Urban Birding at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

This SE birding favorite has legitimate hotspot chops with well over 200 species. Near the Willamette River and Sellwood Park, it was designated as Portland’s first Urban Wildlife Refuge in 1988 after residents opposed development plans that included a motocross course. In 2004 it gained additional prestige by being named the city’s first Migratory Bird Park.

Oaks Bottom is over 160 acres with multiple habitats. A shallow, year-round wetland supports fall migrating waterfowl, a sizable meadow attracts sparrows and finches, and a mixed woods is well populated with nuthatches and woodpeckers. Throw in a Common Poorwill that was almost stepped on by an alert walker a few years ago and you have rarities, too. In short, if you’re desperately missing something, Oaks Bottom likely has it.

This is a big area and we won’t do the whole thing, but will hit a few highlights on the Bluff Trail and wrap up in around 2.5 hours.

Trail Condition and Distance: packed dirt and gravel, 3 miles round trip
Elevation Change: 10% entry grade
Amenities: toilet at the parking area
Exposure: mostly in shade under trees
Pacing: slow / moderate
Public Transit: Trimet bus 40