Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is a great destination to connect with Nature.

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is another gem closed to Portland. If you are a nature lover, this is a must-see place for you.

Based on its official website, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is the home of about 200 species of birds, over 50 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles and amphibians, and a wide variety of insects, fish, and plants. Those numbers illustrate all the hard work they have been doing to restore this land.

In other words, this natural area is a great initiative to preserve the habitat of the species that call it home and a fantastic place for us to know more about them.

What to see and do

No matter what type of activity connects you with nature, you will find something to enjoy in this refuge.  Particularly for us, hiking on the trails and watching wildlife were the attractions we were looking for (and I wish I could have good camera lenses for birds photography!).

And speaking about the hike, before hitting the trails, we started our morning at the Visitor Center.

Considering that my kids love exhibits and learning activities, this was the perfect way to start since, in Exhibit Hall, you can gain knowledge about the story of the refuge and the habitats of the wildlife.

Additionally, you can check at the kiosk information, brochures, and maps of the trails. So after that, you are ready to hike.

At the Visitor Center, you can also find a beautiful nature store, restrooms, helpful staff and volunteers, and spotting scopes.

There are 4 miles of seasonal and year-round trails. Depending on when you visit the refuge, you can walk or not in some of them. The idea is to provide a sanctuary for wildlife. The trails are mostly flat, and the hike easy and very enjoyable.

If you need to rest during the hike or stop to enjoy the view, you will find benches along the trail. There are also viewpoints and interpretive stops.

• 

• 

• 

• 

After hiking, we decided to visit a new playground at Stella Olsen Memorial Park. It was just 8 minutes from the refuge, so we had our picnic there. However, if you want to have your picnic at the refuge, you will find a beautiful covered shelter with restrooms next to the parking area.

Finally, if you love to explore natural areas, wildlife refuges, and preserves, you will enjoy some or all of these options.

Pin for later!

Plan your trip

Main features/Amenities

• Visitor Center with exhibits, spotting scopes, nature store, and restrooms. (Visitor Center and restrooms closed. You can find portable toilets at the main parking lot)
• 4 miles of seasonal and year-round trails (between May 1 and September 30 you can hike on the seasonal trail)
• Covered Picnic Shelter with restrooms and drinking fountains.
• Parking area.

Important information

• Location: 19255 SW Pacific Hwy, Sherwood, OR 97140.
• Website.
• Open dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.
• Entrance Fee: Free.
• Pets are not allowed on the refuge.
• Check at its website all the learning programs they have, there are a lot of options (From field trips to wildlife photography workshops).