nutria are active in the backwaters. To extend the hike, you can continue north on a network of trails above the Willamette until you reconnect with the Springwater to turn and make your return. Near the parking lot, the trail leads down the bluff at a battery of information signs. There are views through the maples and grand firs to the Oaks Amusement Park and the tall buildings downtown. Fringe-cup, trillium, and fairy bells bloom on this slope in the spring. The graveled trail traverses down the slope to stone steps at the corner of a large field. Near here, you can see the railroad line and the busy Springwater Corridor bicycle/walking trail. There are a couple of options here: a wide track that leads along the base of the bluff or a footpath that stretches across the west side of the meadow below the railroad. Turn right on the wide Bluff Trail at the foot of a steep slope. As you approach a line of cottonwoods, you'll begin to get glimpses of expansive Wapato Marsh, the large pond which is the centerpiece of the refuge and which sees varying shorelines throughout the year. Reach a junction with the South Meadow Trail and keep right. This formerly muddy track saw a major refurbishment in 2012-2013. Railed boardwalks, two viewing platforms, and sturdy footbridges make for easy passage above the shoreline of the pond. Look for signs of beaver activity at the waterline, check out large numbers of gre
Trail Stats
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38 m
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Photos
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