Wapato Greenway loop: Sauvie Island easy hike

Wapato Greenway loop is an easy 2.3-mile hike around Virginia Lake, part of the 15-acre Wapato Access Greenway State Park, in Sauvie Island. Not only it’s an excellent destination for bird and wildlife watching, but it’s also open year-round!

We’ve visited Sauvie Island on several occasions, but usually for the farms, however this time, we wanted to hike the Wapato Greenway loop. And I’m glad we did it because it’s a beautiful and easy hike for the entire family.

What to see and do

Undoubtedly, Wapato Greenway, located in the lovely Sauvie Island, is a great family-friendly destination (including your furry friend!).

Less than a 30-minute drive from Portland, and you will be enjoying this natural area. Additionally to be a short drive, the scenery along the roads it’s fantastic, with views of the farms and the mountains (on a clear day).

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When you arrive, you will find the parking area at the trailhead, and immediately a picnic table and a kiosk with a map and additional information and rules of the park.

Afterward, the 2.3-mile look hike will lead you around a seasonal lake along the Multnomah Channel and through different sections of the forest.

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To walk the entire loop, be sure to stay right at the first junction, and then reach the picnic shelter. From there, take a left, and then the trail will be easy to be followed as a loop.

This place is a top habitat for birds year-round, so bring binoculars if you have. During our visit, we saw blue herons, great egrets, bald eagles, hawks, and more.

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In addition to the wildlife watching opportunities, the paths are well maintained, are mostly flat, so it’s an ideal adventure for hikers of all ages.

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Finally, if you love nature and visiting wildlife refuges like us, you could find more ideas here!

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Plan your trip

Main features/Amenities

• 2.3-mile loop around Virginia Lake.
• Picnic shelter and picnic tables.
• Wildlife viewpoints.
• Boat dock.
• The map is located at the trailhead.
• Parking lot.

Important information and tips

• Location: 18846 NW Sauvie Island Rd, Portland, OR 97231.
• Official website.
• Open 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• The parking lot is small and can fill up fast, so consider going in the morning or on a weekday if you can.
• No fee.
• Dog on leash.
• There are no restrooms.
• Not handicap accessible.
• Most of the paths are wide enough to keep 6 feet apart from other hikers but bring your mask for some narrow sections.