Rail Trail Loop

The Rail Trail Loop lies on a little visited corner of the Willamette Valley's Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. 

The hike is made up of several smaller and distinct loops, allowing hikers to customize their route if they would like. Distinct sections of the path include the rail trail route through an enveloping wall of trees, the Killdeer Marsh section where the trail is mowed grass circling the marsh, the Dunlin Marsh area which is also a grassy trail with views of the surrounding agricultural properties, and the Bashaw Creek area which is slightly lower and crosses a couple weathered bridges.

The highlight of this hike is the boardwalk section, where a wooden boardwalk zigs and zags above a wetlands. A bird viewing blind also sits along the boardwalk, encouraging visitors to get a better view of the migrant and nesting birds who visit the wildlife refuge. Those looking for a shorter family friendly hike can make a right at the first fork to access the boardwalk a short distance from the trailhead.

Portions of the Rail Trail Loop are closed from October 1st through March 31st annually for nesting.

Pets and bicyles are not permitted on this trail. Hikers should also be aware that portions of this trail can be extremely wet.