Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeNearby: Sellwood Park Oaks Pioneer Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a 141-acre natural area located in the city of Portland, Oregon.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The refuge is an excellent location for bird watching, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the refuge's network of trails that lead to different habitats, including wetlands, forests, and meadows.
One of the key attractions of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is the large number of bird species that can be observed here, including great blue herons, bald eagles, ospreys, and waterfowl. The refuge is also home to a variety of mammals, such as river otters, beavers, and raccoons.
Visitors to the refuge can enjoy stunning views of the Willamette River and the surrounding mountains. The refuge also includes a covered observation deck that provides a panoramic view of the wetlands.
Interesting facts about the refuge include the fact that it was once an industrial area, used for lumber mills and shipbuilding. In the 1950s, the area was converted into a wildlife refuge. Since then, the refuge has become a haven for wildlife and a popular destination for nature lovers.
The best time of year to visit Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall, when many bird species migrate through the area. However, the refuge is open year-round and offers different experiences depending on the season.
Overall, Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature and wildlife. Whether you're a bird watcher, hiker, or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, this natural area has something to offer everyone.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Sellwood Park
Oaks Pioneer Park
Sellwood Riverfront Park
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Butterfly Park