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Explore the Finley Wildlife Refuge

Corvallis, Oregon

4.3/5
based on 3 reviews

Description

Added by Austin Marlia

Amazing Wildlife (Birds, Elk, Otters, etc.). Duration: Early Morning/Late Afternoon. Great hiking trails. Nice lookout spots.

Starting at the visitor center, the trail begins west heading into the forest where you’ll only gain around a couple hundred feet of elevation. While you are hiking on this trail you are surrounded by conifer trees, little open areas of sitting water, and look outs that are hidden within the trail. During the duration of the trail, there are two lookouts into open areas where you could potentially see wildlife, such as Elk, Deer, Pelicans, Blue Heron, ect. It mainly depends on the time of day that you could spot these creatures. My friends have had luck finding Elk early in the mornings just so you know. The hike in general is about a mile or two round trip. When you leave the visitor center to head back to the main highway, about a half mile you will drive past smaller paved parking lot. This is another area where you will want to park and explore! From the parking lot, you will immediately be met by a wooden decked path that leads you out about a ¼ mile where you will intersect the lake. This spot is one of the coolest because you have a great chance of seeing all kinds of birds, and the otters will want to say Hi as well I’m sure. Overall, this is one of the coolest spots you’ll find south of Corvallis. Hope you enjoy!

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
Lake
River
Romantic
Scenic
Wildlife

Explore the Finley Wildlife Refuge Reviews

I've been to the refuge several times and still haven't explored all there is to explore. I'm eager to return. This is also a great place to take kids!

I live in Corvallis which is just 20 minutes from the refuge. I have spent many early mornings and evenings at Finley and seen an abundance of wildlife including deer, elk, bobcats, raccoons, copious amounts of wintering waterfowl as well as Eagles, Hawks & Falcons. This is a great little escape for anyone living around the Willamette Valley region.

The sunset here is fantastic!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls

Mary's Peak

Hike Bald Hill

Hike Woodland Meadow Park Loop

Hike the Fitton Green Natural Area Trail

McCulloch Peak Loop