Minto-Brown Island Park is a wildlife refuge in the heart of Salem and spreads out over 1,200 acres to the east of the Willamette River. The park contains open and wooded natural areas which are home to ground nesting birds, deer, blue herons, ospreys, eagles, and more. Platforms are available at some of the sloughs for observation and fishing.

A beloved park for running, biking, and walking, 29 miles of trails make up nine loops and provide access to Riverfront Park and Wallace Marine Park by way of the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge and Union Street Railroad Bridge.

A designated 30-acre off-leash dog area provides room for dogs to roam, play, and socialize. West of the dog park is a small playground with a nearby shelter available by reservation.

We have two programs for people wanting to be involved in the community and Minto-Brown Island Park.

Minto-Brown Island Park Shelter

The shelter can fit 64 people and has two counter workspaces with electrical outlets (20 amps max.) A small playground is to the east of the shelter and chemical toilets are nearby to the north.

• 8 picnic tables
• 4 garbage cans
• No potable water
• Alcohol use: May be approved as part of the reservation.
• Amplified sound not allowed

Park Calendar

Base Reservation Rates

307-acres within the park

In 2013, the City purchased property from the Boise Cascade Corporation. The 307-acre area was acquired as a conservation area through the Willamette Wildlife Mitigation Program, which is administered by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Funding for the acquisition was provided by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). Both BPA and ODFW hold a Conservation Easement on the property. According to the Conservation Easement, the 307-acre area is to be managed for fish and wildlife habitat, with limited trail access allowed for passive recreation.

In 2015, the City produced a management plan for the Conservation Area, outlining restoration methods and areas. Phase 1 focused on the east side forested floodplain restoration and planting along the paved trail, and was funded with a grant from Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and Meyer Memorial Trust in 2016. Phase 2 restoration, in partnership with Willamette Riverkeeper, is beginning in summer 2019 and is focused on reducing invasive aquatic weeds in Willamette Slough. A grant for Phase 3 restoration work will continue to improve the habitat by restoring native floodplain forested areas along the western edge in the Minto Island Conservation Area. In 2025, the City updated the management plan to reflect completed projects and outline a work plan for the next 10 years.

The main goal of the conservation area is to protect and improve the natural habitats and species that live there. A special agreement with Bonneville Power Administration requires that the area be managed for wildlife and allow only limited access for quiet recreation. These restrictions help ensure that the area remains a safe home for wildlife, while still allowing people to enjoy nature responsibly. 

Year-round restrictions apply to events within the Minto Island Conservation area.

Minto Island Conservation Plan 2025 update