Climbing Bald Hill

On the western outskirts of Corvallis is a beautiful overlook known as Bald Hill. I grew up in the area just south of the hill and have spent many days wandering its oak-lined trails. Many locals come here regularly for hiking, biking, horse-back riding, and picnics. On a sunny day, you will likely cross paths with at least a dozen fellow adventurers.

Yesterday was just such a day, so off I went with Nick, Maria, and the ever adorable Ginny.

Area Map

Northern Trail Head

There are three trail heads that provide access to Bald Hill, located north, east, and south of the area. We chose the northern entrance as it provides the most shade for parking.

There's also a little creek at the north entrance. I once spotted a veritable pile of garter snakes sunning themselves on the rocks here, but not today.

The lower areas are a bit marshy and I was surprised to find much more evidence of cattails here than at Jackson-Frazier. It seems that the wetland has been steadily taken over by grasses.

Cattail Marsh

From below, the hill doesn't seem all that high, and the path that links the entrances can make for a nice casual stroll or jog even if you don't make the ascent.

Bald Hill from Below

At the base of the hill, the paths converge and then branch off again. The trails that lead up the hill vary in difficulty, and the steeper ones are often muddy due to the overhanging trees as well as bicycle and horse traffic.

There's a barn and bench at the trail intersection for those who need a rest before beginning the climb.

We decided on the trail that wraps around the back side of the hill. Though it's the longer path, it's less steep, and gets a lot of sunlight so doesn't get very muddy.

For certain reasons, this is also Ginny's favorite path.

There are some warnings posted, which are just good advice for any wilderness location that you may visit in the Willamette Valley.

The region surrounding Bald Hill is one of the rare remaining examples of the Oak Savanna that dominated the valley before heavy agriculture and urban growth took over. I always find it fascinating to be surrounded by such a heavily deciduous forest.

There are also a wide variety of flowers that grow on the hill.

Camas

Oregon Iris

Wild Rose

Cat's Ear Lily

I didn't spot the little spider clinging to the Cat's Ear until I was going through my photos.

I also spotted (a bit easier) a little ladybug without its spots.

As we wrapped around the back of the hill, I heard a turkey gobble. I disregarded it at first, but then heard the flapping of large wings and spotted a pair of wild turkeys out in a field.

Turkeys in the Grass

At the summit, there are some excellent views of the valley. On clear days, many distant mountains stand out against the sky.

Mary's Peak Watching Over the Valley

The Valley Expanse

There are also a few places to rest and relax at the summit. We chose a shady bench under one of the many oaks. Nick's trusty Staff of Voldemort successfully kept all the lurking wild things at bay.

Summit Bench

On the way down, we chose to take one of the steeper, inner paths. It wasn't as muddy as it could have been, but we were glad we didn't choose to ascend by one of these trails.

Bald Hill is a great place to bring the family, though small children may have difficulty climbing to the top. Similarly, the trails to the top are not particularly suited for those with specific accessibility needs such as wheelchair access. However, the lower paths that lead up to the barn and trail terminal are all paved and make for a nice stroll (or roll) for visitors of any level of ability.