Exploring the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Trails

If you’re looking for a gorgeous place in Oregon to get out and explore all that nature has to offer, check out the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Trails. The main entrance is located on SW Pacific Highway in Sherwood, and there are numerous ways that you can get there. Don’t worry, there are trails for those at every skill level. Before you head out, review some of the information below about the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Trails.

Take Time to Read the Signs
There are informative signs posted all around the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, so make sure to stop and take the time to read them even if it means slowing down for a minute on your hike. You never know what new information you might have a chance to learn.

Leave the Pets at Home
Sorry, but dogs are not allowed on the trails at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. Even if you have your pet on a leash they’re not allowed as they could scare the animals who call the area home.

Walk Only
There are many who love going for runs on trails, but on the trails at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, that’s not going to be able to happen. You can only walk on the trails—no running, jogging or riding your bike—as it could disturb the animals. There are signs posted around as well, so plan accordingly if you were wanting to do anything but walking on the trails.

Stay On the Marked Trails
As tempting as it may be to wander beyond points that are marked, it’s a must to stay on the marked trails. Not only are the areas marked for the purposes of your own safety, but for that of the animals as well.

Let Someone Know Where You’re Going
There are many who head out to go for a hike and don’t tell anyone where they’re going, especially if they’re going to a typically well-traveled area, but nowadays you can’t be too careful. Even when you’re going on the busiest days on the trails at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, you should still let someone know that you’re going to be there and what trail you’re planning on taking.

Check Out the Map
There is a Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Trail Map that’s super handy to carry with you when you head out. It displays where all the conveniences are, where the closed off wildlife sanctuary areas are, where the trails are, and which trails are seasonal and which are year-round.

The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge offers one 1-mile long trail that’s open year-round but there are also several trails that are open seasonally. Make sure you check which trail is going to be open when you’d like to visit before you head out. Sorry, but there is no camping or overnight parking available, and the refuge itself is open from dawn to dusk.