Spring is in the air and you’re probably on the hunt for your next hike. One trail that the whole family is sure to enjoy is the Rail Trail Boardwalk Hike in Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. This short and sweet trail will take you past rich natural beauty and a wide variety of bird species. Take a look:

Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge is an enchanting natural area that will make you feel like you’re a million miles away from it all.

Flickr/Obsidianphotog

Located just south of Salem, this area is home to a wide variety of bird species.

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To get a closer look at the wildlife, take the Rail Trail Boardwalk hike.

Flickr/ST▲Y UP It begins at a parking lot on the south side of Wintel Road. Click here for directions.

Open year-round, this trail will lead you through seasonally flooded ash woodlands and prime bird-watching spots.

Flickr/Sean Fornelli

The short and sweet trail is only 1.4 miles round-trip, making it easy to bring your little ones along.

Trip Advisor/enterthe007

As you make your way over the boardwalk, make sure to be on the lookout for beautiful sights like this.

Trip Advisor/enterthe007

A visit to Ankeny Wildlife National Refuge makes for a serene escape any time of year that the whole family will love.

Flickr/Sheila Sund

Ankeny Wildlife National Refuge is located at 2301 Wintel Rd. S, Jefferson, OR 97352.

Flickr/Obsidianphotog

Flickr/georkisphotography

Flickr/ST▲Y UP

It begins at a parking lot on the south side of Wintel Road. Click here for directions.

Flickr/Sean Fornelli

Trip Advisor/enterthe007

Flickr/Sheila Sund

Have you visited this park before? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to share photos from your outdoor adventures on our Oregon Nature Loves Facebook group for a chance to see your photos featured!

For more fun hikes in the Beaver State, check out our previous article: The Hiking Trail Hiding In Oregon That Will Transport You To Another World.

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