Wildlife Photography Programs

The Refuge is proud to partner with The Friends of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge and their Tualatin River Photographic Society to provide wildlife photography education right where the action is. The Friends offer a variety of opportunities to improve your skills and share knowledge. Photographers of all levels participate in meetings, field trips, and educational programs. Visitors and new members are welcome.

The Society meets the first Thursday of each month from September through June. Meetings begin at 7:30pm in the Riparian Room in the Wildlife Center.

Wildlife Photography Blind

Download the Photography Blind Guidelines

Reservations

• The photography blind is available by reservation only. A maximum of two people may be in your party.
• There is no fee to use the blind.
• The blind is open on Monday-Sunday, year-round. The blind may be reserved from dawn to 12pm; from 1pm to dusk; or all day from dawn to dusk.
• Advance reservations are accepted by sending an e-mail to the Refuge or by mailing a written request to the Refuge. Include your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and the date(s) and time(s) you wish to schedule. If corresponding by e-mail, please enter "Wildlife Photo Blind" in the subject line.
• Refuge staff will notify you by e-mail, postal mail, or phone call to confirm your reservation. If the date you have requested is unavailable, you will be given the option to choose another date or be put on a waiting list for your original choice.
• Please contact the Refuge if you need to cancel your reservation, so that others may schedule the blind.
• Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Up to four advance reservations can be made up to one year in advance.
• "Last minute" reservations can be made up to seven days ahead of time by calling the Refuge during business hours, Monday-Thursday, 8am-4pm at (503) 625-5944

Using the Blind: Things to Know

• The Refuge is open daily from dawn to dusk.
• Park at the main visitor entrance at 19255 SW Pacific Highway (99W), Sherwood, OR.
• A year-round walking trail leaves from the main parking lot. Near the end of this one-mile trail is a short, .2-mile, spur trail that leads to the blind. The year-round trail and photo blind trail are relatively flat and fully accessible. Photographers must use the established trails to access the blind. No off-trail use is allowed. A series of seasonal trails are open from May 1st-September 30th; you may use these trails to access the blind during these dates. The seasonal trails are uneven, gravel roads.
• Approach the blind quietly and slowly. You will minimize wildlife disturbance and maximize your wildlife photography opportunities.
• The trails are walking only. Jogging, bicycling, and driving are not permitted. Pets are not allowed anywhere on the Refuge.
• Visitors needing special assistance accessing the blind will be accommodated. Call the Refuge for details.
• Restrooms are located in the parking area only. There are no restrooms along the trails nor at the blind. If you take a break, please leave and return to the blind quietly.
• All Refuge regulations posted at trailheads and along trails must be observed.