From exploring tide pools teeming with life to witnessing Oregon's tallest lighthouse, there is something for every visitor at Yaquina Head. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area extends out from the Oregon coast, one mile into the Pacific Ocean. Standing 93 feet tall at the westernmost point of the basalt headland, the lighthouse has been a bright beacon of the night, guiding ships and their supplies along the west coast since the light was first lit on August 20, 1873. The offshore islands are a year-round refuge for harbor seals and a spring-summer home for thousands of nesting seabirds. Gray whales can be spotted during their annual migrations to Mexico (late fall-early winter) and Alaska (late winter-early spring). During the summer months some gray whales take the opportunity to feed in the shallow waters around the headland. Cobble Beach is compiled of millions of round basalt rocks that produce an applause-like sound as the waves roll in. When the tide is low a vibrant ocean floor is revealed—pools of colorful animals including orange sea stars, purple sea urchins, and giant green anemones. Rangers are at hand to answer questions and point out all of the amazing plants and animals that call the tide pools home. Visit the Interpretive Center and discover 140 years of lighthouse history and thousands of years of natural and cultural history. Friends of Yaquina Lighthouses, a non-profit organization, offers site-related books, maps, and postcards in their interpretive store. Whether you want to see raging winter storms batter the Oregon coast, learn about the role lighthouses played in the westward expansion of the United States, or watch peregrine falcons at play, visit Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and experience something wild.See more..
This scenic coastal spot features a large rock with face-like features.See more..
4.5Wildlife Safari(751 reviews) - Wow! Pretty darn cool. Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
Wildlife Safari is a non-profit AZA accredited zoological park dedicated to conservation, education and research since its inception in 1972. Wildlife Safari is a fun-filled family destination where you can view over 500 animals in their natural habitat roaming freely much as they do in the wild! Visitors to the park drive through a 4.5 mile trek to see animals from Africa, Asia and the America’s. This unique setting offers many opportunities to get up close and personal with animals large and small. The free Safari Village is home to over 100 unique animals, a petting zoo, beautiful gardens, the Gift Shop, Safari Village Café and the White Rhino Event Center.See more..
4.5Cascades Raptor Center(508 reviews) - One of the great things about Eugene. Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
Nestled on a wooded hillside in south Eugene, this nature center and wildlife hospital specializes in birds of prey. Some 40 resident birds of 30 native species are on display, including owls, falcons, hawks, to bald and golden eagles. Open Tuesday-Sunday and some major Monday holidays.See more..
4.5Hoyt Arboretum(367 reviews) - the ol’ tree museum Sunday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Gardens
A popular destination for nature lovers, this arboretum contains many different species of trees.See more..
Wildlife Images is non-profit wildlife rehabilitation and education center in beautiful Southern Oregon. We have been a non-profit since 1981, when our mission of Saving Wildlife started. Our center includes a wildlife hospital for wild patients and permanent residents, youth camps throughout the year, and over 80 permanent residents who cannot be released back to the wild. By taking a tour you can view a great assortment of birds, smaller mammals, reptiles, and large mammals such as cougars, bears and wolves! The tours provide a unique, up-close encounter with wildlife that is not seen every day.See more..
This was literally my favorite thing I did on my trip to Portland. We wandered here on our way to Bridge of the Gods. So so neat to see all the holding ponds of baby rainbow trout and sturgeon along with the adult full sized ones. There is a viewing area with a window to view under neath the water in the large pond. It was fascinating to see these HUGE sturgeon and rainbow trout just lazily swimming around. Lots of interesting facts to read about and a super neat gift shop too :)See more..
4.5Great Cats World Park(191 reviews) - Southern Oregon Gem Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
Great venue! We have been 3 times because whenever we have guests coming to Oregon...this is one of the places we love to visit. If you are staying in the Grants Pass area or the Medford area, this is a great morning stop in conjunction visiting either the caves...or a day trip to the Redwoods (we usually take folks to the Trees of Mystery).See more..
White Wolf Sanctuary is a 501 c 3 non profit organization. The Sanctuary is located in the coastal forest of Tidewater, Oregon where the wolves live in spacious habitats, and are allowed to freely run.See more..
Everything was covered in snow and ice during our visit (the previous days 4 to 5 feet of snow had fallen). The hike (or snowshoe walking) there was a beautiful experience in the forest. The viewpoint is a short walk of less than 1 mile from the parking lot or 1.5mile from the Union Creek Resort.See more..
I love the hikes at FWLR - good trails and so much to see. However, I have yet to see an elk herd. What is the best season to do that? What time of day? what location (meadow, marsh..)? It's mid-June, so I'm hoping I can get some elk-sighting in before the fall.See more..
Over 3.5 miles of trail to hike on. No pets or drones allowed. Beautiful views of the Tualatin Valley. Benches to sit on.See more..
5.0Rowena Crest Viewpoint(75 reviews) - A MUST DO site! Points of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Walking Areas
No trip to the Gorge is complete without coming here! Easy trailed hikes. Just a short drive from our hotel near the locks. Great place to fly your drone if you brought it with you! And this site is free!!See more..
I went in early evening and walked the full loop around the refuge. It was peaceful, and I could hear birds chirping and singing along the entire trail. I saw a few other animals, too - a rabbit, deer, squirrels, and even 2 muskrats play-fighting in the water. This is a great place if you’re looking for a couple hours out in nature without a long drive from the city. See more..
We spent the morning at the Nature Preserve hiking. First hike was the McCall Trail which was about three miles total - in and out path. It traveled up a large hill with some elevation gain and provided spectacular views the whole way up. After we crossed the street to do the more leisurely Rowena's Crest which again provided spectacular views of the area and of the wild flowers. Both trails were peaceful and quiet. See more..
4.5Bald Hill Natural Area(55 reviews) - Great trails and good views! Nature & Wildlife Areas
In addition to the paved trail, there are unpaved trails that run up and down Bald Hill itself in addition to the flatter, tree covered area. In the drier months, you'll be sharing the trails with horses and mountain bikers. From the paved path (and above), you can see snow-capped mountains to the east. The top of Bald Hill has a bench looking into the valley. The smaller parking lots can fill up, but you'll always have a spot if you enter from the fairgrounds.See more..
We have only been there is the spring but so fun. Lots of birds and their babies. You an just spend half an hour or half a day here. We might take a lunch next time. The longer you stay the more chance you have of seeing something interesting.See more..
My husband and I drove here for a Mother's Day stroll. I was surprised the variety of wildflowers that were in bloom. Took the opportunity to take several photo shots. Lots of ducks and nutria. Also spotted a bald eagle. A few paths are paved, but most of the walking is on gravel. It's too bad because it's noisy to walk on and it scares the wildlife. Looks like the water was extremely low in the ponds. Hopefully we get some rain soon. Plenty of parking and public restrooms. Covered area with picnic tables is available. I believe a visitor center will soon to open too?See more..
Perhaps the most celebrated of all birder destinations in the Northwest. Birders might well see a hundred species of birds at Malheur from August through November.See more..
I was extremely grateful to have looked at my “ Take a Walk Portland” book for trails in Portland. This one hit the spot today. I had no idea what to expect and when I saw that scenic route with the beautiful views of The Sandy River it was all worth the drive. There’s a $5.00 per car to park. The visitors center is extremely helpful at the entrance. Bring a picnic! I forgot mine and his Park has several areas to relax and trials. Drive towards the end of the park and take a look at the Boat Ramp area, the river looks great there as well. My favorite place to rest is along the Sandy River located at the Happy Trail area. You will feel a trail that takes you down to the river. Amazing ...A must see! Lots of wild life and people fishing. Happy Trails ! See more..
5.0Wildwood Recreation Site(42 reviews) - Great easy paths Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
We stopped her on our drive along Mt. Hood Scenic Byway and it was well worth it. There are paths you can hike that are not too steep. One follows the River and is a beautiful hike. Another is a boardwalk over wetlands. We greatly enjoyed the stop.See more..
4.5Dorris Ranch(42 reviews) - GREAT PLACE Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Hiking Trails
Explore Oregon's oldest working filbert farm! Dorris Ranch's 258 encompass 11 hazelnut orchards (local folks call them filberts), native oak savannah, riverside habitats and secluded trails. This is the western terminus of the four-mile paved Middle Fork Path.See more..
This National wildlife reserve features a beautiful hike through oak savanna and woodland, the endangered Fender’s blue butterfly, lots of birds, views of the nearby wineries, including Andante Vineyard, Van Duzer Vineyard.See more..
Great road trip stop. This is our favorite kind of place to stop on raodtrips. Get some education, see something new, stretch our legs. We threw some lunch in a backpack and headed into the volcano. Easy hiking trails into massive volcanic rock formations. In early april it was a bit chilly and windy. We were glad to find this stop See more..
One of the last spots the pioneers stopped on the Oregon Trail right on the Snake River that divides Idaho from Oregon, Historical makers and interpretive displays as you walk along the river bank. Lots of birds and wild life. We camped in our camping trailer for several days right on the bank of the the reservoir. The bathrooms and showers were spotless and are cleaned daily. The camp hosts and rangers were friendly and helpful. Will definitely return here again. We were looking for beauty, solitude and closeness to home and this fit the bill being only 60 miles from our home, but a world away in restfulness.See more..
5.0Kilchis Point Reserve(31 reviews) - Great nature and Native American cultural guided walk Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
I've twice taken the walk through the wooded area of the KIlchis Point Reserve and it is one of my favorite things to do on the northern Oregon Coast. The signage, with history of the area, both Native American and colonists around Bay City, and the natural history aspect of the area are educational. The walk itself is well paved, smooth, and level -- accessible for kids, elderly and disabled. See more..
4.5Little Zigzag Falls(29 reviews) - Great hike for little ones! Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails • Waterfalls
Fantastic hike for families with young ones. We took this hike around 3pm after a long day of other hikes. I was apprehensive about taking on another hike with 3 tired kids, but I was advised it was easy. My wife and I had our 10 year old, 6 year old and 3 year old with us. The whole path was shaded, had plenty of rocks and things for the kids to climb on, the stream/river runs along the path the entire way, which also kept them entertained. It wasn't terribly busy in the afternoon, and the whole experience was great. Even then tired little 3 year old had a great time. All 3 kids rated it their favorite hike so far.See more..
Just took a quick 2 day trip from Bend to Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge; it was awesome to explore this remote part of the state! We made reservations to stay near Plush at Hart Mountain Cabin (hartmountaincabin.com) for one night and I highly recommend it. It's the perfect "home base" and they welcome dogs. It was clean and cozy, and the owners even gave us tips on where to go and how to get there. We drove the bumpy gravel roads throughout the refuge, searching for wildlife. Definitely bring binoculars. We saw 60+ antelope, several hawks, and a few cute chipmunks. Pack your own snacks cause Plush (25+ miles from the refuge) is the only place for food. We enjoyed a soak in the hot springs and a short hike. Not many designated hiking trails; it's more suited to scenic driving. Enjoy!See more..
Tours are by appointment only so please call ahead for availability. Badger Run is a 501(c)3 nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation facility & we are essentially all volunteer. We care for on average 200 wildlife patients each year. We also provide educational presentations throughout the region.See more..
Very special environment of high grass prairie. The wildflowers were beautiful on our hike on Patti's trail. There are three other hikes-people are allowed in certain areas. We got wonderful information for our 3-4 hour adventure from the Enterprise office of the Nature Conservancy. See more..
Nice place for a relaxing walk. We visited during Christmas and the grounds were wet and it was a cold day. However the park has nice paved trails so we were able to enjoy our walk around the parkSee more..
4.5Chip Ross Natural Area(22 reviews) - Go about once a week - Excellent trail system Nature & Wildlife Areas
Lots of different trails of varying length and easiness, easy to get lost if you're not paying attention. Not to worry too much if you get lost, you'll eventually pop out somewhere but that could be 2 hours later on the complete other end of town. Also, some of the trails are within a 100 feet of civilization but when things are in bloom it is hard to tell. Scenery excellent, quiet, great vistas. There can big muddy spots on certain trails after a rain. Some people bring horses, so watch your step (horse people never heard of mini shovels, so easy to through the stuff in the bushes). See more..
4.5Mount Scott(22 reviews) - A must hike to get the 360 deg view. Not as hard as indicated. Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails • Volcanos
We are both 66 and it took us 1 1/4 hr. to get to the top. Not as hard as they advertise. Spectacular 360 deg. view from top. Not to be missed. See more..
I live in Eastern Oregon and discovered this area quite by mistake. But, wow what a fascinating location. There is a self-guided tour with numbered locations and information about each area. We stayed in Diamond for three days of touring. A great place to hit the Steen's Mtns, the Alvord salt flats, the Round Barn, Crystal Crane Hot springs and of course the Diamond CratersSee more..
I went here yesterday and walked to the end of the rails but not to the end of the trail and then turned around, and headed back, which on the way back, I did hear a chorus of frogs communicating with each other from different parts of the rail trail. I was really hoping to see a little bit of wildlife, but I didn't; but I did see a little bit of evidence of Beavers in the area; by seeing a few downed trees but not much else.See more..
Went on the Alsea falls trail head that turned out to be more for mountain bikers than trail hikers. We got 8.4 miles heading up the busy bike trail, having to often step off the trail to make way for the mountain bikers. The trail works it’s way up about 1300 feet in elevation gradually and you stay in a thinned forest until you hit mile 4. Then you are in a natural forest with old growth. I don’t recommend the hike for kids just because all the bikers and the need to keep a constant vigilance for them. The area is well marked making getting to the trail head easy. The trail is easy to follow. The way down back to parking lot is a old logging road. See more..
4.5Klamath Fish Hatchery(15 reviews) - Who doesn't love a fish hatchery Nature & Wildlife Areas
Bring your quarters, or they do have a change machine, and get ready to feed the trout. We have stopped at many a hatchery and this one was perfectly fine. You see trout from the smallest to those that look like they are just the right size for dinner! There is a picnic table and restroom. This hatchery is very easy to get to, just a half mile off the 62, on your way to or from Crater Lake.See more..
4.5Susan Creek Campground(15 reviews) - Immaculate Spent More than 3 hours Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Contrary to other reviews we did not find it crowded. There is enough vegetation between sites for some privacy. The campground is in the middle of a massive burn scar but they were able to protect it. When we arrived our campsite was in perfect condition, the whole site had been carefully raked, and they even left an artistic pattern in the gravel. Kudos to the camp hosts.See more..
5.0Willamette Hatchery(14 reviews) - Interesting stop to see how Salmon is raised Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
Great place to learn about how the state is protecting and populating it's salmon population. Saw so many salmon jumped upstream, even when they're very young. This is a free attraction and have many spots for picnic and playground for kids.See more..
4.0Tiger Preservation Center(13 reviews) - Great experience! Hidden Gem Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas
Stumbled upon this amazing place on a road trip from Seattle to Los Angeles. If I hadn't had such an attentive co-pilot we could have easily missed this amazing sanctuary. After turning in you'll follow a small dirt road that dead ends to a large gate. Upon arrival you'll be greeted by one of the owners. The tour is only $8 dollars and for what you're getting they could easily charge double. The place is loaded with a wide variety of exotic animals and each has its own unique story as to how they ended up in this small Oregon town. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to wonder the entire property and take everything in. We would have easily stayed all afternoon if I hadn't brought up our need to get back on the road.See more..
5.0Opal Creek Wilderness Area(12 reviews) - Nice hike to Opal Pool and Jawbone Flats Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails • Forests
This is a nice 7 mile round trip hike. From the trailhead hike about 2 miles and you will see the rusting machinery from the Merten Mill. Another 0.2 miles, there will be a fork where you want to go right to cross the bridge and continue on the trail left along the river. Hike another mile to the Opal Pool. Just beyond you will see a bridge that crosses towards Jawbone Flats where you can rent cabins to stay. From there just hike the main road back to the parking lot.See more..
We were going to go on a hike in Oregon, but the humidity and heat were higher than what the forecast had predicted (that never happens ), so instead I suggested the boardwalk. It's less than a a half mile, easy, and educational. There are always different flowers blooming, and this day the new Darlingtonias were up. There's a fine view of the valley and mountains too. Limited parking, but it looks like they are working on creating more spaces.See more..
4.5Leslie Gulch(10 reviews) - A must see Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations
This place was quiet and free of crowds. I would take any guest from out of town here. The hiking is easy and we only scrambled over some rocks at one time. We took our dogs, but not sure of the leash rule. We didn't see anyone else all day. Take plenty of water and go early as it will get hot later in the season. Also try to avoid the wet season as it could get muddy. Spend a few hours exploring and taking photos.See more..
4.5Orenco Woods Nature Park(10 reviews) - Awesome spot for a morning run! Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Nice spot for a morning walk/jog/run, stunning scenery - including some very cool sculptures, bridges. It ties into a nice trail system that leads to the other Hillsboro parks. Was a nice early morning find on a quick trip to the area.See more..
4.5Hogan Butte Nature Park(9 reviews) - Fabulous view of five famous mountains!!! Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Visited on a clear day and saw amazing views of all the big peaks! Wonderful little hike with interpretive signage all along the well documented trail. Great place for viewing if you’re in the area!See more..
4.5North Mountain Park(9 reviews) - Best natural area in any Ashland park Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
This park has the best natural area with lots of native plants. One usually sees turtles and ducks in the pond. The formal gardens by the Nature Center building are great. An excellent example of plants that are beneficial for pollinators.See more..
5.0Hyland Forest Park(8 reviews) - Neighborhood nature hideaway Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
This 30-acre forested park is a beautiful, quiet oasis in the middle of a residential neighborhood. It features well-maintained trails, with a slight grade, for walking or running. At the southeast corner of the park, there's also a small area that's been marked off for "nature play" - meaning little ones can go off-trail to play make-believe or look for bugs, etc. If you bring your dog, please follow leash and poop-scoop laws. It's usually not heavily used, so if you're visiting the Beaverton area and want a quiet nature break, this is a great place to seek out. Easily accessed off Murray Blvd.See more..
4.5Starvation Creek Ridge Loop(8 reviews) - Four waterwals to see at once! Spent 2-3 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests
We didn't make the whole loop but walked for 3 waterfalls: Starvation Creek Falls (just 5 minutes of the partking lot), then going West on Starvation Ridge Trail # 414 to see Cabin Creek Falls and continue our walk toward Hole in the Wall Falls. All 3 are wonderful to see and experience to photograph. There are restrooms by the parking lot at Starvation Creek Falls and picnic table with bances at the Hole in the Fall Falls. The trail is shady, nicely paved and pleasant to walk. It took us about 1 hr 15 minutes to see all of them without hurry!See more..
5.0Fitton Green Natural Area(8 reviews) - Gorgeous views and wildlife Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Hiking Trails
One of the most beautiful places in Corvallis. The parking situation is small, but we have never had a problem getting a spot. The hike up to the top of the hill is relatively easy, and once you're at the top, it's always windy. Bring a hoodie. See more..
