Take a Nature Break at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge

Located just off Interstate 5, about 10 miles south of Salem, Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge (www.fws.gov/refuge/ankeny) makes a good Northwest Oregon road trip stop. A vital resting spot for migrating waterfowl, shore birds and songbirds, the refuge is located close to the confluence of the Santiam and Willamette Rivers. The restored wetlands offers year-round habitat to waterfowl, as well as a refuge for migratory birds in the spring and fall. And with a nature center and covered deck for a nice picnic, it’s the perfect spot to take a break, enjoy a snack and explore the boardwalk and blinds. It also makes a nice side trip from Silver Falls State Park (emerginghorizons.com/a-wheelchair-accessible-silver-falls-state-park-getaway/).

Visit the Nature Center

Ankeny Hill Nature Center, which is located on Ankeny Hill Road, just south of Buena Vista Road, is a good place to begin your visit. There’s accessible parking near the entrance, with level access over to the nature center trails. The Big Loop (.65 mile ) and the Little Loop (.12 mile) both have hard packed dirt surfaces. They wind around the outdoor exhibits; and although they aren’t totally level, the elevation changes are minimal.

Along the trails you’ll find exhibits about butterflies, moths, bees and flowers. And don’t miss the pollination garden, which is abuzz with activity in the spring. There’s something for everyone at this stop, and if you can’t do distances, there’s still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the garden sections closest to the entrance.

The nature center is also a good place to take a lunch break, as there’s level access to the covered pavilion next to Mark Gehlar Hall. There are several picnic tables, including an accessible model, on the cement deck. It’s also a good vantage point for bird watching as the deck overlooks Peregrine Marsh. Accessible family restrooms are located on the side of the building. Mark Gehlar Hall is usually closed unless there’s an event or program scheduled, but the deck and the rest of the grounds are open to the public.

Explore the Refuge

From the nature center, head north and take a left on Buena Vista Road, to explore the wildlife refuge. There are several pullouts along the road, so you can just pull in and watch for some avian action. From mid-March to mid-May you’ll spot migrating waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds; while the fall brings out more migrating waterfowl and raptors.

The Eagle Marsh Blind is up on the left, just before the railroad tracks. There’s accessible parking with level access to the blind, which overlooks the marsh. This is an excellent vantage point to see Northern Pintails, Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons in the fall. And in the winter, be on the lookout for Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons.

From the Eagle Marsh Blind, follow Buena Vista Road and make a left on Wintel Road. The Pintail and Egret Marsh Boardwalk, which is located on the north side of Wintel Road, is a must-stop in the refuge. There’s parking in a level dirt and gravel area, with plenty of room to parallel park an adapted van. From the parking area, there’s level access over to the .25-mile boardwalk, which follows Bashaw Creek. It’s a pleasant stroll as the trail is shaded by trees, and in the summer you can see — and hear — the red-legged frogs in the adjacent waterway. There’s a nice blind at the end of the boardwalk which overlooks Pintail and Egret Marshes. Be on the lookout for Tundra Swans in the marsh and the occasional osprey soaring overhead.

Finally, don’t forget to stop at the Willamette Valley Viewpoint on your way out of the refuge. There’s accessible parking near the viewpoint, which offers a panoramic shot of the valley filled with Christmas trees. It’s a pleasant end to any Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge visit.