Trails

View of trail at foot level of leaves and a walker's boots on the trail
Image Details

Feel as though you have escaped the city as you explore forests of Ash, Douglass fir, red cedar and Oregon white oak trees. Open your lungs and mind as you travel along wetland trails and watch wildlife soar the open water, fields, and sky. The trails are very different in terrain, habitat, and location on the refuge. See trail profiles for maps, directions, and seasonal closures to help plan your visit. 

Seasonal Closure Alert: 

Kiwa Trail - Estimated opening in July pending crane nesting activity.
Carty Trail from Port Entrance - Opening May 1st

These trails close seasonally to offer undisturbed habitat to resting waterfowl during the winter and spring months. May 1st will see the opening of the Carty Trail. The Kiwa Trail will open, pending nesting Sandhill crane activity. In the past years, this trail has had to remain closed to protect this threatened species during rare nesting occurrences around the Kiwa Trail. Stay tuned to hear more. 

The Oaks to Wetlands Trail remains open year-round. 

During the spring and summer months, staff will close part of the Oaks to Wetland trail for restoration. This usually only lasts half of a day.  (see section 6 on map) 

Headquarters Trail

Trail Length (mi)
0.17
View Trail

Kiwa Trail

Seasonal May-SeptThe Kiwa Trail on the River 'S' Unit can be reached by following the Auto Tour Route past the observation blind. The Kiwa Trial is open from May 1 to September 30 during daylight hours. The trail offers a generally level grade and is constructed of compacted gravel and boardwalks. The trail is well suited for wheelchairs, wheeled walkers, and baby strollers.
Trail Length (mi)
1.43
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / introductory
Easy
Estimated Time
1 Hour
Route Type
Loop
Suitability
Kid friendly
Wheelchair friendly
View Trail

Oaks to Wetland Trail

Open year-roundThe Oaks to Wetlands trail is located on the Carty Unit of the Refuge. The trail starts out as a graveled and then paved walk past the Cathlapotle Plankhouse and along a small lake.  Then the trail crosses uneven terrain as it enters newly restored open oak woodlands.The northern loop section will continue to be worked on to create a more permanent trail that addresses erosion and habitat needs while enhancing the visitor experience. We hope you enjoy watching the habitat and trail grow up as you continue to visit through the seasons. Note: The map on this site shows pieces of trail that are under restoration. Currently the north end of the trail is one loop with no side trails. Please stay on the maintained and signed trail during during your visit. 
Trail Length (mi)
1.39
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / intermediate
Moderate
Estimated Time
1 Hour
Route Type
Loop
Suitability
Kid friendly
Wheelchair friendly
View Trail

Observation Blind Trail

The observation blind gives you an opportunity to see and photograph birds that may not stick around if they saw you. The trail to the blind is flat graveled with a slightly sloping ramp to the blind. This blind is open to anyone and does not have to be reserved. This is a great stop half way around the auto tour allowing you to stretch your legs, use the restroom and walk amongst the trees. 
Trail Length (mi)
0.02
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / introductory
Easy
Estimated Time
10 Minutes
Suitability
Kid friendly
Wheelchair friendly
View Trail