Delving Into Finley Wildlife Refuge

Just over 10 miles south of Corvallis lies a land of riparian forests and wet prairie. While open to the public, Finley Wildlife Refuge is truly meant as a place of protection and preservation for a huge array of animals and their habitats. When we humans visit the refuge, it is important to remember that we are outsiders here and to tread lightly.

Area Map

Welcome to Finley Wildlife Refuge

There is a serious air about the place when it comes to maintaining a peaceful environment for the animal inhabitants.

On an overcast Wednesday, I set forth with Rose, Nick, and Tobey into a land preserved. Tobey was the most familiar with the area and took the lead.

The well-constructed path winds through the forest, with the occasional clearing dominated by water and grass.

The forest is dense and overhung, with thick underbrush and streams that feed the lake where migratory birds rest. I always enjoy the feeling of safety and cover that the trees provide.

Bird boxes are randomly distributed throughout the wooded areas and are intentionally unobtrusive so can be easy to miss.

A Pair of Bird Boxes

As we neared the lake, an area of forest was covered in lichen that I believe is Usnea, known as Old Man's Beard. I may need to bring a lichenologist the next time I come.

Near the end of the wooden path is a permanent duck blind for observing the lake during migration season. Nick advanced with his Staff of Voldemort to investigate.

The lake was largely empty this day as it was outside of the regular migration season.

From the duck blind, the wooden path turns to connect to a dirt track that leads around the lake.

Though the lake seemed empty, we spotted a group of geese that appeared to be three mated pairs, two of which had goslings in tow.

As we got closer along the shore, the parents led their young out to the safety of open water.

The landscape around the lake is a varied patchwork of habitats, though the descriptor "wet" could be applied to all of them.

There were fewer flowers in bloom than on our previous outings, but the wild rose made its regular appearance.

Wild Rose Briar

As I bent to examine the small purple flowers woven among the grasses, Tobey identified it as wild sweet pea, which, oddly, I had initially mistaken the vetch on Bald Hill for.

Wild Sweet Pea

 I really don't know what this was, but it was the only patch of it we saw, and it stuck out like a sore thumb.

As we reached the opposite side of the lake from the duck blind, we found a hand-carved bench to take a rest at.

The surfaces of the bench had various carvings, with the central motif being a heron amongst the cattails.

But it had gotten cold, and the grey sky was rolling overhead, so after our rest we headed back the way we came.

Finley Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to visit for the whole family, and an excellent place to teach children about respecting the plants and animals that share our planet. There are many paths and tracks that are open to the public, some more accessible than others. In nearly two hours out, we saw just a fraction of the refuge. I'm sure to go back again.

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.

Adventure to the Jackson-Frazier Wetland

The Jackson-Frazier Wetland is a rare piece of wilderness hidden at the north end of Corvallis. Many people who live in and around the city have never been, or even know of its existence. My brother, John, was one such person, so off we went for the first official adventure of the League of Rogue Explorers.

The entrance to the wetland can be accessed at the end of NE Lancaster St. with parking available at the cul-de-sac.

Aerial Map

John acquaints himself with the literature.

The boardwalk loop weaves among thickets of trees and marshy land dominated by cattails and tall grass. It isn't the season for cattails, so today it was mostly grass ranging up to 2 meters tall with the rare lonely rotting cattail.

John stops to look out over a sea of grass.

There's a lot of signage along the path to educate visitors, though much of it is in ill repair.

Wild roses are one of the more common flowers to see when visiting the wetland. They form large briars that provide cover for many small animals.

I spotted a Camas in bloom and a bumble bee buzzed into frame just as I had knelt to take a picture. Unfortunately, the little lady was shy and kept hidden behind the petals as she worked.

Much of the eastern part of the loop is shrouded in a marshy forest. It made me think of the swamps of Dagobah, though perhaps with a bit more sunlight.

Breath in that nature.

Periodically spaced along the boardwalk loop are benches for those weary of foot. Some provide shade, while most offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

My favorite bench.

There is one part of the loop where the water remains deep throughout the year. There's a little pier out into it where we spotted some dragonflies doing their thing.

The walk around the Jackson-Frazier Wetland is easy and short (~10 to 20 minutes). It's wheelchair accessible and the boardwalk has low but solid barriers which greatly aid in keeping visitors on the path, regardless of their level of ability.

This is an adventure that can be enjoyed by the whole family, and you will likely meet other families along the journey.