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.To visit Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge and other attractions in Sherwood, use our Sherwood trip itinerary planner.
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.
Source
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge reviews
-
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 »
Plan your trip to Sherwood
-
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
-
Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules -
Book itChoose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off
-
Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.
Know more
Popular things to do in Sherwood
Trips in Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge by other users
12 days in Milwaukie, John Day & Sunriver
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Milwaukie
John Day
Sunriver
14 days in Pacific Northwest
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Seattle
Friday Harbor
Olympic National Park
13 days in Tualatin
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Little Crater Lake
Timberline Lodge and Ski Area
St. Mary's Catholic Church
60 days in United States
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Seattle
Portland
Crater Lake National Park
11 days in United States
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Chester
Grants Pass
Sherwood
51 days in Lake Oswego
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Arts Council of Lake Oswego
Lake Oswego Preservation Society
Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl
37 days in Newberg
SEE PLAN
De Ponte Cellars Winery
Stoller Family Estate
Brooks Wine
7 days in Sherwood
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
Al's Garden & Home
Baggenstos Farm
23 days in United States & Victoria
BY A USER FROM ISRAEL
Tigard
Portland
Salt Lake City
1 day in Sherwood
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
Safari Sam's
47 days in Portland
BY A USER FROM ITALY
Portland Japanese Garden
International Rose Test Garden
Oregon Holocaust Memorial
30 days in Portland
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Tilikum Crossing
Eastbank Esplanade
Hawthorne Bridge
Are you the owner of this business?
Click here for promotion tips.