Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, Wildlife refuge in Sellwood, Portland, US
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a 168-acre nature preserve on Portland's eastern bank of the Willamette River that includes wetlands, meadows, and forest sections. These different habitats together support around 185 bird species and numerous other animals including frogs, salamanders, and mammals.
The site was purchased by Portland in 1959 when it was still marked by industrial use and pollution from past operations. Its designation as the city's first wildlife refuge in 1988 marked a turning point that led to restoration efforts returning it to its natural state.
The refuge holds significance for local bird watchers who return regularly throughout the year to observe species in their natural setting. The layout of trails and viewing areas shows how the community values quiet observation and protection of the animals living here.
You can enter through Sellwood Park's parking lot and walk several trails including the 2-mile Bluff Trail that connects to the larger Springwater Corridor path system. Early morning and dusk hours offer the best chances to see and hear wildlife, so plan your visit accordingly for better observation.
The refuge contains Tadpole Pond where in springtime Pacific chorus frogs, northern red-legged frogs, and salamanders gather for breeding season. This annual gathering creates a noisy and lively period that draws visitors interested in witnessing this natural cycle up close.
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