Wildlife & Nature

Conserving the diversity of wildlife species and their habitats is not only critical to the continued health of lands and waters within and beyond the state's borders, it also enriches the lives of Oregonians who enjoy wildlife in their backyards or in travels around the state. In addition, many tourists come to Oregon to enjoy its fish and wildlife resources and contribute significantly to the state's economy.

Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the fishing and crabbing opportunities. Several walking and hiking trails are located just minutes from downtown, offering a taste of the cities diverse wilderness.

Fort Stevens State Park — Originally a Civil War fortification over the Columbia River in 1863, Fort Stevens State Park is one of Oregon's loveliest and largest parks. Enjoy miles of pristine beaches, the wreck of the "Peter Iredale," freshwater lakes, picnic facilities, nature trails, boating, camping, biking, horseback riding, and swimming. Fort Stevens has over six miles of hiking trails and nine miles of winding bike trails, and is the beginning of the Oregon Coast Trail traversing south to California.

Coffenbury Lake provides 2 swimming areas, picnicking and a boat ramp. Creep, Crawl and Crabapple Lakes have boat ramps for fishing and canoeing.

Fort Clatsop National Memorial — Located near Seaside, this site commemorates the 1805-06 winter encampment of the 33-member Lewis and Clark Expedition. The facility includes the reconstructed fort, a visitor center/museum, historical exhibits, a canoe landing, a spring and a picnic area joined by trails through the wetlands and rainforest. The fort, historic canoe landing, and spring are nestled in the coastal forests and wetlands of the Coast Range as it merges with the Columbia River Estuary.

Ecola State Park/Whale Watching — Ecola State Park, south of Seaside, offers breathtaking views on the Oregon Coast. The mists and fog against the sun, and the changing surf create a myriad of shades and vistas. The beaches are ideal for walking, picnicking, and whale watching. At this official watch point, you can see Grey whales migrating along the coast during the spring, winter and summer.

Necanicum River and Estuary Walking Trail — Winding out to sea through rugged sand dunes, the Necanicum River is popular for boating, crabbing and fishing. The Estuary Walking Trail - accessible from the 12th Avenue parking lot - winds for about a mile as you enter more unspoiled territory, eventually at a rocky area near the bay mouth.

Quatat Marine Park — Part of downtown Seaside, along the river, this park has nice picnic tables and a boat ramp.

Fort Columbia State Park — Located in Chinook, Wash., Fort Columbia State Park is a 593-acre historical park with 6,400 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River. The park celebrates a military site that constituted the harbor defense of the Columbia River from 1896 to 1947. The park provides beautiful views of the Columbia River estuary, observation station, and five miles of hiking trails through mature forest. An interpretive center focuses on fort history and Chinook Native American culture.

Cullaby Lake — Cullaby Lake comes complete with picnic tables, boat ramps, a swimming area, stoves and other amenities. Access to the popular lake and nearby park is a bit north of the Del Rey Beach access.

Youngs River Falls — Youngs River Falls, discovered by the Lewis and Clark expedition while hunting in the area, became a backdrop for the filming of a scene in Free Willy II. This stunning 65-foot waterfall is located south of Astoria on Youngs River Loop Road. Youngs River Falls County Park is a popular picnic spot and cycling route.

Oregon Coast Trail — The Oregon Coast Trail begins with a flat, 17-mile stretch from the South Jetty of the Columbia River to Seaside. Follow in the footsteps of the Lewis & Clark Expedition on the six-mile hike across Tillamook Head between Seaside and Cannon Beach and enjoy the forest and ocean views.

Oswald West State Park — Oswald West State Park has 12 miles of the beautiful Oregon Coast Trail, Neahkahnie Mountain and a hike-in campground.

Saddle Mountain — Saddle Mountain (elev. 3,283') is a marvel of natural beauty - from a mature forest setting to fields of wildflowers to a rocky summit. Saddle Mt. Trail, the highest point in northwest Oregon and a 5.2-mile roundtrip hike to the top, encompasses rough terrain and steep grades, which make for interesting climbing. As you climb, remember to look up and out at the landscape. The view from the apex is a floral show that only exists at that elevation. Hikers will enjoy a unique landscape as well as the beauty of the forest below.

Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge — Accessible by boat, the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 313 acres of islands and sand bars in Oregon’s Columbia River estuary, bordered by acres of tidelands and open water. The Refuge provides wintering areas for 1,000 tundra swans, 5,000 geese, 30,000 ducks, and many wildlife species. The Refuge offers wildlife observation and photography; waterfowl hunting; fishing for salmon, trout, sturgeon, and warm water fish; camping at Skamokawa Vista Park; and boat launch at John Day Point and Aldrich Point.

The Columbia River Estuary Eco-Cruise — The Columbia River Estuary - famous for its pristine beauty, natural resources and abundant wildlife - can be explored on a Columbia River Eco-cruise. The islands of the Columbia River are a wildlife habitat for birds, especially the Caspian tern, California sea lions, harbor seals and cormorants. Many of the low islands, which are grassy and forested wetlands, are home to bald eagles, great blue herons, diving and dabbling ducks, and river otters. Enjoy the scenery and history of Long Island, the largest island in the estuary, where quaint lighthouses, the shipwreck Isabella, and abandoned waterfront villages furnish a look into the past.