Nestled against Forest Park, five minutes from downtown Portland, is our 143-acre, free-to-the-public Nature Sanctuary. Our wildlife sanctuary is a showcase for native flora and fauna.  It has over four miles of forested hiking trails for you to enjoy year 'round (map). Directions to Audubon Sanctuary

Trails are open dawn to dusk every day.

The mixed conifer forest along Balch Creek has a lush understory of Vanilla Leaf, Fendler's Waterleaf, Swordfern, Maiden Hair Fern, Oregon Grape, Indian Plum, Salmonberry, and Stinging Nettle. Native Plant Interpretive Guide

A small stand of old growth Douglas Firs stands as testimony to the giants that once graced the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.

Balch Creek is home to a small population of native Cutthroat Trout.  An anadromous species, this population is landlocked due to several culverts along the length of the creek.

Look for Steller's Jay, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Varied Thrush, Mourning Dove, Pacific Giant Salamander, and Douglas Squirrel, as well as Roughskin Newt, Red-legged Frog and Western Painted Turtle in the pond. photo: Steller's Jay - Bruce Craig

Our small pond and pavilion structure provide a peaceful place to have lunch and let the wildlife come to you.  The pond provides sanctuary to a diverse group of amphibians.

The Wildwood trail and greater Forest Park is accessible from our sanctuary if you would like to lengthen your hike.  Pittock Mansion is a short 25 minute hike up the hill from Portland Audubon. photo: lepiota richoides - t miller