1.6 hr
Overview
The Big Four Corners Natural Area in far northeast Portland preserves 165 acres of riparian woodland and waterways, most of it radically disturbed in the past by industrial activity. The city’s plan was to improve habitat and water quality as well as extend the Columbia Slough Trail in a zone of large warehouses. However, the area has become a magnet for those experiencing homelessness, and Portland Parks and Recreation conducted one of its largest ever cleanup operations here in August 2022. Much of the detritus from that massive encampment remains, and it may be only a matter of time before others move in. Thus, this walk is not for families with small children or the faint hearted. It does most emphatically underline the difficulties of maintaining and enhancing natural areas in an urban setting. Nonetheless, the waterways, including the Columbia Slough, are still populated with waterfowl of various species; deer, beaver and otter are present; songbirds flit through the cottonwoods and alders. Keep alert, only come here in broad daylight, and be prepared to turn around if you encounter suspicious activity.
Trail Stats
6.4 km
9 m
14 m
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Photos
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Trail photo
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