Photo tours by topic
Overview for Option 1, only
Location and Arrival
Trail characteristics
Signage and Wayfinding
Operations and Maintenance
Trail facts at a glance
Video
Amenities and Features
Map
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge extends for nearly two miles north from the historic Oaks Pioneer Church at SE Spokane St and Grand Ave. In startling contrast to the highway of speeding cyclists that crowd the Springwater Corridor on weekends, the Bluff Trail to the east offers an opportunity for tranquility and a sense of “wild.” Recently-placed wood rail fences and a series of boardwalks give this trail a sense of New England charm and at the same time smoothing out the roller coaster ride of tree roots and ruts that marked the previous Bluff Trail.
For a shorter hike of just under a mile, the prime destination is the large viewing deck overlooking the marsh. For those wishing to extend their hike, continue nearly another mile to a series of stone Steps that offer a large area to rest and turn around. If the steps are not an obstacle, there are other opportunities, although the Bluff Trail ends just north of the steps, as does the character of the trail as it joins a steep paved bike path.
There are no amenities along the Bluff Trail—no benches, no restrooms and no drinking water, ironically, all contributing to the sense of “wild.” Bicycles are prohibited, dogs need to be on leash, all contributing to the tranquility.
A series of recently placed bridges and boardwalks provide 48” clear width and edge protection. The trail up to the viewing deck is 48” or wider with lots of brief ups and downs, some rather steep. As the trail continues north from the viewing deck it has some narrower sections [about 36” although encroaching grasses make it seem even narrower], although the new bridges and boardwalks are 48” wide.
The connecting service road—called the YEH Trail—in Option 2, is a good fallback to getting onto the Bluff Trail. But recently-placed crushed rock is in the 3/4” range [perhaps inspired by the railroad bed adjacent to the trail?] and has not been compacted. Therefore, some users may find some sections of this trail difficult, even though, after a steep section behind the church, most of the trail has a gentle slope as it follows the grade of the train tracks.
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Portland Parks & Recreation
Name: Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Parks agency: Portland Parks & Recreation
Contact: (503) 823-2223 Laura Guderyahn (503) 823-6736
Location: See map on Overview page for three options of arriving to the Bluff Trail
Hours: 5 am to midnight
Public transit: Bus lines 70 and 19 to Option 1 and Option 2 entrances
Length: Option 1: 8/10 mile r/t to lookout; 2.6 miles r/t to stone Steps
How difficult do we consider it: moderate, with occasional short, steep sections
Date of last visit: August 28, 2021
Description
YEH trail from Oaks Pioneer Church: .4 mile
Connector to north parking lot: .4 mile
Bluff Trail: 1.3 miles from parking to steps
Springwater Corridor Trail
Oaks
Amusement
Park