Willamette River Recreation Guide
Joy Creek Nursery return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 C-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 D-3 geographic coordinates 45 43’ 14” N 122 53’ 06” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Located right on the Multnomah County border, this nursery is open to the public. Take Hwy 30 west from I-5 for about 18 miles and turn left (south) on Watson Road. After going through a couple of curves, you will see the signs for the nursery. Bird Watson Road past the nursery too. The surrounding region can be very birdy and the nursery itself attracts quite a few birds. Some species commonly found here include Sharp-shinned Hawk, Band-tailed Pigeon, Vaux's Swift, Rufous Hummingbird, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, swallows, Black-capped Chickadee, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Swainson's Thrush, Varied Thrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, Savannah Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Purple Finch, and Evening Grosbeak.
Sauvie Island- (CHECK YOUR MAP. THE NORTHERN HALF OF THE ISLAND IS IN COLUMBIA COUNTY) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 C-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 E-3 geographic coordinates Sauvie Island Bridge 45 37’ 36” N 122 49’ 06” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Columbia Loop Guide. (Check sections C-16 through 18)
Smith-Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 E-4 geographic coordinates 45 37’ 06” N 122 43’ 23” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-1. Though Lincoln's Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Common Goldeneye, and Red-eyed Vireo are mentioned in this guide, these species are rare at this location and should be reported should you come across any of them at Smith-Bybee.
Columbia River Slough Bike Trail return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 E-5 geographic coordinates 45 36’ 04” N 122 43’ 06” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From I-5, take Marine Drive west for about a mile and turn left (south) on N. Portland Road. Go one mile and look for a parking area for the bike path on your left. Take this bike path east and you will soon see the Columbia Sewage Ponds. Check these for ducks and shorebirds. Continue on and you'll see the Heron Lakes Golf Course on your left. This area has a good bunch of ponds that can hold waterfowl. Further on, you can scope the fields of the Portland International Raceway. Loafing gulls often collect here and large flocks of geese can produce an unusual sighting occasionally.
Kelly Point Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 C-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 E-4 geographic coordinates 45 39’ 01” N 122 45’ 50” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: This location is the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers and is very near the Smith-Bybee lakes and is a nice addition to a trip out that way. From I-5, take Marine Drive west past Smith-Bybee for about a mile. The road turns south and becomes Lombard. Instead of continuing on Lombard, turn right (before crossing the bridge) and stay on Marine Drive to its end. This is the park. Gulls like to congregate out on the point and you can get a good look at waterfowl on the river. A bird list from here might include ducks, Osprey, gulls, Band-tailed Pigeon, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, swallows, Bushtit, Brown Creeper, Bewick's Wren, kinglets, migrating warblers, Bullock's Oriole, and Lesser Goldfinch. When you return to the main Marine Drive, check the area directly across from the park entrance. This bare area has good potential for longspurs and sparrows in winter.
Rivergate Industrial Area return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 C-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 E-4 geographic coordinates 45 37’ 03” N 122 46’ 13” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From I-5, take Marine Drive west past Smith-Bybee for about 2 miles. The road turns south and becomes Lombard. Go another 1.7 miles and turn right (west) on N. Rivergate Road. All along this route, check bare areas for flocks of Horned Larks, sparrows (Lark Sparrow in summer), and longspurs. Other birds you can find here include ducks, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Western Meadowlark.
Force Lake return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 E-5 geographic coordinates 45 36’ 16” N 122 41’ 38” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Take I-5 exit 307 and travel west on Marine Drive for less than a half mile. Turn left (south) on West Delta Park and it will soon become N. Force Avenue. Explore the lake and other areas around this region. There is a lot of water here and birds are abundant. Check the areas around the golf course and keep an eye on the bare patches for longspurs and sparrows. Some species you might encounter are Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, many duck species, 3 grebes, Great Egret, shorebirds, gulls, and a wide variety of passerines.
Marine Drive return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 E-5 geographic coordinates 45 36’ 16” N 122 40’ 57” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-3
Vanport Wetlands return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 F-5 geographic coordinates 45 35’ 57” N 122 41’ 07” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-2.
Skyline Blvd and Forest Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 F-4 geographic coordinates 45 31’ 11” N 122 44’ 12” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Forest Park has the distinction of being the largest forested city park in America. At right around 5000 acres, it dwarfs the other parks in Portland and, as expected, it provides some good birding opportunities. Skyline Boulevard borders the west side of the park and offers a good route for birding this area. From downtown Portland, take Burnside Street west into the hills above Portland for 3.4 miles. Turn right onto Skyline Blvd just after passing the Larry Keating Mansion. Zero your odometer at this point. Go 6.6 miles (just past Germantown Road) to NW Newton Road (gravel road on your right with an open green gate). Take Newton to a parking area and bird the trails here. Return to Skyline and drive another .5 miles to an unmarked road on the right (this road also has a green gate and a "BPA Road" sign on it). Walk the dirt road to the power lines and bird the power lines. Return to Skyline and go 2.7 miles to Skyline School on the right. Continue past the school on Skyline for 5.2 miles and look for an unmarked logging road. Park and walk around the blue gate into a clear-cut (good for Mt. Quail). There are several other clear-cuts beyond this one that offer good birding. Back on Skyline, go another 3 miles to Rocky Point Road. Turn right and go 0.4 miles to an unmarked logging road with a green gate on your left. Bird this road. From this location, you can continue on Rocky Pt. Rd. to Hwy 30, turn right, and it will take you to the Sauvie Island bridge where you can continue birding or return to Portland after a great day of birding Forest Park. Birds you may be able to see along the before mentioned route are Mt. Quail, Cooper's Hawk, Band-tailed Pigeon, Short-eared Owl, N. Pygmy-Owl, Barred Owl, Vaux's Swift, Calliope Hummingbird, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, Tree Swallow, 3 chickadee species, Bushtit, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, House Wren, both kinglets, 6 thrush species (including Western Bluebird), 8 species of warbler, 7 sparrow species, Red Crossbill, and Evening Grosbeak. Source: Catalyst Publications, Birding Portland and Multnomah County, John Fitchen.
Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary and Forest Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 F-4 geographic coordinates 45 31’ 41” N 122 43’ 56” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Columbia Loop Guide. (Check sections C-16 through 18)
Pittock Mansion return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 F-4 geographic coordinates 45 31’ 30” N 122 42’ 58” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-11.
Oaks Bottom return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 A-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 A-5 geographic coordinates 45 29’ 08” N 122 38’ 59” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-10.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Test Gardens return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 A-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 A-5 geographic coordinates 45 28’ 48” N 122 38’ 07” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: To find this location take McLoughlin Blvd. (99E) south out of downtown. 2.2 miles south of the Ross Island Bridge, turn left (east) on SE Bybee Blvd. Shortly, the road turns north and becomes 28th Street. Just north of Woodstock Blvd, you will see the parking area for the garden. This beautiful gem of a birding location is a favorite for locals. If you don't see a single bird, it will be worth the trip. Some birds that are possible here include White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, 20 species of duck, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-heron, Osprey, Sharp-shinned & Cooper's Hawks, Merlin, Virginia Rail, shorebirds, 7 gull species, Caspian Tern, Band-tailed Pigeon, Barn Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Common Nighthawk, Vaux's Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Lewis's Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Steller's Jay. swallows, chickadees, Bushtit, nuthatches, Brown Creeper, wrens, kinglets, 4 thrushes, American Pipit, Cedar Waxwing, 8 warbler species (including Hermit), 9 sparrows, blackbirds, and finches.
Westmoreland Park (Milwaukie) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 B-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 C-10 geographic coordinates 45 28’ 16” N 122 38’ 31” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds From downtown Portland, take Martin Luther Blvd. (Hwy 99 E) south. This soon becomes McLoughlin Blvd. 2.2 miles south of the Ross Island Bridge, turn right (west) on SE Bybee Blvd. Go one block and the park is on your left. Large flocks of ducks and gulls loaf here during the day and Eurasian Wigeon is often found among the waterfowl.
Tryon Creek State Natural Area return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 A-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 A-5 geographic coordinates 45 26’ 33” N 122 40’ 23” W
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Tryon Creek Trail Guide
Friends of Tryon Creek Website
Location, Habitat and Birds: This park is just north of Lake Oswego and west of Milwaukie. From Portland, take I-84 exit 297 and take Terwilliger Blvd east for 1.7 miles to a traffic circle (follow the signs to Lewis & Clark College). The second spoke of the traffic circle will keep you on Terwilliger Blvd. Go another .8 miles on Terwilliger to the entrance of the park (Caution County Listers: the southern edge of the park is in Clackamas County). Many daytime mountain species can be found here and this location should not be overlooked as a good daylight destination but Tryon is especially good for owls. Northern Saw-whet, Barred, Great Horned, and Pygmy-Owl have all been found here (Source: Catalyst Publications, Birding Portland and Multnomah County, John Fitchen.) A recent July day produced the following species: Cooper's Hawk, Hutton's Vireo, Pileated Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Warbling Vireo, Black-throated Gray Warbler (10+), Wilson's Warbler (10+), Pacific-slope Flycatcher (10+), Band-tailed Pigeon, Swainson's Thrush, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, and several more. Check for regular guided bird walks at the Friends of Tryon Creek Calendar Listings.
Whitaker Ponds Natural Area return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 F-5 geographic coordinates 45 34’ 25” N 122 36’ 50” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-4.
Laurelhurst City Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 A-5 geographic coordinates 45 31’ 19” N 122 37’ 33” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: A nice duck pond surrounded by trees. This city park is located between Burnside and Stark on SE 39th Avenue. The big attractions here are ducks and gulls. Tufted Duck turned up here one time so it's a place that needs to be checked if you are in the area.
Mt. Tabor Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 29 A-6 geographic coordinates 45 30’ 44” N 122 35’ 34” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-9.
Columbia River Slough return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 23 F-6 geographic coordinates 45 33’ 19” N 122 29’ 31” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-5.
181st Street Marsh return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 23 F-6 geographic coordinates 45 33’ 10” N 122 29’ 17” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From Marine Drive, turn south on 185th Street. Go 0.2 miles and turn right on NE Riverside Parkway. Go a half mile to Airport Way and turn right. Go 0.4 miles and turn left on NE Mason Street (To reach this location from I-84, take exit 13 and turn north on 181st Street. Go about 1.4 miles to Mason). Look for a dirt road immediately after turning onto Mason Street. Park and walk the dirt road until you come to a bluff that overlooks the marsh. If you're looking for marsh birds like American Bittern, Marsh Wren, Common Yellowthroat, or a possible Tricolored Blackbird (never seen here but you never know), this is a good spot. Virginia Rail and Sora can be heard calling in the spring and an occasional Northern Harrier can be found cruising the marsh. Swamp Sparrow is not to be expected but has been found here before.
Blue Lake County Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 67 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 23 F-7 geographic coordinates 45 33’ 20” N 122 27’ 06” W
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Location: Off Marine Drive between NE 185th and NE 223rd.
Habitat and Birds: This lake sits just yards from the Columbia River and is right next to Fairview Lake. Loafing gulls and waterfowl can be found in the water and along the shore. The trees along the lake provide sustenance for migrating song birds in spring and fall.
Sandy River Delta return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 67 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 23 F-7 geographic coordinates 45 33’ 49” N 122 24’ 34” W
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Terrific Intra-site Map By John Notis Showing The Locations Of Commonly Targeted Species
Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-6.
Oxbow Regional Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 61 A-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 29 A-9 geographic coordinates 45 30’ 05” N 122 18’ 25” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: This park charges a fee. Take I-84 exit 17 in Troutdale. Proceed east along the frontage road for a half mile and turn right (south) on NW 257th Ave (AKA NW Graham Road). Go 0.3 miles and turn left on the Historic Columbia River Hwy. Take the 2nd right onto Buxton Avenue and travel south for about a half mile and the road will fork. Stay to the left and the road becomes S. Troutdale Road. Take S. Troutdale about 2.6 miles south and turn left (east) on Division (actually these two roads merge so you don't actually make a turn). Take Division east for 1.5 miles and turn right (south) onto SE Oxbow Drive. Take this road about 2.2 miles to SE Hosner Road. Follow Hosner north into the park. This is a good wooded area with lots of local passerine breeders and plenty of action during the migrations. It's situated right on the Sandy River so many birds use this area as a migration route. This is the best place in the county for finding Ruffed Grouse. Early mornings in springtime are the best times to hear the drumming of the amorous males so get here early. Source: Catalyst Publications, Birding Portland and Multnomah County, John Fitchen. Check out the metro map
Salish Ponds Wetland Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 67 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 23 F-7 geographic coordinates 45 31’ 41” N 122 26’ 40” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-7.
Kelly Butte return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 A-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 29 A-6 geographic coordinates 45 29’ 58” N 122 33’ 17” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From I-205 north of Powell Blvd., take the SE Division St. exit and travel east for a couple of blocks and turn right (south) on 101 Street. Take this to the end and access the north trail. You can also drive a little farther east on Division and take 103rd Street to an access point. To explore the south side, take Powell Blvd, east from I-205 and take the first left toward the water tower. Birds found at this location include Cooper's Hawks, Band-tailed Pigeon, Barn Owl, W. Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Common Nighthawk, Vaux's Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Steller's Jay. swallows, chickadees, Bushtit, nuthatches, Brown Creeper, wrens, kinglets, thrushes, warblers, sparrows, blackbirds, and finches.
Beggar's Tick Wetland return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 A-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 29 A-6 geographic coordinates 45 28’ 40” N 122 32’ 56” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From I-205 south of Powell Blvd., take Foster Road east for 0.8 miles to SE 111 Street. Turn left (north) and go 0.2 miles to the refuge on your left. You can park at the corner of Springwater and 111th or continue north a bit and park along 111th. There is a very nice wetland at the north end of this refuge. This region is under-birded. If you have visit here, be sure to report your findings so we can find out more about the birds here. Birds seen here include Cinnamon Teal, Green-winged Teal, Wood Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, Bewick's Wren, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Lesser Goldfinch.
Brookside Wetland return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 A-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 29 A-6 geographic coordinates 45 28’ 26” N 122 32’ 47” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: This mitigation wetland is fairly young and should produce even better birding in the future. From I-205 south of Powell Blvd., take Foster Road east for .8 miles to SE 110 Street. Turn right (south) and go 0.2 miles to SE Brookside Drive. Turn left (east) and look for the wetland signs. Some of the birds you might see here include many species of ducks, Great Blue Heron, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Mourning Dove, Vaux's Swift, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Steller's Jay, Western Scub-Jay, swallows, Bushtit, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Black-capped Chickadee, Bewick's Wren, Cedar Waxwing, Lincoln's Sparrow, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, and American Goldfinch among other species.
Powell Butte Nature Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 A-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 29 A-6 geographic coordinates 45 29’ 25” N 122 29’ 49” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-8.
Darby Butte (A.K.A. Darby Ridge or Gabbert Butte) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 61 A-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 29 A-7 geographic coordinates 45 28’ 15” N 122 26’ 05” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From the middle of Gresham on E. Powell Blvd, turn south on Roberts Avenue (by Bank of America). Travel south on Roberts for 0.75 miles and turn right (SW) on Regner Road. Take Regner for about 1.4 miles to SW 37th Terrace. Turn right onto this street and drive a block and a half. Park your car near 327 SE Terrace. There is a path that goes between 327 SE Terrace and the neighboring residence. Take this path into the Darby Butte area. This is public land with access to everyone. It is also known as Darby Ridge or Gabbert Butte. You walk up the grass meadow with trees planted and you can find a trail 0.8 of the way up the meadow that cuts through the field and planted tree and heads to the west. When you reach the end of this trail you can take a trail to the east that goes to the top. There is also access from SE Gabbert Street off of SE Regner Road. SW Gabbert Street continues through the trees, but this is a dirt road. There are roads and trails through this area although it is very steep in some spots. Birds in the area include Great Horned Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Band-tailed Pigeon, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Bewick's Wren, Cedar Waxwing, Pine Siskin, and Lesser Goldfinch. (This information provided by John Gatchet)
Angel's Rest & Benson State Park return to the top
DeLorme Pg 80 C-1 geographic coordinates 45 17’ 29” N 120˚ 59’ 30” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Then choose the Mt. Hood Loop Guide. Section 1.
Larch Mountain return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 56 B-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 24 F-1 geographic coordinates 45 14’ 51” N 122 01’ 04” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Then choose the Mt. Hood Loop Guide. Section 2. This is a favorite spot for local birders. There is a locked gate that prevents visitors from entering until the road is passable (closed from November to May). Birds you might see here include Sooty Grouse, Townsend's Solitaire, MacGillivray's Warbler, and Gray Jay.
Ainsworth State Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 67 D-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 24 F-1 geographic coordinates 45 35’ 44” N 122 03’ 02” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: About 8 miles west of Cascade Locks, take I-84 exit 35. Take the old Columbia River Hwy back west for about a mile. Take this highway west for your return to I-84. This is one of the most scenic areas in the Columbia River Gorge. This area has not been birded heavily so please report your findings if you bird this area.
Bonneville Fish Hatchery return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 68 C-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 24 E-2 geographic coordinates 45 37’ 59” N 121 57’ 26” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Birds you might see at this location include ducks, gulls, Belted Kingfisher, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Steller's Jay, all 3 Chickadees, both kinglets, Swainson's Thrush, Varied Thrush, Spotted Towhee, and Dark-eyed Junco. A Black-throated Blue Warbler showed up here once and Red-naped Sapsuckers are occasionally seen.
Bonneville Dam return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 68 C-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 24 E-2 geographic coordinates 45 38’ 29” N 121 56’ 36” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From Portland, drive east on I-84 for about 39 miles (39.3 miles from the Jct. of I-5 and I-84). Take exit 40 and check in at the security checkpoint area. Continue on to the visitors center. You can see the main spillway from here. June is the best time to view gulls from this location because the annual Shad run creates a bit of a feeding frenzy at this time. Keep an eye out for the occasional Peregrine falcon and bird the small island that holds the visitors center for migrant visitors that might be stopping over for a rest. Source: Catalyst Publications, Birding Portland and Multnomah County, John Fitchen.
Eagle Creek return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 68 C-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 24 E-2 geographic coordinates 45 38’ 29” N 121 55’ 54” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: About 1.5 miles east of Bonneville Dam (see instructions above), Eagle Creek empties into the Columbia. Only a short portion of this creek is actually in the county but it can produce some good birding and nice birds. To access this area, take exit 41 from I-84 and stay to the left Go under the freeway and park near the mouth of the creek. You can scope the river from here for gulls, loons, grebes, and ducks. Then drive back along the creek to bird the creek itself. The county line is about 100 yards upstream from the footbridge. Dippers are often found here and Harlequin Ducks nest farther upstream on Eagle Creek so you can see them near the mouth on occasion. Important note: There is no westbound onramp from the Eagle Creek exit. In order to return to the Portland area or other western locations, you will have to take the eastbound onramp and travel a few miles to Cascade Locks to access the westbound lanes of I-84. Source: Catalyst Publications, Birding Portland and Multnomah County, John Fitchen.
Willamette River Recreation Guide
Joy Creek Nursery return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 C-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 D-3 geographic coordinates 45 43’ 14” N 122 53’ 06” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Located right on the Multnomah County border, this nursery is open to the public. Take Hwy 30 west from I-5 for about 18 miles and turn left (south) on Watson Road. After going through a couple of curves, you will see the signs for the nursery. Bird Watson Road past the nursery too. The surrounding region can be very birdy and the nursery itself attracts quite a few birds. Some species commonly found here include Sharp-shinned Hawk, Band-tailed Pigeon, Vaux's Swift, Rufous Hummingbird, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, swallows, Black-capped Chickadee, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Swainson's Thrush, Varied Thrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, Savannah Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Purple Finch, and Evening Grosbeak.
Sauvie Island- (CHECK YOUR MAP. THE NORTHERN HALF OF THE ISLAND IS IN COLUMBIA COUNTY) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 C-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 E-3 geographic coordinates Sauvie Island Bridge 45 37’ 36” N 122 49’ 06” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Columbia Loop Guide. (Check sections C-16 through 18)
Smith-Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 E-4 geographic coordinates 45 37’ 06” N 122 43’ 23” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-1. Though Lincoln's Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Common Goldeneye, and Red-eyed Vireo are mentioned in this guide, these species are rare at this location and should be reported should you come across any of them at Smith-Bybee.
Columbia River Slough Bike Trail return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 E-5 geographic coordinates 45 36’ 04” N 122 43’ 06” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From I-5, take Marine Drive west for about a mile and turn left (south) on N. Portland Road. Go one mile and look for a parking area for the bike path on your left. Take this bike path east and you will soon see the Columbia Sewage Ponds. Check these for ducks and shorebirds. Continue on and you'll see the Heron Lakes Golf Course on your left. This area has a good bunch of ponds that can hold waterfowl. Further on, you can scope the fields of the Portland International Raceway. Loafing gulls often collect here and large flocks of geese can produce an unusual sighting occasionally.
Kelly Point Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 C-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 E-4 geographic coordinates 45 39’ 01” N 122 45’ 50” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: This location is the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers and is very near the Smith-Bybee lakes and is a nice addition to a trip out that way. From I-5, take Marine Drive west past Smith-Bybee for about a mile. The road turns south and becomes Lombard. Instead of continuing on Lombard, turn right (before crossing the bridge) and stay on Marine Drive to its end. This is the park. Gulls like to congregate out on the point and you can get a good look at waterfowl on the river. A bird list from here might include ducks, Osprey, gulls, Band-tailed Pigeon, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, swallows, Bushtit, Brown Creeper, Bewick's Wren, kinglets, migrating warblers, Bullock's Oriole, and Lesser Goldfinch. When you return to the main Marine Drive, check the area directly across from the park entrance. This bare area has good potential for longspurs and sparrows in winter.
Rivergate Industrial Area return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 C-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 E-4 geographic coordinates 45 37’ 03” N 122 46’ 13” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From I-5, take Marine Drive west past Smith-Bybee for about 2 miles. The road turns south and becomes Lombard. Go another 1.7 miles and turn right (west) on N. Rivergate Road. All along this route, check bare areas for flocks of Horned Larks, sparrows (Lark Sparrow in summer), and longspurs. Other birds you can find here include ducks, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Western Meadowlark.
Force Lake return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 E-5 geographic coordinates 45 36’ 16” N 122 41’ 38” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Take I-5 exit 307 and travel west on Marine Drive for less than a half mile. Turn left (south) on West Delta Park and it will soon become N. Force Avenue. Explore the lake and other areas around this region. There is a lot of water here and birds are abundant. Check the areas around the golf course and keep an eye on the bare patches for longspurs and sparrows. Some species you might encounter are Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, many duck species, 3 grebes, Great Egret, shorebirds, gulls, and a wide variety of passerines.
Marine Drive return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 E-5 geographic coordinates 45 36’ 16” N 122 40’ 57” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-3
Vanport Wetlands return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 F-5 geographic coordinates 45 35’ 57” N 122 41’ 07” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-2.
Skyline Blvd and Forest Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 F-4 geographic coordinates 45 31’ 11” N 122 44’ 12” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Forest Park has the distinction of being the largest forested city park in America. At right around 5000 acres, it dwarfs the other parks in Portland and, as expected, it provides some good birding opportunities. Skyline Boulevard borders the west side of the park and offers a good route for birding this area. From downtown Portland, take Burnside Street west into the hills above Portland for 3.4 miles. Turn right onto Skyline Blvd just after passing the Larry Keating Mansion. Zero your odometer at this point. Go 6.6 miles (just past Germantown Road) to NW Newton Road (gravel road on your right with an open green gate). Take Newton to a parking area and bird the trails here. Return to Skyline and drive another .5 miles to an unmarked road on the right (this road also has a green gate and a "BPA Road" sign on it). Walk the dirt road to the power lines and bird the power lines. Return to Skyline and go 2.7 miles to Skyline School on the right. Continue past the school on Skyline for 5.2 miles and look for an unmarked logging road. Park and walk around the blue gate into a clear-cut (good for Mt. Quail). There are several other clear-cuts beyond this one that offer good birding. Back on Skyline, go another 3 miles to Rocky Point Road. Turn right and go 0.4 miles to an unmarked logging road with a green gate on your left. Bird this road. From this location, you can continue on Rocky Pt. Rd. to Hwy 30, turn right, and it will take you to the Sauvie Island bridge where you can continue birding or return to Portland after a great day of birding Forest Park. Birds you may be able to see along the before mentioned route are Mt. Quail, Cooper's Hawk, Band-tailed Pigeon, Short-eared Owl, N. Pygmy-Owl, Barred Owl, Vaux's Swift, Calliope Hummingbird, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, Tree Swallow, 3 chickadee species, Bushtit, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, House Wren, both kinglets, 6 thrush species (including Western Bluebird), 8 species of warbler, 7 sparrow species, Red Crossbill, and Evening Grosbeak. Source: Catalyst Publications, Birding Portland and Multnomah County, John Fitchen.
Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary and Forest Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 F-4 geographic coordinates 45 31’ 41” N 122 43’ 56” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Columbia Loop Guide. (Check sections C-16 through 18)
Pittock Mansion return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 F-4 geographic coordinates 45 31’ 30” N 122 42’ 58” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-11.
Oaks Bottom return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 A-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 A-5 geographic coordinates 45 29’ 08” N 122 38’ 59” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-10.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Test Gardens return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 A-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 A-5 geographic coordinates 45 28’ 48” N 122 38’ 07” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: To find this location take McLoughlin Blvd. (99E) south out of downtown. 2.2 miles south of the Ross Island Bridge, turn left (east) on SE Bybee Blvd. Shortly, the road turns north and becomes 28th Street. Just north of Woodstock Blvd, you will see the parking area for the garden. This beautiful gem of a birding location is a favorite for locals. If you don't see a single bird, it will be worth the trip. Some birds that are possible here include White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, 20 species of duck, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-heron, Osprey, Sharp-shinned & Cooper's Hawks, Merlin, Virginia Rail, shorebirds, 7 gull species, Caspian Tern, Band-tailed Pigeon, Barn Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Common Nighthawk, Vaux's Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Lewis's Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Steller's Jay. swallows, chickadees, Bushtit, nuthatches, Brown Creeper, wrens, kinglets, 4 thrushes, American Pipit, Cedar Waxwing, 8 warbler species (including Hermit), 9 sparrows, blackbirds, and finches.
Westmoreland Park (Milwaukie) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 B-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 C-10 geographic coordinates 45 28’ 16” N 122 38’ 31” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds From downtown Portland, take Martin Luther Blvd. (Hwy 99 E) south. This soon becomes McLoughlin Blvd. 2.2 miles south of the Ross Island Bridge, turn right (west) on SE Bybee Blvd. Go one block and the park is on your left. Large flocks of ducks and gulls loaf here during the day and Eurasian Wigeon is often found among the waterfowl.
Tryon Creek State Natural Area return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 A-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 A-5 geographic coordinates 45 26’ 33” N 122 40’ 23” W
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Tryon Creek Trail Guide
Friends of Tryon Creek Website
Location, Habitat and Birds: This park is just north of Lake Oswego and west of Milwaukie. From Portland, take I-84 exit 297 and take Terwilliger Blvd east for 1.7 miles to a traffic circle (follow the signs to Lewis & Clark College). The second spoke of the traffic circle will keep you on Terwilliger Blvd. Go another .8 miles on Terwilliger to the entrance of the park (Caution County Listers: the southern edge of the park is in Clackamas County). Many daytime mountain species can be found here and this location should not be overlooked as a good daylight destination but Tryon is especially good for owls. Northern Saw-whet, Barred, Great Horned, and Pygmy-Owl have all been found here (Source: Catalyst Publications, Birding Portland and Multnomah County, John Fitchen.) A recent July day produced the following species: Cooper's Hawk, Hutton's Vireo, Pileated Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Warbling Vireo, Black-throated Gray Warbler (10+), Wilson's Warbler (10+), Pacific-slope Flycatcher (10+), Band-tailed Pigeon, Swainson's Thrush, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, and several more. Check for regular guided bird walks at the Friends of Tryon Creek Calendar Listings.
Whitaker Ponds Natural Area return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 22 F-5 geographic coordinates 45 34’ 25” N 122 36’ 50” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-4.
Laurelhurst City Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 28 A-5 geographic coordinates 45 31’ 19” N 122 37’ 33” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: A nice duck pond surrounded by trees. This city park is located between Burnside and Stark on SE 39th Avenue. The big attractions here are ducks and gulls. Tufted Duck turned up here one time so it's a place that needs to be checked if you are in the area.
Mt. Tabor Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 29 A-6 geographic coordinates 45 30’ 44” N 122 35’ 34” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-9.
Columbia River Slough return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 23 F-6 geographic coordinates 45 33’ 19” N 122 29’ 31” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-5.
181st Street Marsh return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 66 D-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 23 F-6 geographic coordinates 45 33’ 10” N 122 29’ 17” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From Marine Drive, turn south on 185th Street. Go 0.2 miles and turn right on NE Riverside Parkway. Go a half mile to Airport Way and turn right. Go 0.4 miles and turn left on NE Mason Street (To reach this location from I-84, take exit 13 and turn north on 181st Street. Go about 1.4 miles to Mason). Look for a dirt road immediately after turning onto Mason Street. Park and walk the dirt road until you come to a bluff that overlooks the marsh. If you're looking for marsh birds like American Bittern, Marsh Wren, Common Yellowthroat, or a possible Tricolored Blackbird (never seen here but you never know), this is a good spot. Virginia Rail and Sora can be heard calling in the spring and an occasional Northern Harrier can be found cruising the marsh. Swamp Sparrow is not to be expected but has been found here before.
Blue Lake County Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 67 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 23 F-7 geographic coordinates 45 33’ 20” N 122 27’ 06” W
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Location: Off Marine Drive between NE 185th and NE 223rd.
Habitat and Birds: This lake sits just yards from the Columbia River and is right next to Fairview Lake. Loafing gulls and waterfowl can be found in the water and along the shore. The trees along the lake provide sustenance for migrating song birds in spring and fall.
Sandy River Delta return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 67 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 23 F-7 geographic coordinates 45 33’ 49” N 122 24’ 34” W
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Terrific Intra-site Map By John Notis Showing The Locations Of Commonly Targeted Species
Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-6.
Oxbow Regional Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 61 A-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 29 A-9 geographic coordinates 45 30’ 05” N 122 18’ 25” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: This park charges a fee. Take I-84 exit 17 in Troutdale. Proceed east along the frontage road for a half mile and turn right (south) on NW 257th Ave (AKA NW Graham Road). Go 0.3 miles and turn left on the Historic Columbia River Hwy. Take the 2nd right onto Buxton Avenue and travel south for about a half mile and the road will fork. Stay to the left and the road becomes S. Troutdale Road. Take S. Troutdale about 2.6 miles south and turn left (east) on Division (actually these two roads merge so you don't actually make a turn). Take Division east for 1.5 miles and turn right (south) onto SE Oxbow Drive. Take this road about 2.2 miles to SE Hosner Road. Follow Hosner north into the park. This is a good wooded area with lots of local passerine breeders and plenty of action during the migrations. It's situated right on the Sandy River so many birds use this area as a migration route. This is the best place in the county for finding Ruffed Grouse. Early mornings in springtime are the best times to hear the drumming of the amorous males so get here early. Source: Catalyst Publications, Birding Portland and Multnomah County, John Fitchen. Check out the metro map
Salish Ponds Wetland Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 67 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 23 F-7 geographic coordinates 45 31’ 41” N 122 26’ 40” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-7.
Kelly Butte return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 A-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 29 A-6 geographic coordinates 45 29’ 58” N 122 33’ 17” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From I-205 north of Powell Blvd., take the SE Division St. exit and travel east for a couple of blocks and turn right (south) on 101 Street. Take this to the end and access the north trail. You can also drive a little farther east on Division and take 103rd Street to an access point. To explore the south side, take Powell Blvd, east from I-205 and take the first left toward the water tower. Birds found at this location include Cooper's Hawks, Band-tailed Pigeon, Barn Owl, W. Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Common Nighthawk, Vaux's Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Steller's Jay. swallows, chickadees, Bushtit, nuthatches, Brown Creeper, wrens, kinglets, thrushes, warblers, sparrows, blackbirds, and finches.
Beggar's Tick Wetland return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 A-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 29 A-6 geographic coordinates 45 28’ 40” N 122 32’ 56” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From I-205 south of Powell Blvd., take Foster Road east for 0.8 miles to SE 111 Street. Turn left (north) and go 0.2 miles to the refuge on your left. You can park at the corner of Springwater and 111th or continue north a bit and park along 111th. There is a very nice wetland at the north end of this refuge. This region is under-birded. If you have visit here, be sure to report your findings so we can find out more about the birds here. Birds seen here include Cinnamon Teal, Green-winged Teal, Wood Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, Bewick's Wren, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Lesser Goldfinch.
Brookside Wetland return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 A-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 29 A-6 geographic coordinates 45 28’ 26” N 122 32’ 47” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: This mitigation wetland is fairly young and should produce even better birding in the future. From I-205 south of Powell Blvd., take Foster Road east for .8 miles to SE 110 Street. Turn right (south) and go 0.2 miles to SE Brookside Drive. Turn left (east) and look for the wetland signs. Some of the birds you might see here include many species of ducks, Great Blue Heron, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Mourning Dove, Vaux's Swift, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Steller's Jay, Western Scub-Jay, swallows, Bushtit, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Black-capped Chickadee, Bewick's Wren, Cedar Waxwing, Lincoln's Sparrow, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, and American Goldfinch among other species.
Powell Butte Nature Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 60 A-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 29 A-6 geographic coordinates 45 29’ 25” N 122 29’ 49” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Portland Loop Guide. Section P-8.
Darby Butte (A.K.A. Darby Ridge or Gabbert Butte) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 61 A-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 29 A-7 geographic coordinates 45 28’ 15” N 122 26’ 05” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From the middle of Gresham on E. Powell Blvd, turn south on Roberts Avenue (by Bank of America). Travel south on Roberts for 0.75 miles and turn right (SW) on Regner Road. Take Regner for about 1.4 miles to SW 37th Terrace. Turn right onto this street and drive a block and a half. Park your car near 327 SE Terrace. There is a path that goes between 327 SE Terrace and the neighboring residence. Take this path into the Darby Butte area. This is public land with access to everyone. It is also known as Darby Ridge or Gabbert Butte. You walk up the grass meadow with trees planted and you can find a trail 0.8 of the way up the meadow that cuts through the field and planted tree and heads to the west. When you reach the end of this trail you can take a trail to the east that goes to the top. There is also access from SE Gabbert Street off of SE Regner Road. SW Gabbert Street continues through the trees, but this is a dirt road. There are roads and trails through this area although it is very steep in some spots. Birds in the area include Great Horned Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Band-tailed Pigeon, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Bewick's Wren, Cedar Waxwing, Pine Siskin, and Lesser Goldfinch. (This information provided by John Gatchet)
Angel's Rest & Benson State Park return to the top
DeLorme Pg 80 C-1 geographic coordinates 45 17’ 29” N 120˚ 59’ 30” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Then choose the Mt. Hood Loop Guide. Section 1.
Larch Mountain return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 56 B-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 24 F-1 geographic coordinates 45 14’ 51” N 122 01’ 04” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Then choose the Mt. Hood Loop Guide. Section 2. This is a favorite spot for local birders. There is a locked gate that prevents visitors from entering until the road is passable (closed from November to May). Birds you might see here include Sooty Grouse, Townsend's Solitaire, MacGillivray's Warbler, and Gray Jay.
Ainsworth State Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 67 D-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 24 F-1 geographic coordinates 45 35’ 44” N 122 03’ 02” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: About 8 miles west of Cascade Locks, take I-84 exit 35. Take the old Columbia River Hwy back west for about a mile. Take this highway west for your return to I-84. This is one of the most scenic areas in the Columbia River Gorge. This area has not been birded heavily so please report your findings if you bird this area.
Bonneville Fish Hatchery return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 68 C-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 24 E-2 geographic coordinates 45 37’ 59” N 121 57’ 26” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Birds you might see at this location include ducks, gulls, Belted Kingfisher, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Steller's Jay, all 3 Chickadees, both kinglets, Swainson's Thrush, Varied Thrush, Spotted Towhee, and Dark-eyed Junco. A Black-throated Blue Warbler showed up here once and Red-naped Sapsuckers are occasionally seen.
Bonneville Dam return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 68 C-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 24 E-2 geographic coordinates 45 38’ 29” N 121 56’ 36” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: From Portland, drive east on I-84 for about 39 miles (39.3 miles from the Jct. of I-5 and I-84). Take exit 40 and check in at the security checkpoint area. Continue on to the visitors center. You can see the main spillway from here. June is the best time to view gulls from this location because the annual Shad run creates a bit of a feeding frenzy at this time. Keep an eye out for the occasional Peregrine falcon and bird the small island that holds the visitors center for migrant visitors that might be stopping over for a rest. Source: Catalyst Publications, Birding Portland and Multnomah County, John Fitchen.
Eagle Creek return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 68 C-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 24 E-2 geographic coordinates 45 38’ 29” N 121 55’ 54” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: About 1.5 miles east of Bonneville Dam (see instructions above), Eagle Creek empties into the Columbia. Only a short portion of this creek is actually in the county but it can produce some good birding and nice birds. To access this area, take exit 41 from I-84 and stay to the left Go under the freeway and park near the mouth of the creek. You can scope the river from here for gulls, loons, grebes, and ducks. Then drive back along the creek to bird the creek itself. The county line is about 100 yards upstream from the footbridge. Dippers are often found here and Harlequin Ducks nest farther upstream on Eagle Creek so you can see them near the mouth on occasion. Important note: There is no westbound onramp from the Eagle Creek exit. In order to return to the Portland area or other western locations, you will have to take the eastbound onramp and travel a few miles to Cascade Locks to access the westbound lanes of I-84. Source: Catalyst Publications, Birding Portland and Multnomah County, John Fitchen.