Parks and nature

Bronze and black segmented salamander coiled in moss.

In winter and early spring, I enjoy seeing the diversity of amphibians that we have around the Portland area. One wet day recently I was lucky to see this Oregon Slender Salamander in a cedar grove in the East Buttes part of the metro area.

Our Big Backyard photo contest spring 2023 winner: Darian Santner, Portland

Short eared owl flies straight towards camera.

Just outside Frenchman's Bar near Vancouver WA, this short-eared owl was on a fence post. It watched as I got my camera, then flew off with its eyes still right on me. What an experience!

Our Big Backyard photo contest winter 2023 winner: Chelsea Schuyler, Vancouver

Just outside Frenchman's Bar near Vancouver WA, this short-eared owl was on a fence post. It watched as I got my camera, then flew off with its eyes still right on me. What an experience!

Hawk sitting on roof top is attacked by scrub jay.

This was taken on a nature trail in the Bethany area near our home in Beaverton. I was walking on the path when this red-tail flew past me and landed on a nearby roof. As I was taking this picture of the hawk, I had no idea it was about to be dive-bombed

Our Big Backyard photo contest fall 2022 winner: Laurie Frajola, Beaverton

A white great egret stands on a floating log holding its wings high above its head, which is pointed toward the pool below.

A great egret was doing the dance on a spring morning at Commonwealth Lake Park.

Our Big Backyard photo contest summer 2022 winner: John Lemmer, Portland

"A great egret was doing the dance on a spring morning at Commonwealth Lake Park."

Ruby red crested Anna hummingbird looks directly at camera

Our Big Backyard photo contest spring 2022 winner: Susan Richmond, Hillsboro

"My husband and I were sitting on our front patio when a persistent anna humming bird flew around us to get to one of our feeders. Then he would fly over to a nearby Japanese pine and wait for us to leave. He perched there for the longest time...long enough for me to capture this photo. His beautiful georgette shone in the sunlight. As soon as we left he went back to "his" feeder."

A garter snake with a white stripe on its back and orange lines on its side slithers back down a rose stem, its head following the back end of its body as it goes.

Our Big Backyard photo contest winter 2022 winner: Hallie Madenski, Portland

"Along the Wapato Greenway Loop on Sauvie Island:I looked to my right, not far from the entrance of the trail and saw this beauty sunbathing on top of a rose cane several feet off the ground, completely unfazed by my presence. I've seen many snakes around Portland but this felt like a rare and special moment."

Common garter snake with red and black markings.

Our Big Backyard photo contest fall 2021 winner: Roger Williams, Tigard

"While walking at Jackson Bottoms Wetland I came across this beautiful Common Garter Snake. Several snakes were out in the sun warming up. Most of them moved away pretty fast, but this one started to move slowly away but held still long enough to get its photo."

Male hooded duck with black, white and orange markings, glides across a pond.

Our Big Backyard photo contest summer 2021 winner: Chris Elkinton, Portland

"The lake at Reed College is a wonderful place to watch birds. I got lucky on this particular morning when I spotted this male hooded merganser. It was a joy to lie still, flat on the ground, watching this magnificent bird swim and dive."

A field of purple and lilac colored lupins stretched towards sunrise.

Our Big Backyard photo contest spring 2021 winner: Rick Hafele, Wilsonville

"At Graham Oaks Nature Park, as I walked by this patch of lupine, I tried to imagine what they’d look like with a dramatic sunrise. I finally saw my chance and arrived in time to set up just as the clouds lifted enough for the first rays of morning sunlight to do their thing."

A large fall leaf holding large droplets of rain water lying on a pebble walk-way.

Our Big Backyard photo contest winter 2021 winner: Monet Hampson, Portland

"This is a photo of one of the first fall leaves I noticed, covered with droplets from a much needed rain shower. After the stifling smoke of the summer fires, this leaf encapsulated where we had been and the dewy hope of the future."

Clinging to long, green blades of leaves, a dragonfly with large red eyes and see-through glassy wings.

Our Big Backyard photo contest summer 2020 winner: Patricia Kolberg, Troutdale

"I was taking photos of a frog at the Kelly Creek Pond on the Mt. Hood Community College campus. I kept inching closer and closer to the frog. I took a quick brake from my concentrated effort, looked away, and saw this little critter watching me. In my focus on the frog, I almost missed this incredible dragon fly."

Looking through the picnic shelter, a man takes in the distant view of Mt. Hood glowing white in the sun.

Our Big Backyard photo contest spring 2020 winner: Amanda Ulrich, Canby

"On a sunny, but chilly, February afternoon Adam and I enjoyed a beautiful hike at Scouters Mountain Nature Park. The clouds burned off & Mount Hood stood, aglow, as Adam took in the scene."

Three young deer eating fall apples in woods.

Our Big Backyard photo contest winter 2020 winner: Donna Weare, Clackamas

"We recently visited Orenco Woods Nature Park for the first time. The walk was relaxing and the fall colors were beautiful, but the highlight of our visit was coming across three deer eating apples that had fallen from the old apple trees in the park."

Standing on the pebble strewn shore, a young boy looks out over a lake.

Our Big Backyard photo contest fall 2019 winner: Katherine Takata

"It was a cloudy, overcast, dreary day but we still went out for some outside time. Headed down to Dabney State Park for a wander through the woods and to the river. We love days like this – so peaceful, quiet and relaxing."

Two little girls looking through single monocular watching hawks fly.

Our Big Backyard photo contest summer 2019 winner: Brent Nielsen, Beaverton

"Hearing birds calling as we hiked through Cooper Mountain Nature Park, we stopped to spy for hawks in the oaks. Our kids sat a long time on this chilly morning searching for winged friends."

Early morning fog filters through a forest of trees at the beginning of fall.

Our Big Backyard photo contest spring 2019 winner: Krissi Carson, Portland

"I love fog. I love its dreamy, mystical quality and the way things slowly emerge out of the nothing, like the magic we all wished for as children. This photo was taken on a fall day along a minor trail in Forest Park not far from Germantown Road."

Two boys on a trail through an open field at Canemah Bluff.

Our Big Backyard photo contest winter 2019 winner: Lydia Agundez, Portland

"My son and his hiking buddy hit the trails of Portland at least four times a week. They love the openness of hiking and exploring trails. We love Canemah Bluff’s Old Slide trail and decided we would take a late afternoon hike. The beauty of Canemah Bluff is a hidden gem. The trees and leaves look gorgeous year-round."

photo of cormorant and blue heron at Kelly Creek Pond

Kolberg: I "discovered" the Kelly Creek Pond at Mt. Hood Community College again about a month ago. I had not seen it for several years, and it is looking much better than I remember. This morning I sat out for almost 3 hours to get just the right shot of

Our Big Backyard photo contest fall 2018 winner: Patricia Kolberg, Troutdale

"I 'discovered' the Kelly Creek Pond at Mt. Hood Community College again about a month ago. I had not seen it for several years, and it is looking much better than I remember. This morning I sat out for almost 3 hours to get just the right shot of a cormorant and a blue heron together, fishing the pond. In this photo, the cormorant had just come out of the pond and was shaking off the water, getting ready to sit and dry."

photo of sharp-shinned hawk by Tom Myers

During an after-work walk on Sauvie Island, I caught a big blur drop down through the trees. I stopped dead in my tracks. I could sense whatever had landed there and moved slowly and quietly toward it until I could see this sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter s

Our Big Backyard photo contest summer 2018 winner: Tom Myers, Portland

"During an after-work walk on Sauvie Island, I caught a big blur drop down through the trees. I stopped dead in my tracks. I could sense whatever had landed there and moved slowly and quietly toward it until I could see this sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus) through the brush."

photo of cedar hairstreak butterfly. spring 2018 Our Big Backyard photo contest winner

Wells: Walking through Camassia Natural Area in West Linn, I saw some beautiful butterflies flying between the flowers. I knelt in a squishy spot to get down low enough to snap this shot of a cedar hairstreak butterfly (Callophrys gryneus) on a daisy.

Our Big Backyard photo contest spring 2018 winner: Kevin Wells, West Linn

"Walking through Camassia Natural Area in West Linn, I saw some beautiful butterflies flying between the flowers. I knelt in a fairly squishy spot to get down low enough to snap this shot of a cedar hairstreak butterfly (Callophrys gryneus) on a daisy."

photo of Douglas squirrel at Graham Oaks Nature Park by Rick Hafele

Graham Oaks Nature Park: Though smaller than fox or gray squirrels, Douglas squirrels make up for their lack of size with a bold “get out of my space” attitude. Normally I only hear them barking at me from some high-up limb in a Douglas fir. This frisky c

Our Big Backyard photo contest winter 2018 winner: Rick Hafele, Wilsonville

"Though smaller than fox or gray squirrels, Douglas squirrels make up for their lack of size with a bold “get out of my space” attitude. Normally I only hear them barking at me from some high-up limb in a Douglas fir. This frisky character was out foraging for pine cones and wasn’t willing to let go of his breakfast as I approached."

"While leading a group of 12 first graders on a crawdad adventure along the Clackamas River, we discovered this big beauty with a broken wing drowning in the water. After 10 minutes of sunbathing, it was able to fly away."

Our Big Backyard photo contest fall 2017 winner: Amanda Kimball, Portland

Seely Ditch wetland in Wilsonville on a beautiful early Monday morning in May. Songbirds singing, local beaver working on home repairs, migrating geese making their grand entrance back to summer nesting areas. Even an occasional pheasant making his debut.

Our Big Backyard photo contest summer 2017 winner: Chuck Taber, Wilsonville

"Seely Ditch wetland in Wilsonville on a beautiful early Monday morning in May. Songbirds singing, local beaver working on home repairs, migrating geese making their grand entrance back to summer nesting areas. Even an occasional pheasant making his debut. Life is good in the Northwest!"

Katy Parsons: On the dry days during late winter and early spring, my neighbors and I often kayak down the Columbia River Slough and watch the migratory birds. We are so lucky to have such an amazing place to watch wildlife so close to the city!

Our Big Backyard photo contest spring 2017 winner: Katy Parsons, Fairview

"On dry days during late winter and early spring, my neighbors and I often kayak down the Columbia Slough and watch the migratory birds. We are so lucky to have such an amazing place to watch wildlife so close to the city!"

photo of mushrooms at Oxbow Regional Park

Piper Hope: This was on the river trail at Oxbow Regional Park. We have kids who love looking for where the fairies live, and this spot was deemed highly probable for a fairy house. Oxbow is our favorite park. Most of our summer afternoons are spent on th

Our Big Backyard photo contest winter 2017 winner: Piper Hope, Gresham

"This was on the river trail at Oxbow Regional Park. We have kids who love looking for where the fairies live, and this spot was deemed highly probable for a fairy house. Oxbow is our favorite park. Most of our summer afternoons are spent on the beach, and we love exploring the trails year round."

"My son, father-in-law and I had been fishing all evening on the dock at the Gilbert River Boat Ramp on Sauvie Island. I hadn't been to Sauvie Island in many years. I may not have caught any fish, but I definitely walked away with a keeper."

Our Big Backyard photo contest fall 2016 winner: Jake Bennett, Gresham

"My son, father-in-law and I had been fishing all evening on the dock at the Gilbert River Boat Ramp on Sauvie Island. I hadn’t been to Sauvie Island in years. I may not have caught any fish, but I definitely walked away with a keeper."

Two people canoeing in a lake at Smith and Bybee Wetlands with Mount Hood in the background

Our Big Backyard photo contest summer 2016 winner: Dylan Abel, Southwest Portland

"Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is one of my favorite spots to paddle. I maneuvered my kayak so that Mount Hood would be in the background when I took a photo of this couple canoeing."

photo of St. Johns Bridge at Cathedral Park

"While I was walking my dog through Cathedral Park with my husband, the sun was setting perfectly behind the river."

Our Big Backyard photo contest spring 2016 winner: Sarah Stills, Oregon City

"While I was walking my dog through Cathedral Park with my husband, the sun was setting perfectly behind the river."

photo of great blue heron along Fanno Creek Trail

"I have the Fanno Creek Trail right behind my house. One morning I decided to take my dog for a walk on the trail. While on the trail I happened to look over and this great blue heron was standing on a branch on a tree. After a while, he hopped into the c

Our Big Backyard photo contest winter 2016 winner: Ashley Rojo, Beaverton

Our Big Backyard photo contest fall 2015 winner: Terry Taylor, Beaverton

"I snapped this photo of the owl on my property, which is bordered on two sides by Cooper Mountain Nature Park. Momma and her baby have been living, hunting and training in the trees around the park all spring and summer."

photo of Mount Hood from Blue Lake Regional Park

Yi-Ling W. Yong: My husband and I had an enjoyable and relaxing afternoon at Blue Lake Regional Park. We were paddling on the lake and walking along the lake and simply appreciated the view of Mount Hood and the natural environment.

Our Big Backyard photo contest summer 2015 winner: Yi-Ling W. Yong, Beaverton

"My husband and I had an enjoyable and relaxing afternoon at Blue Lake Regional Park. We were paddling on the lake and walking along the lake and simply appreciated the view of Mount Hood and the natural environment."

photo of rough-skinned newt at Cooper Mountain Nature Park

Our Big Backyard photo contest spring 2015 winner: Anne Lenzi, Aloha

"Early morning hikes have become a tradition for my family. On this particular morning in November we chose one of our favorite parks, Cooper Mountain Nature Park. We were walking along the Cooper Mountain Loop when we spotted this amazing rough skinned newt on the trail."

Becky Hatfield's photo of a quiet moment at Leona Lake won the winter 2015 photo contest in Our Big Backyard magazine.

Our Big Backyard photo contest winter 2015 winner: Becky Hatfield, Milwaukie

"Taken at Leona Lake right outside of Milwaukie, I was out for a walk in the new fallen snow, and what made me stop and take this photo was the quiet. In a world where things are never silent, in this moment everything was peaceful. Not even a bird could be heard, no cars passing, just the silent beauty of the moment captured on film."

Fall 2014 winner: Oxbow Regional Park by Len Otto, Boring

Our Big Backyard photo contest fall 2014 winner: Len Otto, Boring

"My wife and I love Oxbow Regional Park. Every year we buy the annual pass and use it probably 250 times. Recently, we went for an early Sunday morning walk for the exercise and to try out a new lens. The color of the salmonberry has always been a favorite. The shot of the unfurling bloom with a water droplet about to fall was the first shot ever with my new lens. I was delighted, and even more delighted when I got home and looked at it on my computer screen. I could not have hoped for better. Oxbow never fails us."

Summer 2014 winner: Columbia Slough by Mindy Fitch, Northeast Portland

Our Big Backyard photo contest summer 2014 winner: Mindy Fitch, Northeast Portland

"My youngest daughter, Irene, waves at friends canoeing alongside us through a portion of the Columbia Slough near Whitaker Ponds. Big sister Harriet and my husband paddle in back. All around us, dreamy golden mid-October splendor and abundant birds. Belted kingfishers rattle, a great blue heron lands heavily on a flimsy tree branch, and we're lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a beaver on land before she slips back into the water."

Spring 2014 winner: Cooper Mountain Nature Park by Warren W. Aney, Tigard

Our Big Backyard photo contest spring 2014 winner: Warren W. Aney, Tigard

"Whenever my family from California visit, I take my 11-year-old grandson, Will, on a nature outing. We’ve climbed Beacon Rock and explored Chanticleer Point, hiked and observed birds at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. On New Year’s Day, Will and I went to Cooper Mountain Nature Park, taking Will’s younger sister Sasha, 6, with us for her first outing. The two of them enjoyed the trees, bushes and birds on this foggy day, interacting with nature and each other. They both appreciated and learned from nature."

Winter 2014 winner: Graham Oaks Nature Park by Michael Barton, Portland

Our Big Backyard photo contest winter 2014 winner: Michael Barton, Portland

"My son, Patrick, looks for bugs along a trail at Graham Oaks Nature Park. In the background houses skirt the north side of the park, a reminder that in Wilsonville and much of the Portland metro region, nature can be close to home. On this spring visit, we enjoyed the trail through the open savanna, where it will take some time for all the newly planted oaks to grow – as well as the trail winding through the oak woodlands, providing plenty of opportunities to turn over a log and look for more bugs."

Metro commits up to $10 million for transformative projects on Willamette and near Forest Park

Missing link: the steady evolution of a wildlife corridor

Read Our Big Backyard Spring 2023

River temperatures still dangerously cold as we head into holiday weekend

Metro commits up to $10 million for transformative projects on Willamette and near Forest Park

Metro partners with City of Portland to protect urban salmon corridor

Community choice grants kickoff

Scouters Mountain's nature garden

Missing link: the steady evolution of a wildlife corridor

Read Our Big Backyard Spring 2023

Enter Our Big Backyard Summer 2023 photo contest

Enter Our Big Backyard photo contest

Sedge Fest brings volunteers to Smith and Bybee Wetlands

Metro protects wildlife and water quality with 92-acre land acquisition in Clackamas County

End of the road at Ennis Creek Forest Natural Area