Birding Hotspots

    • Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area (map)

      Although surrounded by port terminals, warehouses, and commercial areas, Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

    • Kelly Point Park (map)

      Sits at the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette rivers. Wildlife surrounds you at the park. Bewick's wrens, Caspian terns, osprey, cormorants and gulls are some of the birds you might see. Great spot for songbirds, raptors and waterfowl.

    • Sandy River Delta (map)

      This is a unique area of extensive open habitat near the mouth of the Columbia Gorge. As such, it draws birds that are otherwise hard to find in the northern Willamette Valley.

    • Whitaker Ponds Natural Area (map)

      Whitaker Ponds Natural Area is an interesting site for children, with plenty of interpretive signage and educational activities. Two cottonwood and willow edged ponds along the Columbia Slough host Hooded Merganser, Wood Duck, and Pied-billed Grebe.

    • Broughton Beach (map)

      Situated along the Columbia River.  Great spot for a wide variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and the occasional Short Eared Owl.

    • Wilkes Creek Headwaters (map)

      Natural area with the only remaining surface creek flowing into the Columbia Slough. Great spot for song birds, coyotes and the Stumptown Scud.

    • Forest Park (map)

      5,200 acres and more than 80 miles of trails through mature forest in Northwest Portland. Early migrants such as Pileated Woodpeckers, and Steller's Jays.

    • Bird Alliance of Oregon Wildlife Sanctuary (map)

      150-acre nature preserve within Forest Park with 4 miles of hiking trails, bird-watching, interpretive center & store.

    • Hoyt Arboretum (map)

      Founded in 1928 to conserve endangered species and educate the community, Hoyt Arboretum encompasses 190 ridge-top acres and 12 miles of hiking trails just minutes from downtown Portland. Home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents.

    • Mt. Tabor Park (map)

      Mixed use park of 190-acres readily accessed via bus in a well populated area of SE Portland. Great for warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and kinglets.

    • Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden (map)

      A unique 9.5-acre garden, Crystal Springs contains an outstanding collection of rare species and hybrid rhododendrons, azaleas, and other lesser-known ericaceous plants, as well as many companion plants and unusual trees.

    • Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge (map north)(map south)

      Spanning 163 acres, its home to over 175 species of birds, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and red-tailed hawks. You'll also find river otters, beavers, and even deer roaming the landscape.

    • Errol Heights Park (map)

      Newly reimagined 16-acre park protects and restores natural wetland and riparian areas. Features improved trails and expanded paths for better accessibility along the Johnson Creek Watershed. Waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, salamanders, nutria and other creatures.

    • Tryon Creek State Natural Area (map)

      Explore 658 acres of second-growth forests and walk along the meandering Tryon Creek. This is a beautiful place to connect with the flora and fauna that call this special place home such as many different forest birds, varied songbirds, and occasional owls.

    • Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Carty Unit (map)

      Includes the year round Oaks to Wetlands trail and the seasonal Carty Lake trail.

    • Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Auto Route (Pedestrian access May 1 - September 30) (map)

      In the spring and summer the auto tour opens to pedestrian use. Those using the road without a vehicle are reminded to be cautious of traffic as there is no side trail off the road.  

    • Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge (Wetlands Trail access May 1 - September 30) (map)

      The Wetlands Trail opens for pedestrian access during some of the spring and summer months. Immerse yourself in a variety of Pacific Northwest habitats from wetlands to forests to riparian corridors, along two stunning and relatively easy trails

    • Sauvie Island Wildlife Area (map)

      Large, managed habitat for waterfowl, deer, and other species, offering year-round recreation. requires a parking permit and has specific seasonal closures to protect wildlife, especially during waterfowl hunting season.

    • Crown Zellerbach Trail (info)

      Columbia County hotspot with open farmland, pastures, and wetlands. Waterfowl, raptors, and wetland/grassland specialist songbirds are often found here.

    • Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge (map)

      Located east of Vancouver.  Large complex of wetlands and extensive lowland and riparian woods.  Songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors and many other critters.

    • Commonwealth Lake Park (map)

      Nestled within the Johnson Creek water system, this 20.8-acre park with a paved trail that loops around the lake is a community favorite known for it’s variety and ease of access.

    • Koll Business Center Wetlands (map) & Little Scott Lake (map)

      A constructed and restored wetland complex designed to manage stormwater runoff from the surrounding urban and commercial development. It functions both as green infrastructure (filtering water, reducing flooding) and as wildlife habitat.

    • Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve (map north)(map south)

      635-acre wildlife preserve located within the city limits of Hillsboro, Oregon. It is open to the public and is a great place for hiking, bird watching and viewing wildlife in its natural habitat. Excellent for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl.

    • Oregon Coast Birding Trail (info)

      The coast is divided into four sections that list 173 sites, numbered from north to south. The guide includes maps, site descriptions, directions, and a listing of the birds you may see, along with site services and facilities. Finally, a birding checklist shows the 250 birds most likely to be detected and the ease of detecting them.