Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
The Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is a federally designated wildlife refuge, meaning it’s one of Portland’s best places to bird. This area offers visitors walking trails through various habitats, including freshwater marshes, upland forest wetlands, and willow thickets. It also features a visitor center with exhibits on wetland ecology and restoration.
Be sure to bring your binoculars and a bird guide if you’re interested in spotting some of the area’s more than 200 species of birds. You can also see beavers, river otters, and mink up close in the wetlands area, as well as turtles, frogs, and salamanders around its ponds.
The Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is Portland’s best-kept secret. The area provides excellent hiking trails, bird-watching opportunities, educational programs for kids, environmental education lessons, family activities like fishing or canoeing on the pond at the center of it all.
There are over 100 acres to explore at the Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area. It’s one of the most extensive urban wetlands in North America.
History of Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
The Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area was created in 2001 when the Port of Portland purchased a former golf course. The wetlands are now used as a nature preserve, with over four miles of hiking, biking, and bird-watching trails. There is also a visitor center on-site which offers educational programs about the area’s flora and fauna.
Today, Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is home to many birds, including migratory waterfowl. Visitors are encouraged to pick up a bird list at the visitor center and familiarize themselves with what they might spot while exploring this beautiful natural area.
What to See in Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
The Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is located in North Portland. This area has a varied landscape that includes ponds, channels, ditches, creeks, marshes, and upland forested areas with more than 200 species of plants. The whole place is dotted with beautiful wildflowers during the springtime. Visitors can enjoy a nice walk or a leisurely bike ride while taking in the sights and sounds of nature. There are also plenty of opportunities for bird-watching and fishing, and wildlife observation. Beaver Lodge play area is fun for kids to explore, with educational signage about beavers and their habitat. Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is a great place to spend an afternoon outdoors.
There is also a visitor center and wildlife educational programs.
Things to Do in Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
- Enjoy a walk or bike ride through the varied landscape
- Observe wildlife and plants
- Fish in the ponds and channels
- Visit Beaver Lodge play area for kids
- Learn about beavers and their habitat at Beaver Lodge play area
- Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area.
-Explore the nature trails
-Check out the visitor center exhibits
-Spot birds in the wildlife refuge area
-Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river
-Take photos of the beautiful scenery
Smith & Bybee Wetlands National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors many options for outdoor activities, including hiking, bird-watching, fishing (by permit only), crabbing (in season), picnicking, off-road cycling/walking, and nature photography. There are also several educational opportunities throughout the year for all ages, including a Junior Refuge Manager program.
Things to Bring to Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
When visiting Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, it is best to bring a pair of binoculars, a bird identification guide, and a camera. The park offers several hiking trails that wind through the wetlands and offer excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, as the area can be pretty wet and cold during the winter months.
There are also a few picnic tables throughout the park, so visitors can bring a lunch and enjoy a meal outdoors. Pets are allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Bird Species
The Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is an excellent place to bird-watch. Some of the bird species that can be found in the wetlands include:
-Great blue herons
-Canada geese
-Wood ducks
-American coots
-Green herons
-Belted kingfishers
-Red-winged blackbirds
-House sparrows
-European starlings
-White-breasted nuthatches
-Brown creepers
-Black-capped chickadees
How to Get to Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
The Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is located in North Portland, off of I-405. There are several entrances to the park – from NE Marine Drive, Thurman Street, or Lombard Avenue. There is also a parking lot on NE Columbia Boulevard.
Smith & Bybee Wetlands NWR is located in Portland, Oregon, at the confluence of Johnson Creek and the Willamette River (about two miles north of downtown). The address for visitors with GPS units is 400 NE Columbia Blvd., but please note that there are several entrances to the refuge, so it’s best to consult a map before visiting.
Visiting Hours:
Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is open every day from sunrise to sunset (except Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day). The visitor center is open Monday-Friday, except federal holidays, from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm.
The best time of year to visit Smith & Bybee Wetlands NWR is during the spring and fall when migratory birds pass through. However, the refuge offers something for birders all year round. There’s always a chance to see some resident species like great blue herons, American coots, green herons, and red-winged blackbirds.
Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is a great place to visit for anyone who wants to enjoy nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. There are plenty of activities to keep visitors occupied, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and bird watching. The wetlands are also home to various plant and animal species, making it an excellent spot for botany and wildlife fans. The visitor center is well-equipped with resources to help visitors identify different species and learn more about the natural area, making it an excellent place for all ages.
Be sure to visit Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area the next time you’re in Portland – you won’t be disappointed!
Address: 5300 N Marine Dr, Portland, OR 97203, United States
Phone Number: +1503-797-1545
Website: http://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/smith-and-bybee-wetlands-natural-area
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