Campbell Creek Estuary Trails

The feel

A gravel path loops less than a mile through cottonwood trees, an old garden plot and meadow grasses. It is foot traffic only, with no dogs and no bikes, and an occasional moose wanders through.

Two spur trails branch off the meadow loop. One goes to a platform at the base of the bluff with a close view of Campbell Creek and the estuary. The other goes to a hidden bird blind for watching sandhill cranes, and multiple pairs nest in and around the estuary each year.

What to expect

Route and terrain

A flat gravel meadow loop of 0.9 mile with about 49 ft of gain. It has two overlook platforms and a hidden bird blind, reached by two spur trails.

Time

About 0.5 hour.

Crowds and best time

Spring or fall are good for migrating birds, and throughout the summer there is a good chance to see nesting birds.

Parking

A 10 space lot at the end of Selkirk Drive, with school bus parking, lighting and crane-shaped bike racks.

Dogs

Not allowed, to protect sensitive bird nesting habitat.

Kids

Easy, and strollers are permitted.

Bathrooms and water

Portable toilets are on site.

Mingo says

Visit in spring or fall to catch cranes on migration. Summer is the time to see nesting pairs from the blind.

Before you go

• Drive west on Dimond Blvd toward Jewel Lake, turn left onto Edinburgh Dr, then right onto Selkirk Dr to the lot at 9531 Selkirk Drive.
• Leave dogs and bikes at home, since neither is allowed on the trails.
• Stay on the marked trails because revegetation projects are under way.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.