Explore the Wildlife-Rich Trails of Portland's Oaks Bottom with your Kids

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a floodplain wetland region along the east bank of the Willamette river. It is one of the last remaining kind and provides a rich habitat for several species of birds, fish, small mammals and amphibians, some of which are threatened. Oaks Bottom was once a landfill but was acquired by the City of Portland in 1969 to prohibit its development, highlighting one of the many ways that Portland communities rallied together to protect a fragile and vital ecosystem. Enjoy this rare opportunity to explore a wetland habitat within the Portland city limits with your family.

Oaks Bottom comprises 163 acres of meadow, wetland and wooded areas bisected by well-maintained and well-marked natural and paved trails. Explore Oaks Bottom by taking a hike on the natural single track Bluff trail through the forest and meadows with stellar views of the pond and wetlands.

The trail requires you to walk a few moderate hills to and from the wetlands, but once you get down to the wetlands the trail becomes flat. Take a break and look for wildlife at one of the vistas along the trail. It is not uncommon to spot several species of birds and even some interesting amphibians and reptiles. The north end of the Bluff trail and the Springwater Corridor are paved paths ideal for strollers and bikes. It’s possible to experience the wetlands from these trails, but the best views are from the natural trail. 

The trails can get busy on sunny summer days and you may hear noise from a nearby amusement park. Leashed dogs are permitted on all trails. There are two main trailheads: Sellwood Park at the south end and SE Mitchell and SE Milwaukie at the north end. The distance from one entrance to the other is about 2 miles making it a 4 mile out-and-back.

You can also create a loop by incorporating the paved Springwater Corridor trail (stay on the far right and watch for the bikes whizzing by!) or by looping back through the Sellwood neighborhood for an urban hike adventure. If you choose the latter, consider grabbing a bite to eat or a coffee to sip on on SE Milwaukie or SE 13th Ave as you head back to your destination.  

There are no true restrooms at the trailheads, but occasionally there are port-a-potties at the north parking lot. On sunny days, bring a hat, sunscreen, bug spray and hiking shoes. During the rainier months, bring rain gear and shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy. There are no changing rooms but many of the restaurants, grocery stores and library in the Sellwood neighborhood will have them.