Significant Wetlands

Oregon has a rich diversity of wetlands because of its geography. Though they have diminished over the last 100 years, there are still unique and incredible wetlands across the state worth knowing and visiting, some protected and some not. Wetlands are important to many for different reasons, but all of these reasons are significant for humans and wildlife. Whether it’s for groundwater storage, migrating birds on the Pacific Flyway, salmon habitat, hunting, cultural significance, treating our wastewater, or home to an incredibly rare plant or animal species, these wetlands are worth celebrating. The wetlands here were inspired by the Oregon’s Greatest Wetland initiative, a project designed to help prioritize land conservation efforts by identifying biologically important wetlands. We then filtered that list with a lens for accessibility, education, and recreation. We recognize that this list is not definitive, as there are many, many more beloved, significant wetlands in Oregon not on this list.