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Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve

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Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

Jackson Bottom Wetlands Nature Center will be closed Wednesday, November 27 through Friday, November 29. The Preserve and trails will remain open to the public. See the Parks & Recreation calendar for other facility holiday hours.

Welcome

Any season is an excellent time to visit the Preserve! The wetland and upland trails provide ample opportunity to experience nature. When the wetlands aren't flooded, there are over four miles of trails leading to fresh air, quiet surroundings, and abundant wildlife. Stop by and see what you can discover!

For your enjoyment, trails remain open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Please help protect our natural areas and place any garbage you may have in its proper place.

Location

2600 SW Hillsboro Hwy
Hillsboro, OR 97123

Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve and Nature Center are located off of SW Hillsboro Highway.

Phone

503-681-6206

Office Hours

8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday

Nature Center Hours

10 am to 4 pm, seven days a week. Closed holidays.

Trails

Preserve trails begin at the main parking lot and branch into several different paths that explore the wetlands and upland areas. There is a trailhead and small parking lot at the north viewing area that provides seasonal access to the trail system.

Fall 2024 Trail Updates

The Oregon Ash Trail between the Tualatin River overlook and Pintail Pond shelter is closed indefinitely due to unstable trail conditions caused by beaver activity along the riverbank. Warning signs have be posted for safety.
The north Preserve entrance and parking lot is closed to prevent unauthorized motorized vehicle access. Options for additional infrastructure such as bollards are being researched, and a timeline on reopening will be shared when it is available. Meanwhile, visitors are encouraged to access the Preserve trail system via the main parking lot at the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Nature Center.

Please note ATVs and electronic bicycles and scooters are not allowed in the Preserve.

Avian Flu

Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife recently confirmed the presence of Avian Flu in birds at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve in Hillsboro. Learn more about this virus and safety guidelines for wildlife viewers.

Helpful Information

Why No Dogs?

City of Hillsboro staff and community partners are working hard to protect clean water, restore wildlife habitat, and provide opportunities for people to connect with nature.

To protect plants, wildlife, and people, the City of Hillsboro does not allow dogs or other pets at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve. Visitors have a unique opportunity to experience native plants and animals in a natural environment at the Preserve. Dogs and other pets can damage sensitive habitat and threaten wildlife that many have worked hard to restore and protect.

Volunteer

Connect with nature and people!

Support Jackson Bottom's mission of “Connecting Water, Wildlife and People” through volunteering.

If you love nature and working with people, you will enjoy volunteering at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve. You can volunteer for a few hours or become a regular volunteer.

To get started, visit our new volunteer portal to look for opportunities.

For more opportunities to volunteer with Parks & Recreation, visit our Volunteer webpage.

Seasonal Activities

Wetlands on Wheels (WOW)
Join the fun as we bring family-friendly activities to a different park all summer long!

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

Are there any dangerous or poisonous animals that I should be aware of?
The most dangerous animals we have here are probably the yellow jackets in late summer. We do not have any carnivores larger than coyotes.
Can I bring my dog? Can I ride my bike?
Dogs and bicycles are prohibited at all times in the Preserve.
Can I collect animals or plants, such as for a school project?
Jackson Bottom is a habitat for many amazing plants and animals. As a wildlife preserve, our primary mission is to preserve that habitat and promote the well-being of all of the organisms that call this place home. Because of this, we do not permit any collecting of animals or plants, no matter how tiny.
Can I get to Jackson Bottom on TriMet or by bike?
We don’t recommend it. We are located over a mile from the nearest TriMet stop, and Highway 219 is not safe for pedestrian traffic. Only the most experienced and confident bike rider would likely be comfortable biking on 219, as well.
I found a baby bird / injured raccoon / lost turtle / etc. Can I bring it to you?
We do not have a wildlife care facility; please contact the Bird Alliance of Oregon Wildlife Care Center at 503-292-0304.
My class raised tadpoles (or butterflies, etc) and now they’re ready to be released. Can we release them at Jackson Bottom?
Every ecosystem is a delicate balance and introducing new organisms can offset that balance easily. Many of the organisms used for classroom study (notably bullfrog tadpoles) are not native to our area and can cause serious damage when introduced. Organisms can also introduce diseases into a population. If you know where your animals were originally collected, releasing them there would be the best option. Otherwise, the best choice for the environment is to keep the adults as pets. For more suggestions, please call the Audubon Society at 503-292-0304.