Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve is located ½ mile south of downtown Hillsboro along Highway 219. Once, it was a shrubby floodplain used by the Atfalati Indians for hunting small game and gathering roots. Today, the wetlands provide a variety of wildlife habitats and are a seasonal or permanent home to an increasing number of birds, mammals and other wildlife.
The south end of the Preserve boasts over four miles of trails and is an ideal location for passive recreation including hiking, birdwatching, and animal tracking. The trails are open dawn to dusk and are flooded during the winter months.
In 2003, Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve opened a 12,000 square-foot Wetlands Education Center with offices, a nature store, a classroom for programs, and child-friendly exhibit hall. The exhibit hall features hands-on educational displays suitable for all ages, and the classroom is available for rentals. For those looking for a directed experience, the Preserve also hosts a range of fun and educational community programs.