Raleighwood Wetlands Natural Area — Attraction in Beaverton

Reviewers seem to be confused about this park. Raleighwoods Wetlands Natural Area is NOT Raleigh Park, over by the school, which has a swimming pool, etc. This is a wetlands which was restored as habitat many years ago. No, you can't really go into it because it's flooded. That's because it is preserved as an undeveloped wetlands for wildlife, including beavers. Beavers don't "ruin" habitat - they change it, and wetlands are incredibly biodiverse and provide important water filtration services. Yes, it would be nice if there were a few boardwalks for wildlife viewing, but Raleighwood's purpose is not to be a developed city park with a...

This park has been decimated by beaver activity. Hundreds of downed trees and debris throughout the area. Large beaver dams have flooded most of the park destroying the free flowing creek. Rotting vegetation, mud and fallen trees make it a big mess. THPRD seems to ignore this area. Sediment is being trapped and ponds are filling with mud and debris from the entire drainage. Fish habitat has been destroyed. Erosion increases mud and sediment into Fanno creek and...

Definitely not a park. It is, however, a beautiful nature preserve, and these spaces are important. I brought a picnic and had the most delightful lunch in a long time while birdwatching. Saw many ducks, jays, a heron, and my first live belted kingfisher spotting!

One note: if you come to enjoy this amazing space, please be respectful! I was saddened by the amount of trash I saw (and yes, I picked it up). Appreciate nature, and...