Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Portland, Oregon, United States

Portland, United States, Portland, Activity-Based Travel Pages, Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks

Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Portland, Oregon, United States

1. Washington County's Gilbert-Harrison Park

A diverse wildlife sanctuary offering hiking trails through marshes, wetlands, and forests. Notable for its bald eagle sightings.
  • Bald Eagle Spotting: Offers an excellent opportunity to observe the majestic Bald Eagles.
  • Diverse Habitats: Features a variety of habitats like marshes, wetlands, and forests for a rich wildlife viewing experience.
  • Nature Trails: Provides well-marked nature trails for easy exploration and enjoyment.

2. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Urban wildlife refuge with a boardwalk through wetlands and forests, home to beavers, otters, herons, and eagles.
  • Urban Setting: Located within the city, offering a unique blend of wildlife viewing and urban exploration.
  • Boardwalk Access: Features an accessible boardwalk for easy observation of wildlife in the wetlands.
  • Variety of Wildlife: Home to a diverse range of animals including beavers, otters, herons, and eagles.

3. Cape Disappointment State Park

A coastal state park offering beach access, bird watching, and historic sites. Known for its Gray Whale migration.
  • Gray Whale Migration: Offers a prime viewing location for the annual Gray Whale migration.
  • Historic Sites: Includes historic sites such as North Head Lighthouse and Fort Canby.
  • Beach Access: Provides easy access to beautiful sandy beaches for relaxation and exploration.

4. Silver Falls State Park

A lush forest park with a network of waterfalls accessible via hiking trails.
  • Waterfall Network: Features an extensive network of waterfalls, making it a popular destination for hikers.
  • Lush Forest Setting: Set within a lush forest, offering a tranquil and scenic environment.
  • Hiking Trails: Provides well-maintained hiking trails for exploring the park and its waterfalls.

5. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

A unique geological site preserving more than 40 million years of fossil-rich history.
  • Fossil Rich History: Preserves a vast array of fossils dating back over 40 million years.
  • Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning landscapes and diverse geological formations.
  • Educational Opportunities: Provides educational programs and exhibits to learn about the fossils and their history.

6. Crater Lake National Park

A pristine lake surrounded by old growth forests and steep cliffs.
  • Deepest Lake in the U.S.: Features the deepest lake in the United States at over 1,900 feet.
  • Stunning Scenery: Offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding cliffs.
  • Old Growth Forests: Includes old growth forests with unique tree species like the Ponderosa pine.

7. Mount Hood Wilderness

A vast wilderness area offering hiking trails and camping spots near Mount Hood.
  • Hiking Trails: Provides numerous hiking trails for all skill levels.
  • Mountain Views: Offers stunning views of Mount Hood and the surrounding wilderness.
  • Camping Spots: Features numerous campgrounds for overnight stays in the wilderness.

8. Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge

A wetland refuge home to a variety of waterfowl and other wildlife.
  • Wetland Habitat: Provides crucial habitat for waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife.
  • Bird Watching Opportunities: Offers excellent bird watching opportunities with over 240 bird species.
  • Nature Photography: Ideal for nature photographers with picturesque scenery and wildlife subjects.

9. Fort Stevens State Park

A coastal state park offering beach access, bird watching, and historic fort ruins.
  • Historic Fort Ruins: Includes the remains of Fort Stevens, a Civil War-era military installation.
  • Beach Access: Provides easy access to beautiful sandy beaches for relaxation and exploration.
  • Bird Watching Opportunities: Offers excellent bird watching opportunities with a variety of coastal birds.

10. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

A scenic canyon area offering hiking trails, rafting, and fishing opportunities.
  • Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the deepest river gorge in North America.
  • Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for hiking, rafting, fishing, and camping.
  • Historical Sites: Includes historical sites such as the Pittsburg Landing, site of the historic Battle of Blue Spring.

11. Eagle Cap Wilderness

A vast wilderness area offering hiking trails and camping spots in the Wallowa Mountains.
  • Hiking Trails: Provides numerous hiking trails for all skill levels.
  • Mountain Views: Offers stunning views of the Wallowa Mountains and surrounding wilderness.
  • Camping Spots: Features numerous campgrounds for overnight stays in the wilderness.

12. Bend's Drake Park

A riverside park offering a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities, picnic areas, and walking trails.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Provides excellent opportunities for observing various species of birds, beavers, otters, and more.
  • Riverside Setting: Set alongside the Deschutes River, offering a peaceful and scenic environment.
  • Recreational Activities: Offers picnic areas, walking trails, and access to the river for activities like kayaking.

13. Smith Rock State Park

A rock climbing mecca with stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Rock Climbing: Known as one of the world's premier rock climbing destinations.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers numerous hiking trails for exploring the park and its unique geology.
  • Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Provides opportunities to observe desert wildlife like coyotes, rattlesnakes, and golden eagles.

14. Newberry National Volcanic Monument

A volcanic monument featuring geysers, lava flows, and diverse landscapes.
  • Geothermal Activity: Includes geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles showcasing geothermal activity.
  • Diverse Landscapes: Offers a variety of landscapes including lava flows, forests, and alpine meadows.
  • Educational Opportunities: Provides educational programs and exhibits to learn about the volcano's history and geology.

15. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

A coastal sand dune area offering off-road vehicle access, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing.
  • Off-Road Vehicle Access: Allows for off-road vehicle exploration of the sand dunes.
  • Hiking Trails: Provides hiking trails for exploring the unique landscape of the sand dunes.
  • Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Offers opportunities to observe a variety of coastal wildlife species such as elk, deer, and sea birds.