Another great thing about living in Portland? You don’t have to go far to become one with nature. Read on for places where you can spot wildlife with the family.

Pro tip: Most of the recommendations for bird and duck viewing will be safe bets for sightings, but we can’t guarantee a sighting for mammals (the Oregon Zoo is still your best bet for a definite animal encounter). Pack the binoculars and have fun!

Boardman Wetlands

Courtesy of North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District

Boardman Wetlands
This oasis in the city is right off 99E. Meander along the 1,500-foot boardwalk trail and play in the nature playground. 
📍Jennings Lodge, 17908 S.E. Addie St.
🦆 Animals to see: Ducks, birds, nutria and fish

Cannon Beach/Gearhart

Courtesy of Gearhart Golf Links

Cannon Beach/Gearhart
While sightings aren’t guaranteed, families often see elk at the Gearhart Golf Links, and near Cannon Beach in Les Shirley Park and Ecola State Park. The best times are mornings and late afternoons or evenings. You can also see elk seasonally at the Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area in Seaside (pre-purchased parking pass required). 
📍Oregon Coast
🦌 Animals to see: Elk

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Courtesy of Amanda Lorentz

 Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Don’t miss this favorite of local birders!
📍35001 Lewis and Clark Hwy, Washougal, WA
🦆 Animals to see: See a list of bird species here

Commonwealth Lake Park

Courtesy of Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation District

Commonwealth Lake Park
There are two playgrounds nearby, plus green lawns for playing and picnicking, and a paved path around the man-made lake for walking and biking.
📍SW Foothill and SW Huntington
🦆 Animals to see: Ducks, geese, birds, heron, nutria

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Courtesy of Ken Goldman

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
This is a lovely garden with paths for roaming, three waterfalls and two bridges.
📍 5801 SE 28th Ave.
🎟️ $9 for adults; $6 for youth ages 6-18; free for kids 5 and under
🦆 Animals to see: Birds, ducks, bald eagles, nutria

Fernhill Wetlands

Courtesy of Fernhill Wetlands

Fernhill Wetlands
Fernhill is an active wastewater treatment facility in Forest Grove, but it’s a lovely place with fun bridges and paths. Pro tip: The Anna & Abby’s Yard playground is about a mile away.
📍1399 SW Fern Hill Rd.
🦆 Animals to see: Birds, ducks, geese, nutria and eagles

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Courtesy of the National Park Service

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
This is a beloved spot for birders. You can walk along trails, or stay in the car and enjoy spotting species during the auto loop drive. Check the website before heading out to learn more about seasonal trail closures and the auto loop. 
📍28908 NW Main Ave., Ridgefield, WA
🎟️ $3 admission (cash only)
🦆 Animals to see: Ducks, geese, swans, birds, heron, river otters, invertebrates. Families have also seen deer.

Rood Bridge Park

Courtesy of the City of Hillsboro

Rood Bridge Park
There’s a lot to do here: Walk along paved and unpaved paths through forested areas and wetlands, explore the rhododendron garden and the small stream that runs through it, play on the large playground structure, and have a picnic on one of the large grassy areas.
📍4000 SE Rood Bridge Rd.
🦆 Animals to see: Birds, ducks, heron, snakes and chipmunks

Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area

Courtesy of Oregon Metro

Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
This kid-friendly walk with pretty viewpoints is a fun find tucked in North Portland among port terminals and warehouses. Pro tip: Bring binoculars if you have them!
📍5300 N. Marine Drive
🦆 Animals to see: Birds, ducks, river otters and deer

Westmoreland Park

Courtesy of Portland.gov

Westmoreland Park
Explore the boardwalk to watch the ducks and geese, then play on the nature-inspired structures
📍 SE McLoughlin Blvd. and Bybee Blvd.
🦆 Animals to see: Ducks, geese, turtles and nutria

Whitaker Ponds Natural Area

Whitaker Ponds Natural Area

Whitaker Ponds Natural Area
This is kid-friendly spot features two ponds, a half-mile loop trail and a gazebo.
📍 7040 NE 47th Ave.
🦆 Animals to see: Rabbits, garnet snakes, osprey, birds, heron, ducks

Willamette River Greenway – Wapato Access

Courtesy of Oregon State Parks

Willamette River Greenway – Wapato Access
The pathway is a flat, scenic two-mile loop around Virginia Lake, alongside the rive and through forest and wetlands.
📍 Sauvie Island
🦆 Animals to see: Birds, frogs and snakes

Can’t get enough animals? Check out our farm animal roundup!