"Minto-Brown Island Park, Wildlife Refuge" Top 5 Page for this destination Salem Things to Do Tip by glabah

This park contains a number of paved trails (for both bike and wheelchair use) that weave their way through an old orchard, farm land that is currently in use, preserved suburban wilderness, and along the Willamette River. There is almost 900 acres to this park, so there is some variance in the terrain. Some of the trails are not paved.

The park is located in seasonal flood lands of the Willamette River, and from time to time various areas of the park are not accessible due to flooding of various areas.

You will most likely see Canada geese while visiting (especially in winter), and possibly a few other birds. Wood ducks enjoy the wild woodlands on the west side of the park where the trails run through forest along some of the small waterways. The osprey nest seen in the photo was visible from one of the paved trails, but appeared to have been abandoned when the photo was taken. A few years later osprey built another nest on a large dead tree elsewhere in the park. There is also a platform they use in one of the farm fields.

One of the paved trails runs along the Willamette River, and it is possible to see bald eagles tending their nest on the other side of the river during the few weeks before the tree leaves cover it up and make it invisible.

Turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks, and various other birds may be seen here.

There is a very large and popular off-leash dog area that is towards the center of the park - keep going past the first parking area on the main road into the park, and you will find it just fine. At the end of the main road into the park there is a picnic shelter and small playground area. An off-leash dog area and a playground compliment the park nicely.

There are no flush toilets anywhere in the park. It is all portable toilets.

An entire map of the park is available on the city of Salem's web site.

In 2010, signs appeared in the park describing a habitat restoration plan that was in progress for the park. So far, only preliminary work has been done in 2011 but changes are likely in the future for converting some of the farm land back into native habitat.

Address: 2200 Minto Island Road
Directions: South side of downtown Salem. South on Commercial St. to Owens St. S., then west. Road changes name to River Road South. First traffic light after name change is Park Entrance. Sidewalk from downtown to park along busy River Rd.
Website: http://www.cityofsalem.net/Residents/Parks/ParkTour/Pages/Minto-Brown%20Island%20Park.aspx