Reflections on the Columbia Slough and connected lakes and wetlands. This slough, stretching some 18 miles from Fairview Lake to its outlet on the Willamette River at Kelly Point Park drains much of North East and North Portland. The lower portion of the slough is tidal, whereas the upper portion is not, instead it is used to control drainage and flooding in the lowlands South of the Columbia River. Whereas in the past it has been degraded by its use as a sewer, more recently it has benefited from substantial efforts at clean up and restoration. And though the slough seems largely invisible to the general public, it nonetheless provides a habitat for a dazzling array of wildlife. A trip along this waterway will often provide the viewer with glimpses of the likes of Bald Eagles, Great Blue Heron, Red Tail Hawks, Beaver, Osprey, Egrets, Kingfishers, Red Winged Blackbirds to name a few.