The Crown Zellerbach Trail holds numerous unique habitats along its 26 miles. In particular the lower section beginning at Chapman Landing heading towards Scappoose has many wildlife viewing opportunities that change throughout the seasons. A series of fields, assorted trees, sloughs and ponds attract many a bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian. Today I wanted to share a few of the creatures we’ve seen there in 2021.
On a late summer afternoon a family of River Otters played in the mud of a large drying pond.
The main draw here for wildlife enthusiasts are the numerous birds that make their way through the area. Raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds frequent the trail all times of the year, different species becoming prominent in different seasons.
During the Spring and Summer interesting insects make an appearance.
On some days it can be hard to miss garter snakes basking amongst the grass and blackberry bushes alongside the trail. Painted Turtles are more discrete along logs in the waterways.
The lower CZ trail is an easy walk that provides great wildlife viewing opportunities.
Scappoose Trailhead to Chapman Landing at a glance
What: Hiking, bird watching, berry picking
Where: Scappoose Trailhead (45.7611, -122.8697) is on NE Crown Zellerbach Logging Road 0.4 miles east of Hwy 30 in Scappoose, directly east of the intersection with West Lane Road. Chapman Landing Trailhead (45.7505,-122.8442) is on the intersection of Dike Road and E Columbia Road.
Hiking: 3.8 miles to go from Scappoose Trailhead to the Chapman Landing end of the trail and back. Part of the 22-mile long CZ Trail, with another 2.5 miles one-way in the opposite direction to get from the Scappoose Trailhead to Pisgah Trailhead on the west side of Scappoose.
Camping: none
Notable Wildlife: Beaver, River Otter, Brush Rabbit, Bald Eagle, Osprey, American Bittern, Virginia Rail, other wading birds, waterfowl, woodpeckers, Western Painted Turtle, garter snakes
Property status: Columbia County Parks
Website: Crown Z Trail official site
Friends of CZ Linear Park Trail
Wild Columbia County 
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