Take a walk, see endangered trees, birds near Portland
"Barred Owl in Oregon White Oak tree" by F. Eatherington licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
An overview of threatened habitats of Oregon’s Garry Oaks, and the work to preserve them.
Mighty oaks are home to wildlife on Sauvie Island
This Sauvie Island tree tour highlights magnificent trees and a precious ecosystem, just 20 minutes from Portland. A perfect earth-friendly staycation!
Oak Island is an easy 2.5 mile trail open April 15-Sept. 30. Permit required.
85% of Oregon White Oak habitats in the Pacific Northwest have been lost, so the Oak Island oak trees are a preciously preserved ecosystem, easily accessed from Portland. Oregon white oaks, also called Garry Oaks, grow nowhere else in the world outside of the Pacific Northwest and parts of California.
Native Americans and oak conservation
Oregon oak habitats are a diminishing ecosystem that were successfully managed by Native Americans in this area for thousands of years, before white settlers came. Native Americans harvested the acorns and the camas bulbs, seeds and berries found in oak habitats.
At Oak Island, you’ll be walking in the region of Multnomah , one of the largest native villages in what we now call Portland. Learn more about resilient native communities in Claudia Welala Long’s excellent Oregon Encyclopedia article Urban Indians in Oregon.
Let’s protect this place!
The Oak Island oaks are important because they are a magnet for biodiversity. Oak ecosystems are one of the most endangered ecosystems in North America, yet one of the most productive. More than 200 species—plants and animals--thrive in oak habitats. Especially in Spring, you’re guaranteed to see nests and lots of bird activity in these oaks on the Oak Island trail. You will also see views of Mt. St. Helens and possibly some river otters and eagles.
How to protect oaks: Get tips here!
Directions- Follow Sauvie Island Road north two miles to Reeder Road. Turn east (right) and drive Reeder Road 1.3 miles to a Y junction. Take the left fork and drive 4.2 miles on Oak Island Road to a small parking lot at road’s end. One mile is gravel.
Need lunch? Fresh fruits and veg? Stop in at Bella Organic!