Columbia Slough Natural Area

The Columbia Slough Natural Area is at the confluence of two channels of the Columbia Slough and is a rare patch of nature in a very industrialized part of Portland. The City of Portland acquired this property in 2011. There is no official trail in this small natural area, but pending future funding, there may eventually be an extension of the Columbia Slough trail passing through the site, helping to fill in the missing sections of the Columbia Slough regional trail.

The Columbia Slough is approximately 19 miles long and stretches from its origin at Fairview Lake westward to its confluence with the Willamette River. In spite of its urbanized character, the Columbia Slough contains surprising biodiversity. Mammals such as beaver, and river otter are common along the Slough, and at Columbia Slough Natural area, and about 175 bird species have been documented in the watershed. In addition, Western painted turtles (one of only two native turtle species in Oregon) and several salmonid species inhabit portions of the Slough.

In partnership with other agencies and non profit organizations, Portland Parks & Recreation is working to protect and enhance habitat and linkages along the Columbia Slough. There are multiple habitats found along the Columbia Slough, including bottomland hardwood forests, oak woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, and interior forests. There are also many freshwater spring systems in and along the Columbia Slough.