Smith And Bybee Lake Wilderness Area

This is one of those places you go check out one day and find to be a really fun and interesting place and you go home and want to tell everyone about it but then you think wait maybe I’d rather keep it to myself LOL. It’s always peaceful and quiet here, I’ve never seen it crowded with people. A great place for those days when you want a quiet nature trip that’s close to home. My kids love to watch for animals and search for stuff and the cool little bridge like trail is perhaps our favorite. We always come across some new interesting creature on our walks and it keeps it fun for the kids

Took a quick hour or so walk around the Interlake Trail and it was great! We saw four bald eagles soaring around, various other birds, and took in the great views. Super easy to get to as well. They do a great job of keeping it up and decent lookout points. I would highly recommend this as a quick getaway from city life. Two thumbs up.

Walked along the Interlake Trail in winter — light rain falling on bare branches. Saw a heron across the water. A good escape from the city for a couple hours.

a really peaceful area to hang out at. walk around and spy wildlife. i rode my bike through even though it’s apparently prohibited. just be careful as the path is very mossy, slippery, and narrow.

I rented a canoe for a day with a friend and toured this area. It was wonderful.

One of the best kept secrets in Portland is Bybee and Smith Lakes, in north Portland. It’s one of the most isolated settings within the city.
This is THE largest protected wetland within an American city. Home to beaver, river otter, black-​tailed deer, osprey, bald eagles and Western painted turtles, this 2,000-acre wildlife area offers a paved trail with two wildlife viewing platforms. Non-​motorized boats are welcome.
Another very cool feature, an old-​growth ash forest with Oregon Ash trees over 100 years old!
Here’s how to find it!
On Marine Drive between the Expo Center and Kelley Point Park. Take I-​5 to exit 307. Go west on North Marine Drive for 2.2 miles. Turn left at the large brown and white sign. (See photos)
Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is free and open to the public every day from legal sunrise to legal sunset. Parking, restrooms, paths and the Interlakes Trail are wheelchair accessible.
Dusk is one of the best times to see wildlife, especially during the summer. It is about the only time you can see most mammals such as beaver, muskrat, otter, raccoon, deer and bats. Birds also are more active than during the hot days.
**Due to a conflict with wildlife, dogs are not allowed at any Metro parks, greenspaces or facilities.**