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Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
4.6 ★★★★★ 715 Google reviews · Running trail in Jefferson, Oregon · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Vast area with croplands, forests & wetlands focused on providing a wintering habitat for geese.
What runners say about Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
“They have an easy, well maintained trail that takes you down to the pond and they have a nice outdoor classroom area.”
“A surprisingly beautiful and quiet place, considering it's so near Salem.”
“Very peaceful and one of my favorite spots to go when I’m looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of human civilization.”
Ankeny NWR is my refuge. My fortress of solitude. It is a priceless wetland ecosystem, seasonal and year-round home to hundreds of animal species. I go there almost every day to walk and snap photos and during the spring and summer, I will see the following: Roosevelt elk, coyotes, pelicans, bald eagles, multiple…
Pretty place for a nice walk in nature. A lot of birds and frogs around. A huge boardwalk goes right over wetlands and through a forested area. Definitely worth a stop if you are looking for new places to bird watch or to just get out in nature for a bit.
This nature area was very appealing especially on the very warm day that we arrived. The parking area is very plain. There are no restroom facilities or water here other than in the creek which I'm sure would not be drinkable.
Beautiful trail with a calming atmosphere. My little family had a lot of fun on this walk and it’s toddler friendly. I definitely think if you get the chance you should check the rail trail out. We saw a bunch of frogs, some ducks, and dragon flys along with hearing the various birds singing in the trees.
Trail conditions & character
“A surprisingly beautiful and quiet place, considering it's so near Salem.”
“The Rail Trail is probably the best part of the park and features a long boardwalk bridge to a viewing area and other side of the refuge.”
“This is an enormous refuge in Oregon there are lots of things to do for Adults and kids and many different parking areas and Wildlife habitats.”
“The bathrooms were decent and there were many informative signs, especially in the area next to the main building.”
“Very peaceful and one of my favorite spots to go when I’m looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of human civilization.”
“Very beautiful area on top of hill nice walking path great for kids.”
“Beautiful location with massive (but flat) hiking trails.”
Plan your run at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefws.gov
- Phone(541) 757-7236
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
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