40 Mile Loop: Kelley Point Park and Smith & Bybee Wetlands

You can find parking at Kelley Point Park, which is a great starting point for this route. For visiting the Smith & Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, there are designated parking areas near its entrance, where you can also find bike racks if you plan to explore the wetlands on foot.

Yes, this route is considered easy and is very suitable for beginners and families. The terrain is largely flat with paved surfaces, making it accessible for casual touring cyclists. The minimal elevation gain ensures a comfortable ride for all skill levels.

The terrain is predominantly flat and paved, ideal for touring bicycles. You'll ride on multi-use paved paths like the Marine Drive Trail and within Kelley Point Park. While most surfaces are smooth, be aware that some sections within Kelley Point Park might have cracks and lips due to tree roots and weather.

This route offers a diverse mix of urban and natural scenery. You'll experience the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers at Kelley Point Park, offering views of river traffic and wildlife. You'll also pass by the View of the Oregon Slough Railroad Bridge. The route leads to the serene Smith & Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, known for its marshy lakes and abundant birdlife.

Both Kelley Point Park and the Smith & Bybee Wetlands are excellent for wildlife viewing. At Kelley Point Park, look for Bewick's wrens, Caspian terns, osprey, cormorants, gulls, rabbits, and squirrels. The Smith & Bybee Wetlands are a prime spot for birdwatching, with geese, ducks, Great Egrets, and Bald Eagles. You might even spot Western Painted Turtles basking in the backwaters on warm days.

The route can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall often offer pleasant temperatures for cycling and excellent opportunities for birdwatching in the wetlands. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Always check local weather conditions before you head out.

Yes, this route is an integral part of the larger 40 Mile Loop system. Along the way, you'll utilize sections of the Marine Drive Trail, Columbia Slough Trail, and Peninsula Crossing Trail, connecting you to Portland's extensive network of greenways.

Kelley Point Park is generally dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash. However, bicycles and dogs are generally not permitted inside the Smith & Bybee Wetlands Natural Area itself to protect the sensitive wildlife habitat. You can use bike racks at the entrance to lock your bike and explore the wetlands on foot, but pets are still restricted within the natural area.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Smith & Bybee Wetlands Natural Area. It is open to the public for enjoyment and wildlife viewing, though certain regulations apply to protect the natural environment, such as restrictions on bicycles and pets within the wetlands themselves.

When visiting Smith & Bybee Wetlands, remember that it's a sensitive natural area. Bicycles are generally not allowed on the Interlakes Trail within the wetlands; you'll find bike racks at the entrance to secure your bike if you wish to walk. Pets are also restricted. Stay on marked trails to protect wildlife and their habitats, and bring binoculars for excellent birdwatching opportunities.

This specific route, covering approximately 33.6 kilometers (20.9 miles), typically takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes of active cycling time. This duration can vary based on your pace, how often you stop for scenic views, or if you choose to explore Kelley Point Park or the Smith & Bybee Wetlands on foot.