Trails
Immerse yourself in a variety of Pacific Northwest habitats—from wetlands to forests to riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian corridors—along two stunning and relatively easy trails. Our River Trail is open year-round, while the Wetland Trail is open May 1 through September 30 (closed outside of those dates to protect wintering waterfowl). Wildlife viewing experiences change almost daily, so plan your visit today and we hope you return again and again.
The following information is provided in great detail so people of all needs and abilities can plan the experience that’s right for them. If any information is unclear or inaccurate, please call us at (503) 625-5944 or email tualatinriver@fws.gov.
Trail Facts for All Trails
Planning Your Visit
Number to talk to a person: (503) 625-5944, daily 8am-4pm
Trailhead physical address: 19255 SW Pacific Highway, Sherwood, OR 97140
Trail hours: Dawn to Dusk
Visitor Center hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm
Fee: Free (There appears to be a fee booth as you enter the refuge, but you can drive right past it)
Rules: All trails are for pedestrians only. Biking, jogging, and pets are prohibited (with the exception of service animals)
Arriving
Entrance: The refuge is entered directly off Highway 99 via a deceleration lane. The asphalt driveway curves slightly uphill to the parking lot, Visitor Center, and trailheads.
Parking: There are two solid surface parking lots, an upper and lower lot. The upper lot is the primary parking area and is directly connected to trailheads, the Visitor Center, and amenities. The lower lot is generally for overflow and is not directly connected to trailheads.
Accessible parking: Yes, the upper lot has a total of four designated spots.
Trailhead near parking: Yes. Both trails start near the Education Shelter in the upper parking lot.
Public transit: Yes, TriMet bus route 94. The bus drops off along Highway 99 in front of the refuge. A compacted gravel trail with a mild uphill grade connects to the upper parking lot and Visitor Center.
Bicycle Parking: Yes, while bikes are not permitted on the trails, you are welcome to bike to the refuge. A designated bike lock area is located next to the upper parking lot near the Education Shelter.
Amenities
Bathrooms near parking: Yes, located in the Education Shelter dawn to dusk and inside the Visitor Center Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm.
Water near parking: Yes, drinking fountains and bottle fill stations are located in the Education Shelter dawn to dusk and inside the Visitor Center Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm.
- Open: Year-round
- Trailhead: Connected to the upper parking lot, next to the Education Shelter
- Benches: Yes, several points along the full length of the trail
- Shade: Intermittent and the amount changes seasonally
- Surface type: Primarily compacted gravel. There are two concrete viewing platforms and two metal foot bridges with traction strips.
- Tallest surface transition: 1 inch, transitioning from compact gravel trail to foot bridge and viewing platforms
- Narrowest section: 4 feet (average width is 6.5 feet)
- Steepest section: 5% at switchback by Education Shelter, 25% at Ridgetop Overlook spur
- Largest obstacle: There are no known large obstacles limiting access to any part of the trail
- Open: May 1 to September 30
- Trailhead: From the upper parking lot, start at the Education Shelter. From the lower parking lot, start by the path that leads to the Highway 99 bus stop.
- Benches: Few, only along sections that intersect with the River Trail.
- Shade: Low amount, this trail is mainly in an open wetland area and can get very hot in Summer.
- Surface type: Most of the trail doubles as a service road for refuge staff vehicles and is a mix of dirt and gravel. Much of the trail has a raised crown between the tire tracks. There are two metal foot bridges along the trail.
- Tallest surface transition: 1 inch, transitioning from dirt/gravel trail to bridge and viewing platforms
- Narrowest section: 10 feet
- Steepest section: 5%
- Largest obstacle: There are no known obstacles limiting access to any part of the trail