If you’re interested in exploring wildlife in Portland, Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is one of your best bets. The 163-acre floodplain wetland is located on the east bank of the Willamette River, just north of the Sellwood Bridge. The largest remaining natural area in the lower Willamette River floodplain, it’s made up of a mix of marsh, meadow and woodlands wrapped around a seasonal lake called Wapato Marsh.
Oaks Bottom became Portland’s first designated wildlife refuge in 1988. The city formally set it aside to protect the habitat after a long history of environmental degradation at the site — part of the refuge is even built on a landfill.
In 2018, the city and federal partners restored 75 acres of wetland habitat. Work included replacing a culvert to improve fish passage and water flow between the Willamette River and the refuge, plus excavating new channels so young fish can rest and feed in calmer water…