Nature Escape to Smith and Bybee

Includes hiking and bicycling trails, fishing, canoeing, and natural areas. Most visitors to the lakes are surprised to find beaver, river otter, black-tailed deer, osprey, bald eagles, and Western painted turtles living only minutes from downtown Portland. Smith and Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area is open every day during daylight hours. Access to the wildlife area is by either the Interlakes Trail (paved and universally accessible) or by boat. The starting point for both is the parking area on Marine Drive. The trail is less than a mile long, round trip, and has two wildlife viewing platforms. There is a portable toilet at the trailhead. Non-motorized boats are allowed.

New Englander Hall Jackson Kelley (1790-1874) was one of the most vocal advocates for Oregon in the first half of the 19th century. In 1828 he published Settlement on the Oregon River, and nine more pamphlets on a similar theme over the next 40 years. A bit deranged, he spent most of his life bitterly trying to win notice – and payment – for having sparked American interest in the Pacific Northwest.

Kelley visited Oregon briefly in 1834. During that time, Sellwood, Milwaukie, and Oregon City were all vying with Portland to be the main city at the north end of the Willamette. Among these was Kelley’s unsuccessful attempt to establish a city at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. In 1926 this site was named Kelley Point.

Kelley Point Park was originally owned by the Port of Portland which covered the flood-prone peninsula with tons of river dredgings. The site that was once envisioned as a city is now a park on an isolated tip of land.

At Rose City Taqueria you won’t find overpriced Mexican Food or fancy dinner plates.

You will find freshly made authentic dishes such as Caldo de Res, Birria, and Cóctel de Camarón priced just right. & be sure to try our agua frescas such as tamarindo and horchata, or our creamy flans! You’ll also find many our regulars including police officers and students who we take pride in feeding every day. So come on by, we’ll be sure to satisfy your cravings for Mexican Food.