Delta Ponds

Over 120 bird species have been recorded at Delta Ponds. Look for Gadwall, Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal, Lesser and Greater Scaup, and Common Merganser along with Great Blue Heron, Great Egret (winter) and Green Heron (nesting). Also watch for Bald Eagle, Osprey, and Peregrine Falcon overhead, gulls and Spotted Sandpiper along gravel bars, and Willow Flycatcher, migrating warblers and vireos in riparian growth. A short walking route to view the ponds is to start at the Greenway bike bridge, go to bike path MP 0.75, and return by the same route. For a longer 5 mi loop along the river, at bike path MP 0.5, follow a paved path that leads to Goodpasture Island Rd with overlooks at 0.1 and 0.6 mi. Future trails are planned to surround the ponds between Delta Hwy and Goodpasture Island Rd. From downtown Eugene, go W on W 6th Ave and turn N onto I-105 over the Washington-Jefferson Bridge. Get in the R lane and take the exit to Valley River. Follow the loop under I-105 and head N on Delta Hwy. Get in the R-hand lane and take the Valley River Center exit. Loop over a bridge over Delta Hwy and go W on Valley River Dr. In 0.4 mi you will reach a stoplight at Goodpasture Island Rd. From here, for access to the East Bank Multiuse Path turn L into the VRC parking lot. To reach parking areas next to Delta Ponds turn N (R) on Goodpasture Island Rd and look for a small, gravel pull-out in 0.5 mi, or continue N 0.4 mi to a new parking lot, overlook, and trailhead.