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Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Sherwood

4.4
#2 of 9 in Things to do in Sherwood
Must see · Wildlife Area · Nature / Park
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The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is a 1,856 acres (751 ha) wetlands and lowlands sanctuary in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Oregon. Established in 1992 and opened to the public in 2006, it is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Located in southeastern Washington County, 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Portland, the refuge is bordered by Sherwood, Tualatin and Tigard. A newer area, extending into northern Yamhill County, is located further west near the city of Gaston surrounding the former Wapato Lake.

Part of the network of National Wildlife Refuges (NWR), the Tualatin River refuge is one of only ten urban refuges in the United States. Habitats in the refuge include forested areas, wetlands, oak and pine grassland, and meadows, with mixed deciduous and coniferous forests common to Western Oregon. The refuge was established as an urban refuge to provide wetland, riparian, and upland habitats for a variety of migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, fish and other resident wildlife. The refuge is home to nearly 200 bird species and more than 70 other animal species.

A visitor center with exhibits and information about the refuge was opened in 2008 off of Oregon Route 99W near Sherwood in the Portland metropolitan area. Next to the center is the refuge's headquarters and an observation deck overlooking seasonal ponds. The refuge has nearly five miles of wildlife interpretive trails open to the public. Up to 50,000 waterfowl can be seen at the refuge during the winter months when officials flood portions of the refuge.
To visit Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge and other attractions in Sherwood, use our Sherwood trip itinerary planner.
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Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
63 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • I went in early evening and walked the full loop around the refuge. It was peaceful, and I could hear birds chirping and singing along the entire trail. I saw a few other animals, too - a rabbit... 
    I went in early evening and walked the full loop around the refuge. It was peaceful, and I could hear birds chirping and singing along the entire trail. I saw a few other animals, too - a rabbit...  more »
  • This place is not pet friendly. And you will be yelled at by a park ranger when you are trying to read if it just some of the trails that aren’t dog friendly or the whole area. I respect the rules of....  more
    This place is not pet friendly. And you will be yelled at by a park ranger when you are trying to read if it just some of the trails that aren’t dog friendly or the whole area. I respect the rules of....  more »
  • After being locked in much of the year, it was pleasant to get out and be able to walk a bit. Unfortunately due to ailments I was not as strong as I imagined and I tired out about half way to the end....  more
    After being locked in much of the year, it was pleasant to get out and be able to walk a bit. Unfortunately due to ailments I was not as strong as I imagined and I tired out about half way to the end....  more »

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