1) Are dogs allowed at Oaks Bottom? Yes, dogs are allowed on-leash and on marked trails anywhere in the refuge except for Tadpole Pond. Keeping dogs on a leash is important to protect migratory birds in spring and fall, and breeding and wintering birds in summer and winter. Fragile habitats like the South Meadow are preserved only by leashing dogs. Thank you for your help protecting this vital habitat!
2) How long is the walk at Oaks Bottom? The loop around Oaks Bottom, beginning at Sellwood Park, is 2.9 miles. There are a couple of cutoff points to shorten the loop if desired. Always keep to the official trails.
3) How many bird species have been recorded in Oaks Bottom? Just over 200 species have been recorded at Oaks Bottom.
4) When is the best season for birdwatching? Peak migration periods are from mid-April to mid-May and mid-September to mid-October. A number of waterfowl species overwinter at the Bottom. Summer is the quietest season for bird life.
5) What other animals can be seen at the wildlife refuge? To see mammals, it’s best to walk the Bottom trails soon after sunrise. There’s always a chance of seeing deer, coyote, otter, beaver, muskrat, mink, cottontail rabbit, and nutria (the two latter are non-native). Evening around sunset is another good time, and then the bats might be out. There are three species of frogs that are more often heard than seen. Salamanders also live here, but are usually hidden under duff and debris. Invasive Asian carp forage noisily in the main pond at all times of the day.
6) Are there public restrooms at Oaks Bottom? No, there are no public restrooms at the refuge. In nearby Sellwood Park (see Maps), there are public restrooms near the playground.
7) Where is the parking for Oaks Bottom? There are three parking areas you could use. One is right off Milwaukie Avenue, but this one is rather small and can fill quickly. The North Woodland Trail leads down from here. Another at Sellwood Park serves as the trailhead for the Sellwood Bluff Trail. The largest parking area is at Sellwood Riverfront Park. You will need to walk about 750 yards along the Springwater Corridor to access the South Meadow in the wildlife refuge.