Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area

Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
Smith Lake from north shore, 2008
Location of Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area in Oregon
LocationPortland, Multnomah, Oregon, United States
Coordinates45°37′02″N 122°46′42″W / 45.61722°N 122.77833°W / 45.61722; -122.77833
Area2,000 acres (8.1 km2)
Elevation20 ft (6.1 m)
Governing bodyMetro Regional Government
WebsiteSmith and Bybee Wetlands

Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is a public park and nature reserve between the Columbia Slough and the Columbia River in Portland, Oregon. At about 2,000 acres (810 ha), it is one of the largest urban freshwater wetlands in the United States. Metro, the regional government for the Oregon part of the Portland metropolitan area, manages the park. A covered shelter, restrooms, a paved walkway, and a canoe launch lie on the north side of the natural area.

Although surrounded by port terminals, warehouses, and commercial areas, Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife including beaver, bald eagles and western painted turtles. An artificial water-control system helps keep the wetlands wet. Other systems collect methane and prevent leaching from a closed landfill near the south edge of the park.