Home › Oregon › Portland › Whitaker Ponds Nature Park
Whitaker Ponds Nature Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 468 Google reviews · Running trail in Portland, Oregon · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Whitaker Ponds Nature Park'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.
Calm lake, with ducks, geese and egrets, set amid an industrial area.
What runners say about Whitaker Ponds Nature Park
“We saw blue heron, white heron, turtles, nutria, many species of duck including the gorgeous wood duck.”
“But, it's worth checking out sometime if you live in the area or are looking for a calm body of water to paddle.”
You can drop into the Whitaker Slough here, which connects with the Columbia Slough. You can get a map of the waterway through the Columbia Slough Watershed Council's web-site or through their office, which is located down a path on the south side of the parking lot (to the right of the gazebo if your back is facing…
This is one of our families favorite walking spots. There are always ducks and geese. Sometimes we get lucky and see the stork and beaver. Its beautiful in any of the 4 seasons, and very kid friendly. My almost 3 year old LOVES coming here :)
Surrounded by an industrial landscape, this little pond and nature reserve is an incredible oasis in the city. Regularly spotting bald eagles, great blue herons and cranes, as well as other wildlife, this place is a little slice of heaven.
Nice little walk through nature., about a 1/2-mile around and through the ponds. Lots of water fowl in November. Parking lot. Viewing platforms on the ponds.
Trail conditions & character
“Dogs aren't allowed, even on a leash because it's a refuge and scent marking from dogs is disruptive to the animals that live there.”
“No parking from 10pm to 5 or 6 am or you will be towed away.”
“We saw blue heron, white heron, turtles, nutria, many species of duck including the gorgeous wood duck.”
“Whitaker Ponds also features a newly paved parking lot, an outhouse/porta-potty, a gazebo, lookout point, nature paths, a small dock, and informational signage.”
“The ponds are not too large and have well-kempt trails, making them pretty accessible for most.”
“A half mile loop all the way around, it can be a great source of exercise as well if you want to do a few loops.”
Plan your run at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteportlandoregon.gov
- Phone+1 503-823-2525
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–12 am |
| Tuesday | 5 am–12 am |
| Wednesday | 5 am–12 am |
| Thursday | 5 am–12 am |
| Friday | 5 am–12 am |
| Saturday | 5 am–12 am |
| Sunday | 5 am–12 am |
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