As part of the 11th VANPORT MOSAIC FESTIVAL (May 22-31, 2026)
Presence and Preservation, a Force Lake Birdwatching and Historical Walking Tour
Join Marti Clemmons, archivist and historian at Portland State University, and Bo Lyons (BIRDHERS) as we explore a space where history and nature intersect. (Read this article about the tour published last year by The Oregonian.)
Part of the Columbia River Slough, Force Lake once served as a recreational outlet for the residents of Vanport. A physical remnant of the era, today it serves as an accessible birding spot, a place that weaves the past and present into an observable experience.
There is much to observe at Force Lake that helps us gain a deeper context and understanding of our surroundings. The birds are a thread that connects the past and present. Join to imagine the changing landscape they fly over.
(Photo: Vanport's Force Lake shoreline, circa 1944.)
About The Event
What to bring: Pack along water, warm layers, and binoculars. Extra binoculars will be available for those who don’t have their own.
Accessibility: The walk will be ~1 mile along a mostly flat trail. There is no restroom on site. Free parking is available.
Getting there: Follow the road past 11415 North Force Ave to find a larger parking lot. Keep an eye out for Columbia Slough Watershed Council signs. Public Transportation: Bus #11 drops riders off at Marine Dr/Middlefield Rd, a ~0.4-mile walk to Force Lake. Yellow MAX line drops riders at the Expo Center Station, a ~0.7-mile walk.
About Birdhers
Birdhers is a local community organization that facilitates weekly free bird walks for Womin, Non-Binary, and Trans folks. Visit their website, or follow them on Instagram to learn more (@birdherspdx).
About Vanport
Vanport Mosaic is a platform for memory activism. We believe remembering is an act of resistance. Rooted in Vanport and shaped by local communities, we amplify, honor, and preserve silenced histories through oral history, public programs, artistic practice, and our annual festival, connecting past and present to shape a future where we all belong.