Ford's Pond beckons those who enjoy birding, fishing, kayaking, and walking in nature. This 202-acre property is located west of Sutherlin and enjoys over 100 species of birds, with bald eagles frequently observed. The park includes a playground, 2-mile paved flat walking path and easy fishing access.
Non-motorized craft are welcome on the pond.
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We don’t even live in Sutherlin, and we go here several times a week! It’s that nice. There are pavilions overlooking the pond for meals, a roomy, pleasant playground with really unique features for the area, like funky xylophones and a saucer swing, and nice bathrooms. The parking is easy because of the overflow lot, and the pond! We love walking around the pond. It’s an easy trek for families with beautiful vantage points, pretty wildflowers, lots of fishermen and sometime kayakers, and so much wildlife! We regularly see river otters, the resident bald eagle, nutria or beavers (it’s hard to tell when they’re in the water), and of course all the water fowl including ducks, geese, herons, egrets, cranes, and pelicans. Also snails. Also caterpillars. Also toads, but rarely.
Very well kept parking area and benches. Nice view of the Pond. We were there around 4PM and some really nice views. Did not seem to have any insect issues either!!
My poor pup had 7 ticks with just one lap of the pond. Don't do it folks! You'll be picking bloody, disgusting ticks out of your dog all night long if you go here! WIthout a pet, it's okay!
While visiting Sutherlin, my sister and I hiked around Ford's Pond before sundown in March. Oregon gets a lot of rain, and the trail was muddy, but that's to be expected. We saw a variety of birds, though not as many as I expected. Still, I enjoyed the peace and quiet, and my dog enjoyed the walk, too. I plan to go back during a different time of year. The parking area is being remodeled and I believe picnic tables will be available in the future. The fauna and bird types likely change over the seasons.
We wanted to go for a trail walk, so our uncle suggested Ford’s Pond. We didn’t know there was a trail there, but he said yes and it was nice. He was right! We took the loop around the lake, and saw birds, ducks, and flowers. The trail was pretty easy to follow. When we were done and walking back to our car (they’re is plenty of parking), a land worker showed up and gave us lots of information. He gave us tips, said he’s fished and kayaked there before, and he was friendly. Next time we are visiting, we plan on taking another walk there.