Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve — Attraction in Hillsboro

You absolutely must visit the Jackson Bottom Wetlands!!! It is like going on a staycation for the day. The wetlands are gorgeous. Teeming with all kinds of amazing wildlife to spot living among beautiful lakes and streams surrounded by the most diverse and fragrant and beautiful vegetation. When we went we got soaked but it was so beautiful we didn't care and then when the sun came out we were on the trails and as the sun warmed the many flowers and plants the air filled with all kinds of sweet and refreshing fragrance. It was truly magical. We moved just outside of town to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city and then within a year the city started a huge construction project widening the two streets adjacent to our home from 2 to 6 lanes so our house rumbles and we hear loud banging, beeping, and construction noises from early in the morning into the night at least 5 days a week. They chopped down ALL of the gorgeous old growth trees around our home. It is awful, so sad. Visiting the wetlands was a much needed break in a place full of life and beauty and nature. It just melts the stress away. The kids had a blast and did not want to leave. The visitor center is awesome as well, very informative in a very fun way. The kids spent an hour just in the visitor center area and would have spent another hour if they weren't closing! The staff was just lovely and very informative. They have fun little science kits, stuffed animals and animal toys, knick knacks, locally made jewelry, toys, bird feeders, wind chimes and many other neat things in the gift shop. They suggest a small donation but I promise you will be moved to donate to this amazing project. We especially loved sitting in the visitor center after a long adventure and watching the wildlife right outside! It is packed with beautiful birds of all colors and sizes singing their songs, hopping around eating the bird feed, and squirrels and chipmunks running around, darting in and out of the bushes and trees to get their share of the snacks and play with each other. It was the best show. We will most definitely be back and we are so thankful for this treasure we found! Advice: if there is any chance of rain or if it has rained recently in the last few days, wear sturdy rain boots and bring a waterproof poncho or raincoat. Also, bring...

It's late spring and everything is beautiful at Jackson Bottom Wetlands. Being a reserve, it's naturally overgrown and while there is a lot of effort made to plant native plants here there is alot of nature that springs up on its own.

The water ways and ponds are full of life from insects, to birds, to aquatic mammals. The walk ways are well preserved and there are several blinds to help your observations be less ovious to the wildlife. There are also several covered areas along the trail with great views.

Many wild life preservation efforts can be observed from nesting boxes to Bee habitats. The highlight for me are the many birds here. There is an Eagles nest with a view cam for people to view at the visitors center. Great Blue Heron, Geese, Duck, Crane, as well as many smaller birds can be seen with a little effort to be quiet. There are bird feeders in front of the visitors center that are heavily visited by the birds and can bee seen best from inside at W the front window.

I also enjoy the large board outside the visitor center for visitors to list the critters they were able to spot. Do others can list what I missed. Like a friendly competition to be the best...

Hiking on the trails . . . late late spring and summer . . . sunny and dry otherwise u could b walkin thru mud due to rainy seasons! Alwayz a work? in the process! When I go there . . . it's a 7 mile walk (2 miles more than usual) to, from and within! Connected the interpretive center where can play n learn at same time! Walk thru the gardens, read n learn about the many plants, flowers and various insects n how they assist in keepin the eco system . . . just that for their survival! Many birds, sightings of deer, pheasants and tons of waterfowls! Reminds me of my old neighborhood in Maryland . . . all our streets were named after the waterfowls . . . learning journey as I walked my 5 miles daily thru the woods and neighborhood! Hope this helps! I'm alwayz out discovering our world! Please to not liter! We are eco friendly here!...