Construction begins March 2020 on Oaks Bottom viewing platform

Find current information about construction and the future viewing platform.

Learn about the restoration work at the refuge

• View a time lapse of the salmon subway construction: http://bit.ly/timelapseOaksBottom
• View images of construction and Environmental Services' critter camera video: http://bit.ly/OaksBottomFlickr 
• View background information about this collaborative project to bring salmon back to Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge 
• See news releases on the completion of the salmon subway. 

Project Overview

Between July and November 2018, The Bureau of Environmental Services together with Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:

• Replaced a culvert with a larger passage to improve fish passage and the flow of water between the Willamette River and the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.
• Excavated new channels and improved wetland habitat so young fish, including species listed as threatened or endangered, can use the calmer waters of the wetland to rest and find food.
• Removed invasive vegetation, such as purple loosestrife, and plant native seed within the construction footprint.  Native plants were added in February 2019.
• Enhance opportunities for environmental education and interpretation of the refuge from the Springwater Trail with viewing platform overlooking the refuge.

Project Contacts

Stefanus Gunawan,503-823-5759, Stefanus.Gunawan@portlandoregon.gov