Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge (TRNWR) is a unique feature on the Portland Metro landscape, not the least because it is actually an Oak Savannah full of birds (including several bald eagles!) and other animals you might not expect to see 20 minutes from downtown Portland.    The wide, flat, trails make it perfect for a family, even if one member is in a stroller (there is a slight incline on the way down, but not too steep).   

In addition to the trails, there is a fantastic nature center with helpful staff and an interactive exhibit about the historic use of this natural area.   TWNWR is actually two different parks, one in the summer with the grassy Oak Savannah landscape (pictured above), and a completely different park in the winter.  During the winter, migratory geese and other birds settle in and the predator birds (eagles and other raptors) show up in force (pictured below, in January 2014).  

The park is located at 19255 SW Pacific Highway Sherwood, OR 97140 and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and is currently just over 1,300 acres, with plans to increase it to 3,000 acres.  There are facilities at the nature center, but none on the trail.