Fernhill Wetlands

This popular birding site includes three man-made effluent treatment ponds and a series of wetlands. A flat gravel trail leads 1.25 mi around the main pond (Fernhill Lake), with two covered viewing platforms and an information kiosk along the way. Numerous swallows forage and nest here in season, Marsh Wren chatter from the wetlands year-round, and shorebirds turn up in spring and especially fall migration. The wetlands east of the main lake host Tundra Swan and other waterfowl in winter. Scan large Canada and Cackling Goose flocks for rarer species. Bald Eagle and Red-tail Hawk frequent the snags, and keep your eyes open for Merlin and Peregrine Falcon. Check the wetland across Fern Hill Rd (Taylor Marsh) for Black-crowned Night-Heron in particular.

From the intersection of Hwy 8 and Hwy 47 just E of Forest Grove, go S 0.7 mi on Hwy 47 and turn L onto Fern Hill Rd. Proceed 0.3 mi to gravel parking area on L. Transit: TriMet Bus 57 serves central Forest Grove, about 1 mi N of the site along Maple St.