Low water levels at Killin
Visitors to Killin Wetlands may notice lower-than-normal water levels as a result of a beaver dam failure. The cause of the dam failure is uncertain, but Metro staff suspect it may be due to high spring rains that proved too much for the dams to hold. Staff are monitoring the area to observe beaver activity and are consulting with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine if any further actions are needed.
The waters of Killin Wetlands stretch – calm and serene – to mirror the open sky, and they mix with islands of sedges and willows that hum with life. Walk the trails and enjoy views of the rolling hills and peat soil wetlands, one of the last examples in the region of a habitat that once covered more than 10,000 acres in the Willamette Valley.
Be on the lookout for the American bittern, sora and Virginia rail birds that have long attracted birders. Killin Wetlands is recognized by the Audubon Society of Portland as an Important Bird Area and is a featured stop on the Willamette Valley Birding Trail.
See and do
Walk the trails and look for a variety of birds, including bald eagles, hooded merganser ducks, great egrets, northern harriers, marsh wrens, willow flycatchers and merlin.
- Watch for wildlife, such as beavers, river otters, bald eagles, Roosevelt elk.
- Admire the beautiful piece of artwork by the Westside Quilters Guild called “Doves in the Window,” part of the Quilt Barn Trail of Oregon’s Washington County.
- Enjoy a picnic.
Know before you go
- Open sunrise to sunset
- The park has bathrooms and picnic tables.
- Dogs and other pets are not allowed, because they can damage sensitive habitat and threaten wildlife.
- Smoking and vaping are not allowed.
- Hunting is not allowed.
- Drones, model planes, model boats and other remote-controlled vehicles are not allowed.
- During inclement weather, please check oregonmetro.gov/parks for information about any closures.
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