Visiting the Sanctuary

Portland Audubon's 150-acre Nature Sanctuary is nestled against Forest Park just five minutes from downtown Portland. The free-to-the-public sanctuary has more than four miles of forested hiking trails and is a showcase for native flora and fauna. You can visit and enjoy the trails year 'round, from dawn to dusk every day.

Nature Store | Trail Map | Directions
Wildlife and Habitat | Interpretive Displays

Sanctuary Highlights

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  Salmonberry bloom - tammi miller

  Our on-site facilities: The Wildlife Care Center, where you can meet Audubon's educational birds of prey; an interpretive center, which features exhibits, a natural history library and places to watch birds; and the Nature Store.
  
• The mixed conifer forest along Balch Creek has a lush understory of Vanilla Leaf, Fendler's Waterleaf, Swordfern, Western Trillium, Maidenhair Fern, Oregon Grape, Indian Plum, Salmonberry, and Stinging Nettle. Native plant guide.
  

• A small stand of old-growth Douglas Firs stands as testimony to the giants that once graced the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.

• Balch Creek is home to a small population of native Cutthroat Trout. An anadromous species, this population is landlocked due to several culverts along the length of the creek.
• Look for Steller's Jay, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Varied Thrush, Mourning Dove, Pacific Giant Salamander, and Douglas Squirrel, as well as Roughskin Newt, Red-legged Frog and Western Painted Turtle in the pond.

• Our small pond and pavilion structure provide a peaceful place to have lunch and let wildlife come to you. The pond provides sanctuary for a diverse group of amphibians.

• The Wildwood trail and greater Forest Park is accessible from our sanctuary if you would like to lengthen your hike. Pittock Mansion is a short 25 minute hike up the hill from Portland Audubon.

Please note!
No smoking, pets or bikes | Stay on trails and respect wildlife

Consult our Sanctuary Interpretive Guide for more information