Butterfly Park Naturescape

Description

View full size image of map of the butterfly park naturescape parking lot

Butterfly Park is one of Portland's smallest parks, but it has a big story to tell. An interpretive sign near the entrance shares information about the park's history and natural features.

The park is connected to the Willamette Greenway Trail and the 40-Mile Loop, making it a nice stop for walkers, runners, and cyclists exploring the river corridor. While small, the park is an important natural area and a good example of how community volunteers and habitat restoration can transform overlooked spaces into welcoming places for people and wildlife.

This beautiful naturescape was designed to support butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. Volunteers planted wildflower seeds from the Columbia River Gorge to help attract butterfly species like mourning cloaks and orange sulphurs. 

The park is also a favorite spot for bird-watchers. Cedar waxwings, killdeer, orioles, chickadees, and other birds are often seen throughout the area. Native plants, dogwoods, oaks, and cottonwoods help create habitat for wildlife while giving the park a calm, natural feel.

These days, you will find native grasses, wildflowers, walking paths, and river views, but the site once looked very different. Years ago, this area was used as a gravel parking lot and dumping ground before Portland Parks & Recreation and community volunteers helped restore it into a healthy riverside habitat.

A short trail leads visitors through the park and toward the river. Along the way, community members can enjoy views of the Willamette River, Ross Island, and the Sellwood area across the water. 

Location and parking

Butterfly Park Naturescape can be accessed from Willamette Park or Macadam Avenue (Highway 43).

The GPS coordinates take you to the Willamette Moorage Park parking lot. From there, you can access a path to the Butterfly Park Naturescape area.