Elev. Gain: flat!

Where: NW PDX

Oak Island

In the middle of Sauvie Island you'll find another island Oak Island, probably named for the large grove of Oak trees you'll find there. Oak Island is a great spot for bird watching and the 3-mile nature trail loop makes for a an easy stroll.  Avoid this hike on hot mid-summer days; it's much more enjoyable in spring or fall.

To get there, follow Route 30 West from Portland toward St. Helens and look for signs for Sauvie Island. Turn left after crossing the bridge and follow Reeder Road. After several miles you see Oak island Road on the left. Follow for a few miles until the road ends in a dirt and gravel parking area. The sign for the nature trail is clearly marked. Hike through a stand of oaks and take the first right to begin the loop. The trail passes alongside a large oak grove and comes out to a lake. The trail isn't marked but it's hard to get lost - there's just the one trail - a 3 mile loop.

The stand of trees at the beginning of the nature trail.

On a summer day in the blazing sun with temperatures in the mid 90s, this is not a fun hike!


A large tree offered some shade at the halfway point.

Lake shore on Oak Island.


Looking west toward the Tualatin Mountains.


The oak grove. I'll bet this looks great in the fall, so I've marked it for a future hike.