Whitaker Ponds Nature Park — Attraction in Portland

You can drop into the Whitaker Slough here, which connects with the Columbia Slough. You can get a map of the waterway through the Columbia Slough Watershed Council's web-site or through their office, which is located down a path on the south side of the parking lot (to the right of the gazebo if your back is facing the parking lot).

Many of the Columbia Slough Watershed Council's public paddle events launch at Whitaker Ponds. They provide boats, paddles, and life jackets. So, all you need to bring is yourself. Their events are perfect for newbies and families with young kids, so don't let that deter you! You can get more information about their community events through their web-site.

Whitaker Ponds also features a newly paved parking lot, an outhouse/porta-potty, a gazebo, lookout point, nature paths, a small dock, and informational signage.

Whitaker Ponds is nestled in an industrial part of Northeast Portland, so most people don't know that it's there. But, it's worth checking out sometime if you live in the area or are looking for a calm body of water to paddle.

There is lots of wildlife here. I've seen herons, ducks, geese, and other birds. I've heard reports of deer and other wildlife as well as some interesting plants, if you're into that kind-of thing. The most interesting for me was seeing these patches of yellow lilies in the middle of the slough. I have since learned that they are invasive and that the watershed council is concerned about them. But, they are still a treat to see when paddling...

I’m reviewing this as a birder who frequents this park for its diverse habitats and frequent rarities. Tucked away in an industrial section of town within earshot of the airport, this tiny park provides important habitat for overwintering waterfowl, a sanctuary for year round resident passerines and woodpeckers, as well as an important stop during migration. Yes, the parking lot is typically frequented by off duty air cargo employees and random people looking for a place to park and drink alcohol. Yes, there can be uncomfortable situations in wooded areas with houseless individuals. Yes, cars get broken into occasionally based on the amount of glass in the parking lot. But the city is being more attentive to the park and things are getting better, it’s feeling safer and I’m seeing more families, grade school field trips, and birders here. Also, the volunteers/employees who maintain the trails are doing an amazing job fixing things up after each storm. It’s a favorite birding spot and a great little nature escape in the heart of the...

This little natural area is near my house so I get up there pretty frequently. Despite being in the middle of an industrialized area, it does attract a lot of wildlife, mostly birds, but also rabbits and a few coyotes. It has a couple of nice little docks and a one mile long loop trail which is good for a nice family walk. The only downside is that it's in the middle of an industrial area so it can get kind of noisy at times. The City has upgraded the parking lot within the past year or so, so parking is easily available. One thing I've never been able to figure out is that there seem to be more cars parked in the lot than there are people using the park. Maybe they belong to people working in the nearby businesses, but I don't know. There are occasional signs of homelessness around, piles of trash, camping gear, etc. but the City stays on top of it so it's not as bad as other places nearby. I bring my nine year old grandson up here quite often and he enjoys...