The Slough is the largest urban wetland in the U.S.A. and includes the Smith and Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area. It is a refuge for salmon as well as 25 other fish species. The Slough contains six lakes, three ponds, 50 miles of waterway, and 30 miles of flood control levees.

The Columbia Slough begins at Fairview Lake and meanders west for 19 miles to Kelley Point Park where it empties into the Willamette River. There are also about 30 miles of secondary waterways and other major surface water features such as Fairview Creek, Fairview Lake, and Smith and Bybee Lakes.

For more information visit the Columbia Slough Watershed Council Web site. The site has some excellent maps of the area as well as information about recreation activities to include canoe and kayak rental.

History

Historically, the Columbia Slough waterway was located in the floodplain for the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Seasonally, the Slough and Columbia River would flood forming new wetlands and channels. To allow the watershed to be developed for agriculture, homes, and businesses, miles of levees were constructed. The waterway was channelized and dozens of streams were diverted from natural channels to underground pipes.

The Columbia Slough has had a long history of environmental decline. But with the elimination of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) in 2000, watershed wide efforts to re-vegetate the Slough with native plants, and the increasing awareness of businesses and residents, the Slough is cleaner today than it has been in over 100 years.

Recreation

The Columbia River provides Portlanders with many recreation opportunities. As an extension of the larger waterway, the Columbia Slough is no different.