Sauvie Island Wildlife Area Visitors' Guide

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area was established in 1947 with primary objectives of protecting and improving waterfowl habitat and providing a public hunting area. The initial purchase of five acres in 1940 and subsequent purchases through 2012 has brought the wildlife area to its present size of 11,643 acres, of which 8,153 acres are under fee title to the department and 3,490 acres are managed through a cooperative agreement with the Oregon Department of State Lands. Currently, the wildlife area supports a biologically diverse association of wildlife which includes at least 275 species of birds, 37 species of mammals, 12 species of reptiles and amphibians, and numerous species of fish and plants.

A parking permit is required to park at this wildlife area. Find out how to buy a parking permit. No person shall possess or use alcoholic beverages or consumable products containing alcohol from May 1 through September 30 on the Wildlife Area.

Best time to visit: September - March for viewing waterfowl and sandhill cranes. January - March for viewing bald eagles. May - August for warm water fishing. Spring and summer are best for songbird viewing. Portions of the wildlife area are closed to public access October - April for the protection of waterfowl. Wildlife Area hours are 4 am to 10 pm daily.

The following units are closed Oct. 1 - April 15: Westside, Eastside (open may 1), Oak Island and the North unit.

Visiting hours: Wildlife Area hours are 4 am to 10 pm daily.

What to see and do: Hunting, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, trapshooting, photography, dog training and canoeing are among the activities available. A map of the wildlife area can be found at the wildlife area headquarters.

Wildlife: d ucks, swans, geese, sandhill cranes, black-tailed deer, and coyote
Facilities: boat ramp, camp host, fishing, ADA accessible, hunting, picnic area, restrooms, small boats, trails
Nearby: Howell Territorial Park is located one mile north of the Sauvie Island bridge and has picnic areas. The island is 20 minutes east of downtown Portland and one hour from the coast.

from The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Travel Oregon

Directions: Take Hwy. 30 to the Sauvie Island Bridge. After crossing the bridge, stay on NW Sauvie Island Road for about two miles. Stay left at the “Y” intersection. The wildlife area headquarters is on the right about 1/4 mile past the “Y” intersection.

Address and Phone:
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area
18330 NW Sauvie Island Road
Portland, OR 97231
(503) 621-3488

Sauvie Island Management Plan (pdf)
Wildlife Area Administrative Rules