Conveniently located along Pacific Highway (99W), the Visitor Center is the perfect place to begin your Refuge experience. With an exhibit hall, classroom, photo gallery, outdoor education shelter, and nature store, we have everything you need to make every visit a memorable one.

Exhibit Hall

Learn the story of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge and its place in the treasured National Wildlife Refuge System. Explore the history of this land and its early inhabitants and discover the amazing community effort that gave life to this jewel of nature. A beautiful, life-sized recreation of a native wetland is the centerpiece of this impressive space; filled with plenty of hands-on, hidden treasures for the whole family to explore.

Nature's Overlook

Operated by The Friends of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, our nature store can outfit you before heading out on the trail with wildlife and plant identification guides. They're also a great stop before you head home to pick up that special souvenir, many of which are crafted by local artisans. Visit the Friends' website to learn more about Nature's Overlook.

The View

Nature's Overlook isn't just a fun name; it also describes where the Wildlife Center is situated. An enormous window in the store provides a breathtaking view of the Refuge's largest section, with views of the seasonal wetland and surrounding oak savannah and riparian corridors. Spotting scopes are always set up for close-up views of the waterfowl, raptors, and mammals that call this place home throughout the year. Friendly volunteers are on hand to help you find the critters and learn a little bit about them as well.

Outdoor Education Shelter

Whether you're attending a program, need a break from the sun or rain, or just need a bathroom stop, the education shelter is worth a visit before you hit the trail. Its playful design sparks the imagination, perhaps reminding the more experienced visitor of those bygone days of free nature exploration that so many kids lack today. Take a moment to admire the impressive living wall, then take a step back to reveal the story of water and its journey through the Tualatin River Watershed.

Visiting on a Day the Wildlife Center is Closed?

That's OK. You can still have a great time on the refuge. The gates to the parking lot are open from dawn to dusk 365 days a year. Restrooms are available in the Outdoor Education Shelter.