Name: Wetlands Walk
Start: 2024-12-02T09:30:00-08:00
End: 2024-12-02T11:30:00-08:00

**\*\*\* This outing would be ideal for those who prefer a shorter hike\*\*\***

Fernhill Wetlands
1399 SW Fern Hill Rd.
Forest Grove, OR 97116

*We’ll meet in the parking area near the Visitor Station and restrooms*

Hike: Fernhill Wetlands Loop

Hike Type: Loop

Distance: 2.3 Miles

Elevation Gain: 40 ft.

Trail Surface: Mostly Gravel

Difficulty: Easy

Restrooms at trailhead

Bring: Camera, binoculars, hats and sunscreen as the area is largely exposed

PLEASE NOTE: Dogs are not permitted here at the nature preserve, because even the best-behaved dogs may be a threat to the birds and wildlife that nest, rest and feed at Fernhill. Thank you for leaving your pups at home 🐶

Description: Formerly a set of rather bleak, steep-sided wastewater treatment ponds and farm fields on 750 aces, this area south of Forest Grove has been transformed into a series of more natural-looking cells that not only use nature’s processes for filtering wastewater but also provide a much more welcoming habitat for waterfowl. Mudflats have been created, water plants such as cattails and native wapato have been extensively planted, and 180 snags have been posted across the shallows. The restored Fernhill Wetlands Nature Preaerve is located near the confluence of Gales Creek and the Tualatin River. This peaceful site, located just minutes from downtown Forest Grove, attracts wildlife including herons, hawks, eagles and beavers. This is an ideal place to spot migratory birds and waterfowl. There are short trails and viewing stands that make it easy to view the myriad wildlife. Waterfowl populations are daily in the thousands from November through March. Shorebirds occur (at least 17 species recorded thus far) in numbers frequently exceeding 100 birds in spring, fall, and sometimes in winter.

For those interested in brunch afterwards, we can meet at the nearby Ironwork Grill at McMenamin’s Grand Lodge.

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Wetlands Walk

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Wetlands Walk

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