Vanport Wetlands

This mitigation project comprises about 60 ac of open wetland with hummocks that become islands as water levels drop during summer. The perimeter is fenced and the interior is off-limits, but viewing is possible from the N side of a large off-leash dog field. This is an excellent site for waterfowl in winter, and southbound shorebirds in late summer, including Pectoral Sandpiper. Summering ducks include Cinnamon and Blue-winged Teal. Many swallows forage over the water in season. Check the wooded edges for warblers, vireos, and tanagers. Yellow-headed Blackbird has nested here. Red-shouldered Hawk appears occasionally, while American Kestrel, Red-tail Hawk, Osprey, and Bald Eagle are expected. Another 0.5 mi NW on Broadacre is Force Lake, a good place to view migrant grebes, ducks, and shorebirds. From Portland, take I-5 to Exit 306B for the Expo Center. Turn L at the bottom of the ramp, go under the freeway, and turn R on Expo Rd. From Vancouver or Hayden Island, take Exit 306 (Interstate Ave), stay in R lane and take another exit for Delta Park / Portland Meadows in 0.25 mi. At the bottom of the ramp, go straight 0.2 mi on Expo Rd and turn L on Broadacre. Small parking areas are on both sides of the road within 0.1 mi, just past the entrance to Portland International Raceway.