Portland, Oregon – Hikers stepping onto trails in Forest Park or walking beneath maples along the Willamette River are being urged to act immediately if they spot a destructive invasive beetle capable of killing hardwood trees across the Portland metro area.
According to the U.S. Forest Service and the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the Asian longhorned beetle attacks maple, birch, willow, poplar and elm trees. Officials stress that early detection is critical because the insect tunnels deep into trunks, weakening trees long before obvious dieback appears.
Forest Park, Tryon Creek State Natural Area and riverfront greenways in Portland contain dense stands of hardwoods that shade trails, protect streambanks and cool neighborhoods during warmer months. Similar tree cover stretches into Beaverton, Gresham and Lake Oswego parks, where foot traffic increases during spring.
The beetle is glossy black with bright white spots and long black-and-white banded antennae that extend beyond its body. Visitors may notice perfectly round exit holes in trunks or sawdust-like material at the base of trees.
If infestations expand, weakened limbs could snap during gusty spring systems, creating hazards along heavily used trails.
Officials urge residents and park visitors to kill the beetle on sight if safely possible and report sightings immediately to state agriculture authorities. Rapid reporting this season could prevent widespread tree removal and protect Portland’s iconic canopy into summer.
