Foster Floodplain Natural Area
Just south of Foster Road in Southeast Portland lies the Foster Floodplain Natural Area, a beautiful 63-acre landscape.
The area, which dealt with constant flooding, was transformed into a thriving wetland and forest after the City of Portland worked with families to move out of the floodplain. The restoration project was completed in 2012, and now helps reduce the impacts of both small and large floods on nearby homes and businesses while creating a rich habitat for wildlife.
Visitors will find a half-mile paved trail that winds through ponds, meadows, and groves of cottonwoods, Douglas firs, and oaks. The wide path is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, and it connects to nearby Brookside Wetland and Beggars Tick Wildlife Refuge for a longer loop. Along the way, you might spot salmon or trout moving through Johnson Creek, frogs hiding near the water’s edge, or herons, hawks, and even bald eagles overhead. Rabbits, deer, and coyotes are also part of the diverse wildlife that call this area home.
This natural area is a great place to walk, birdwatch, or just be out in nature. It's also an important community investment. The restored floodplain now holds back stormwater, improves water quality, and reduces the risk of Foster Road flooding. Thousands of native trees, shrubs, and grasses have been planted here, making it one of East Portland’s most vibrant green spaces.
With its peaceful paths, wildlife viewing, and connection to the larger Springwater Corridor Trail, Foster Floodplain Natural Area is a great place to enjoy nature in the heart of the city.
Please remember that dogs are not allowed at this site.
Map
History
Working for over 15 years through the Willing Seller Acquisition Program, the City of Portland purchased the land from 60 families and helped them move out of the 100-year floodplain. Restoration of the 63-acre site, completed in 2012, transformed a flood-prone neighborhood into a beautiful natural area.
Accessibility Notes
Paths
Paved: There is a paved path that is accessible for wheelchairs, mobility devices, and strollers. The surface is asphalt and between 6 and 8 feet wide depending on the section.
Unpaved: There are unpaved trails that break off from the paved path. They are grass and dirt, and are mostly smooth, but there are also many tree roots, rocks, stumps, and other impediments that might make it difficult to navigate for people using wheelchairs, mobility devices, or strollers.
Parking
There is a paved parking lot on Foster Road with a curb cut to access the paved path. There are two designated accessible spaces with striped access aisles in the paved parking lot.