Home / Events / **Cancelled Due to Air Quality** Accessible Birding Outing at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
**Cancelled Due to Air Quality** Accessible Birding Outing at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
This event has been cancelled due to decreased air quality.
Join Bird Alliance of Oregon for an accessible birding outing at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge! We’ll hike or wheel through forest, past wetlands, and make our way through beautiful oak woodlands. We love this refuge for its birds and accessibility. Not only does a bus stop drop you off directly in front of the refuge, but there is ample seating along the mostly flat trail. We welcome all people who identify as disabled, neurodivergent, and/or chronically ill. This outing is made for and led by birders with disabilities. Beginning birders are welcome! Extra binoculars and a scope will be available.
Masks: Masks are now optional at our outdoor events. However, we will check in with each participant in advance in case anyone who is immunocompromised needs to be in a masked environment. We also recognize that some people can’t wear masks due to their disability. Physical distancing will be required.
Accessibility
We recognize that within the disability community, access needs vary and sometimes conflict. That’s why we’ll offer different opportunities throughout the year prioritizing different kinds of access needs. If this one doesn’t work for you, we hope the next one will. If you have any accessibility needs that aren’t covered below or have requests on what we should offer to meet your needs for future events, please reach out to trip leader Ali Berman at aberman@birdallianceoregon.org.
See below for trail information and here for a more detailed guide of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge created by Access Recreation.
If you have any accessibility needs that aren’t covered below, please reach out to trip leader Ali Berman at aberman@birdallianceoregon.org.
Parking: Large parking lot with three ADA parking spaces, and one accessible van spot. Public Transit: Take the bus right to the front entrance! Check out the Tri-Met bus schedules for Route 93 (daily) and 94 (weekdays only). We’re at Stop ID# 12743. Look for the kiosk at the bus stop for maps and information. Follow the trail from the bus stop, 100 yards to the Wildlife Center and main trailheads. Rest Stops: Multiple benches are available along the route. Service Animals: Service animals are welcome, but must remain on leash.
Distance: Anywhere from .5 – 1 miles. Exact distance will be determined by the needs of each participant. Pacing: Slow, with frequent stops at benches to view and listen for birds. We will go at the pace of the slowest member of the group. Participants can request a break at any time. Elevation Changes: 2-5% grade for 0.1 miles. The rest is flat. Trail Tread: Cemented ground in the parking lot and surrounding the restroom facilities; the path changes to compacted gravel Bathrooms: ADA compliant bathrooms are available at the start of the route.
Cooper's Hawk, photo by Adam Stunkle
Register for this accessible birding outing!
Be in community with other folks who identify as disabled, neurodivergent, and/or chronically ill as we search for songbirds, woodpeckers, waterfowl, and more!
Ali Berman (she/her) has been the Communications Manager at Bird Alliance of Oregon since 2015. She serves on the board of both Disabled Hikers and Portland Parks and Recreation. Ali loves birds, building community, and sharing her love of wildlife with others.
Fern Wexler (they/them, he/him) has been a Bird Alliance of Oregon volunteer since 2018, as well as a seasonal educator. They love birding, fancy pigeons, sharing their birding knowledge, and getting outside as much as possible.
