Opportunities for Rediscovering Oregon's Forests

Oregon Forest Resouces Institute

Experience the woods. Takeyourself on an adventure in

Oregon’s forests to see, hear, smelland feel all you can. Learn from andenjoy the opportunities described inthis publication.

The Oregon Forest ResourcesInstitute (OFRI), created by theOregon Legislature to improvepublic understanding aboutOregon’s forests and forest practices,offers this booklet to anyone whowants to enjoy a learning experience

1. Camp 182. Tillamook State Forest3. Forest Park4. Hoyt Arboretum5. World Forestry Center6. Tryon Creek State Natural Area7. Magness Tree Farm8. Hopkins Tree Farm9. Oregon Garden

Rediscovery Forest10. Silver Falls State Park11. McDonald-Dunn

Research Forest12. Starker Forests13. Happy Valley Tree Farm14. Kintigh Ranch15. Menasha Tour16. Skyview Ranch Tree Farm17. Museum at Warm Springs18. High Desert Museum19. Collier State Park

and Museum20. Elkhorn Drive21. Ecola State Park

Opportunities forRediscovering Oregon's Forests

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Klamath FallsMedford

Roseburg

Coos Bay

Eugene Bend

Burns

Baker City

PendletonPortland

Salem

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in Oregon’s forests. The programsand activities presented here areconsistent with OFRI’s forestryeducation mission and goals, butOFRI is not responsible for thecontent or accuracy of informationor materials provided in associationwith these opportunities.

© 2006

Oregon Forest Resources Institute317 SW Sixth Avenue, Suite 400Portland, OR 97204(971) 673-2944 (800) 719-9195

www.oregonforests.org

Photographs by Steve Terrill(except as noted)

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Douglas-firPseudotsuga menziesii

Botanists previously classified it as a spruce,hemlock, true fir and even as a pine. In 1825Scottish botanist David Douglas finallydetermined this tree to be a separate genus,Pseudotsuga. It can be readily identifiedfrom the true firs (which all have cones thatstand up from the branches like candles)—Douglas-fir cones hang down.

Oregon's state tree and most importantcommercial tree species in the state, Douglas-fir trees commonly reach 250 feet in height.

This extremely versatile tree is used for houses,bridges, boats, furniture, paper, glue, photographysupplies and thousands of other products.

A walk through a forest renews,soothes and inspires. If you’re

walking in a second-growth forest(one that has been cut and hasregrown), you might be surprised byits beauty and diversity. On the wet,western side of the Cascades, morethan 11 million acres of forestlandare growing Douglas-fir, hemlock,cedar, spruce, alder and maple trees.On the dryer eastern side, Oregonboasts another 8 million acres offorestland—mostly ponderosa,lodgepole and sugar pine, larch,Douglas-fir, true firs and Englemannspruce.

Oregon is one of the best placesin the world to grow trees; tall treesyou can walk among today inOregon may have been seedlingsjust 50 years ago.

Oregon was the first state in thenation to enact legislation callingfor comprehensive environmentalprotections on private and stateforestlands. The Oregon ForestPractices Act, passed by thelegislature in 1971, protects fishand wildlife, sets standards forreforestation and eases impacts oflogging and other operations onsoil, water and air. The Act is an

evolving set of forest protectionrules; as scientists learn more aboutthe intricate workings of a forest, itcontinues to be revised.

While researchers explore theintricate inner life of the forestecosystem, you are invited to go onyour own adventures. Stretch yourlegs, your lungs, your mind andyour spirit: rediscover Oregon’sforests!

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There are more than 45,000individuals or families in Oregon

who own small woodlands. Thesewoodland owners have a variety ofgoals for their properties. They employ

diverse approaches to forestmanagement, dependingon their priorities and theecological, economic andoperational factors they areworking with. Many have amix of timber, reforestationareas and wildlife habitatenhancements.

In addition to the oppor-tunities to visit private landslisted in this publication,there are other woodland

1Camp 18

In addition to a restaurant and gift shop, Camp 18

features an “outdoor mu-seum” of old-time loggingequipment, including a161-foot raised spar tree,steam shovels, cranes and

A Guide to ExploringOregon’s Forests

owners who, through prior arrange-ment, open their lands to visitors. Toarrange a visit, call one of the OSUForestry Extension agents below:

Statewide(541) 737-3700

Northwest OregonPortland (west of the Willamette River) plus

Columbia and Washington counties:Chal Landgren – (541) 725-2102

Portland (east of Willamette River) andClackamas County:

Mike Bondi – (503) 655-8631

www.cof.orst.edu/cof/extended/extserv

In addition, the OSU Forestry ExtensionService and local woodlands associationssponsor numerous forest tours each year.

Bigleaf mapleAcer macrophyllum

A hardwood tree, the bigleafmaple is aptly named. Its leavesare usually 6 to 12 inches indiameter but can stretch to 15inches, the largest of any maple.Each leaf has five deeply cutlobes.

Bigleaf maple can grow to 100'tall and 4' in diameter.Preferring moist, well-drainedsoils, it grows on the west sideof the Cascades and SierraNevadas from British Columbiathrough most of California.

Bigleaf maple is a prizedfurniture wood. It’s also used forpaneling and is suitable forflooring.

saws. Located at milepost 18 onHighway 26, Camp 18 is 60 milesfrom Portland and 22 miles fromSeaside.

Camp 18Elsie Route, Box 195Seaside, OR 97138(503) 755-1818

2Tillamook State Forest

The Oregon Department of Forestry invites you

to discover the TillamookState Forest. Come andexplore a unique forestlocated just 35 miles west

of Portland in the lush, northernOregon Coast Range. Here youwill find 364,000 acres of ruggedmountains rising above clear riverswhere salmon and steelhead returnto spawn.

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Beginning in 1933, this areaexperienced a series of devastatingfires that consumed more than350,000 acres. A reforestationprogram supported by Oregonianshelped transform the Tillamook Burninto the Tillamook State Forest.Today, visitors enjoy a young,replanted and restored forest man-aged to provide a range of benefits,including recreation, wildlife habitat,clean water and forest products weuse everyday.

The new Tillamook Forest Centernear milepost 22 on Highway 6 isa great place to start or end youradventure. The Center is a captivatingdesign that includes a fire lookouttower and a suspension bridge span-ning the Wilson River. Visitors to theCenter will find forest information,engaging and fun exhibits and familyfriendly activities.

Whether you’re looking for ascenic drive, a place to pitch yourtent or a trail adventure, you’ll findsomething special in the TillamookState Forest. Many visitors also enjoythe forest and its streams for fishing,hunting, kayaking, swimming andviewing wildlife.

Eight developed fee campgroundsoffer a range of features and are openfrom May to October. You’ll also finda trail for every type of use andchallenge here, with separate trailsfor motorized and non-motorizedactivities. There are several view-points, waysides and picnickingopportunities along Highway 6 andHighway 26.

For information about theTillamook Forest Center:www.tillamookforestcenter.org.

For more information on theTillamook State Forest, contact adistrict office or visitwww.oregon.gov/odf.

Forest Grove District OfficeOregon Department of Forestry801 Gales Creek RoadForest Grove, OR 97116(503) 357-2191

Recorded Recreation Hot Line:503-359-7402

Tillamook Forest Center45500 Wilson River HighwayTillamook, Oregon 97141 (503) 815-6800

The newTillamookForestCenter onHighway 6is a greatplace to learnabout thesurroundingforest andthe infamousfires thatoccurredthere.

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Photo provided by OFRI.


Black cottonwoodPopulus trichocarpa

The black cottonwood is a largehardwood growing 100' to 200'tall and 6' in diameter. Its leavescome in two distinct shapes:triangular and spear shaped.

Black cottonwoods generallygrow along rivers and streams.Growth is quite rapid. Papercompanies grow black cotton-wood to produce fiber for paper.

It is used for pulp, plywoodcores, crates and toys.

forest harboring a wide variety ofwildlife and native plant species,hikers and joggers are delighted withthe seasonal displays of spring wild-flowers and fall colors. Brochuresand maps, along with interpretiveinformation, are available at the HoytArboretum Tree House.

Portland Parks & Recreation(503) 823-7529www.portlandonline.com/parks/

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3Forest Park

More than 110 species of birdsand 50 species of mammals

have been seen in Portland’s Forest Park, the nation’s largest wilderness

park within city limits.Within the park, forest trailsconnect the Washington ParkZoo complex, Hoyt Arbore-tum, the Pittock Mansionand Audubon House. As thehike trails winds through asecond-growth Douglas-fir


As you visit forests and tree farmsthroughout Oregon, you will finddifferent forest types. The CascadeMountains separate dry eastsideforests—dominated by ponderosapine—from the wet, highlyproductive westside forests, whereDouglas-fir is king. Oregon’ssouthwestern forests boast adiversity of tree speciesthat often growin mixed stands.

It’s easy to recognizeDouglas-fir cones. Theyare the only ones with three-pronged bracts extending fromthe scales. An old story describesthe protruding bracts as the legsand tails of mice which dove intothe cones for protection from aforest fire.

4Hoyt Arboretum

Hoyt Arboretum is a 185-acreglobal garden where trees and

plants from around the world aregrown and exhibited. The Arboretumcollections and programs promoteeducation and research while helpingto conserve plant biodiversity.Admission is free. Grounds are open

5World Forestry Center

The World Forestry Center Discovery Museum inPortland’s Washington Park features two floors of

hands-on exhibits about sustainable forestry in the PacificNorthwest and around the globe. The Center also offerslectures, special events, classes and tours for schools.Many activities are held outdoors at the Center’s MagnessMemorial Tree Farm, 25 miles south of Portland.

World Forestry Center4033 SW Canyon RoadPortland, OR 97221(503) 228-1367www.worldforestry.org

6Tryon Creek State Natural Area

from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; theVisitor Center is open Mondaythrough Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. andSaturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Hoyt Arboretum4000 SW Fairview Blvd.Portland, OR 97221(503) 823-3655www.hoytaboretum.org

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Established in 1970, this parkresulted from widespread commu-

nity opposition to the site’s commer-cial development. The result is a645-acre natural area that was the firststate park in any major metropolitancity. A unique partnership betweenthe Oregon Parks and RecreationDepartment and Friends of TryonCreek enhances the educationalprograms offered here. The NatureCenter is open daily. Come explorethis beautiful forest in the city.

To visit Tryon Creek StateNatural Area, take I-5 to Exit 297

(SW TerwilligerBlvd.). Turn southon TerwilligerBlvd. and follow the brown and whiteTryon Creek State Park signs. Thepark entrance is one mile past Lewisand Clark College on the right. Forinformation on free guided hikes andother programs contact:

Friends of Tryon Creek State Park11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd.Portland, OR 97219(503) 636-4398www.oregonstateparks.org/park_144.php


8Hopkins Memorial Tree Farm

This 140-acre “family forest,” owned and managed byForests Forever, Inc., features a variety of management

demonstrations, wildlife habitat and watershed protectionmeasures. Located ten miles south of Oregon City, thetree farm is open daylight hours, seven days per week.Guests are invited to enjoy a self-guided walk or guidedtour or to participate in a volunteer workday orcommunity event. For more information, contact:

Forests Forever, Inc.(503) 655-5524www.forestsforever-or.org

Grand firAbies grandis

A large conifer up to 250' tall, itprefers moist locations and iscommonly found near streams,around valleys and on lowerslopes.

It is one of six firs common tothe Pacific Northwest. True firscan be identified because theircones stand up on the brancheslike candles, as opposed toDouglas-fir, which is not a truefir and has cones hangingdown like those of hemlock.

Grand fir needlesare two-ranked,meaning theycome out onoppositesides of thestem.

Its wood isoften usedfor construc-tion lumber.The grand firis also anappealingChristmastree.

techniques. The popular half-mileNagle Trail is hard surfaced and offersa fascinating look into dynamic forestsof the Pacific Northwest. MagnessMemorial Tree Farm is open daily from9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A schedule of tours,classes and special events is available.Free guided tours are offered everySunday at 2 p.m., rain or shine.Reservations are not necessary.

To visit the Magness MemorialTree Farm, take I-5 to Exit 283. Turnwest on Wilsonville Road and drivefour miles to Edminston Road. Turnright and travel 1.3 miles to SW LaddHill Road. Turn right and travel ahalf mile to the tree farm.

World Forestry Center4033 SW Canyon Road(503) 228-1367www.worldforestry.org

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7Magness Memorial Tree Farm

Magness Memorial Tree Farm isan 80-acre demonstration

forest and outdoor-education site owned and managed by the World Forestry Center. This private

woodland,located 20 milessouth of Port-land (nearWilsonville),has 2.5 milesof hiking trails.The WoodsTour trail takesapproximatelytwo hours towalk and passesthrough nineforest units thatfeature differentmanagement


The Rediscovery Forest, located inthe beautiful, park-like environ-

ment of The Oregon Garden, is ademonstration forest for forestryeducation, research and public enjoy-ment. Hike the trails through theforest and learn about reforestation,growing Christmas trees, hardwoodforest management, hybrid poplarsand native Douglas-fir forests.

This forest presents numerousopportunities for visitors to learnabout the dynamics of tree growthand forest development, the role ofmanagement in maintaining foresthealth and vigor, and the productsand other values that come fromOregon’s forests to help support thequality of life we enjoy in the North-west. The forest is handicap-acces-sible and The Oregon Garden pro-vides restroom facilities, a visitorcenter and café. Admission to theRediscovery Forest is free with paidOregon Garden admission.

To visit The Oregon Garden, takeI-5 to the Keizer exit (Exit 260 north-bound or Exit 260B southbound).Go east on Chemawa Road, whichbecomes Hazelgreen Road in one mileat the intersection with Highway 99E.Follow Hazelgreen Road approximatelyfive miles. Turn right on HowellPrairie Road and follow it for two milesto Silverton Road (Highway 213), thenturn left. Continue to the first stopsign in Silverton, and then turn righton Westfield Street. Follow Westfieldto its intersection with Main Street andthen turn right. The Oregon Gardenentrance is directly ahead on the left.

The Oregon Garden(503) 874-8100 or (877) 674-2733www.oregongarden.org

Lodgepole pinePinus contorta

Lodgepole pines are medium-sizedconifers 70' to 100' tall. This tree usuallygrows in pure, dense stands in dryerareas of Oregon—generally on the eastside of the Cascades. This is the samespecies known commonly as shorepine, which grows in a contortedmanner along the Oregon coast.

Lodgepole pine is one of the mostaggressive and hardy of western foresttrees and under favorable conditions iscapable of fully restocking open areas in aremarkably short period of time.

It is used for lumber, poles, fiber products,fencing material and minetimbers.

9Oregon Garden Rediscovery Forest

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8Gateway to the Rediscovery Forest at theOregon Garden.


Sitka SprucePicea sitchensis

This is the largest spruce, measur-ing 125' to 180' tall. Early on it wasknown as tideland spruce becauseit is found on moist, well-drainedsites not more than 50 miles fromthe Pacific Ocean.

Spruce needles have points on theends that make them prickly to thetouch. This spruce is rated as shadetolerant, meaning it can grow inthe shade, but is not as tolerant ashemlock.

It is used for lumber,aircraft, boats, piano

sounding boards,organs andviolins. Italso makeshigh-qualitynewsprint.

The spectacular Silver CreekCanyon Trail, a seven-mile hikingtrail, is the park’s most famousfeature. The trail follows the coursesof the north and south forks ofSilver Creek and affords some of themost awe-inspiring views anywherein Oregon.

To visit Silver Falls State Park,take I-5 to the Woodburn exit.Go east on Highway 214 and travelthrough Woodburn. Follow signs onHighway 214 to Silverton (6 miles).From Silverton, follow the signs toSilver Falls State Park on Highway214 (about 15 miles).

Oregon State ParkInformation Center(800) 551-6949www.oregonstateparks.org/park_211.php

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10Silver Falls State Park

The 8,700-acre Silver Falls State Park is the largestand most diverse state parkin Oregon, combininghiking, biking and horsetrails, campgrounds, grouppicnic shelters, naturalinterpretation, historicalbuildings, youth camps,ranches and a conferencecenter for groups.

The trails encompass second-growth stands of Douglas-fir andwestern hemlock. Oregon grape,salal and sword fern are among thecommon vegetation here. Deer arenumerous and beavers have builtdams and gnawed trees in thecanyon creeks. Rabbits, birds,chipmunks and squirrels seem to beeverywhere. Black bear, coyotes andmountain lions (cougars) live in theremote areas of the park.


Oregon State University’sMcDonald-Dunn Forest

comprises 11,250 acres dedicated tostrengthening the research, teachingand outreach mission of the Collegeof Forestry. Located just north ofCorvallis, the forest supports over60 active research projects each year.Visitors are invited to learn aboutforest research, ecology andmanagement on 8.5 miles ofinterpretive trails and by foot,horseback or bicycle on over60 miles of multi-use trailsand roads.

A good place to begin your visitis at the Badewitz Kiosk in PeavyArboretum. Visitors will find fiveinterpretive trails of varying lengths,

including the 1.5-mile IntensiveManagement Trail, and a largeopen-air shelter is available foreducational group use.

To visit the McDonald-DunnResearch Forest, take Highway 99Wabout 5 miles north from Corvallisand follow the posted signs to thePeavy Arboretum.

OSU College Forest Field Office8692 Peavy Arboretum RoadCorvallis, OR 97330(541) 737-4452www.cof.orst.edu/cf/

10Moss covers the trunks of oak trees on Fanno Ridge, west of Corvallis.

11McDonald-Dunn Research Forest


12Starker Forests

An afternoon guided tour of aworking Oregon forest awaits

you. Enjoy the natural beauty ofa 63,000-acre forest carefully man-aged by Starker Forests, Inc. Aforester guide, transportation andrefreshments are all provided. You’lllearn about Oregon’s Coast Rangegeography, geology and history.Discover the diversity a multiple-useforest provides, from recreational

13Happy Valley Tree Farm

National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year (1982)Bert and Betty Udell use a technique of removing

larger, marketable trees, allowing sunlight to reach thesmaller trees and releasing them to grow faster. Tours ofthis tree farm in Lebanon are available by appointment.For more information and directions, call the Udells at(541) 258-6643.

14Kintigh’s Mountain Home Ranch

This Springfield-area property has been in the Kintighfamily, honored as 2005 Oregon Tree Farmers of the

Year, for nearly 50 years. What then were stumps, brushand small trees now is an intensively managed forestplus a tree seedling nursery and a Christmas treebusiness. The timber management goal is sustainablewood production while protecting soil productivity andwater quality, creating or improving wildlife habitat andcontrolling invasive non-native plants. A garden withmore than 700 types of rhododendrons is open to thepublic. Tours are available by appointment. Fordirections and more information, call the Kintighsat (541) 741-9833.

Red alderAlnus rubra

Oregon’s most important hardwood tree, redalder can reach 120' in height and 3' indiameter. It primarily grows in lowland areasand is seldom found above 2,500 feet. It'sidentifiable by its leaves andbark. The leaves are largeand eggshaped. Its trunkis covered with gray-whitebark with blackpatches.

Alder captures nitrogenin its root nodules. Asroots die, some nitrogenis released into the soil,creating an environmentgood for conifers.

Alder is used for furniture,pallets, wooden ware, plugsfor paper rolls and toys.

opportunities to plant and animalhabitats to forest products. Toursrun Wednesday afternoons, midJune through September, and departat 1 p.m. from the Corvallis Inn,1550 North Ninth Street, Corvallis,and return at 4:30 p.m. A mill touris also offered during the summer.For reservations, directions andmore information, call the CorvallisConvention and Visitors Bureau at(541) 757-1544 or (800) 334-8118.

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15Menasha Woods Tour

Spend a day in the woods with aforester. From July to September,

Menasha Forest Products Corpora-tion offers free guided tours with aprofessional forester of their IsthmusSlough Working Forest near CoosBay. Free transportation departsfrom the Bay Area Chamber ofCommerce in Coos Bay. For more

16Skyview Ranch Tree Farm

Wayne and Colleen Kreiger werenamed the 1993 National

Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year.Both a cattle ranch and a tree farm,their land near Gold Beach is managed

17The Museum at Warm Springs

The Warm Springs Tribes own andoperate this museum that offers a

look into their history and culture,including their relationship with theforest. The museum, located inWarm Springs at 2189 Highway 26,is open daily (except New Year’s Day,

Westernred cedarThuja plicata

A large conifer 150' to 200' tall,the western red cedar is foundalong river bottoms, flats andmountain slopes.

Red cedar is soft in texture,even and straight grained.

Considered one of the fourmost importantspecies of thePacificNorthwest, redcedar is usedfor siding,interior finish,boat building,fences, poles,posts, shakesand shingles.

information or to signup for a tour, call theChamber at(541) 269-0215.

Menasha Forest Prod-ucts Corporation also offerstours by appointment. Forinformation, call the com-pany at (541) 756-1193.

to encourage habitat forwild birds, fish and otheranimals in addition to woodproducts. Tours are availableby appointment. Call theKreigers at (541) 247-7990

Thanksgiving and Christmas) from9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Museum at Warm SpringsP.O. Box 753Warm Springs, OR 97761(541) 553-3331www.warmsprings.biz/museum/

18The High Desert Museum

The Changing Forest Exhibitexplores the ponderosa pine forest

ecosystem, the history of its use andmanagement, and current useconflicts and solutions. This exhibitexplains the role of forests and theirdynamic nature. A steam-poweredsawmill is operated occasionally in

the summer months. The Museumincludes an interpretive trail andprograms that focus on forest fire.

The High Desert Museum59800 South Highway 97Bend, OR 97702(541) 382-4754www.highdesertmuseum.org 12


Collier Memorial State Parkfeatures a campground, outdoor

museum of historic loggingequipment, a relocated pioneervillage and a new four-corralprimitive horse camp and trailhead.The logging museum features rareand antique logging equipment

20Elkhorn Drive

A signed 106-mile route travelsthrough the Elkhorn Mountains,

Wallowa-Whitman National Forestand Anthony Lakes Recreation Area.The tour passes through Sumpter, abooming mining and lumber town in1900, and Granite, called “Oregon’sGreatest Ghost Town,” which fea-tures an old school, dance hall andsaloon. Most of the route is openyear-round but is not snow plowedbetween Granite and the AnthonyLakes Recreation Area. For a descrip-

19Collier Memorial State Park and Logging Museum

dating to the 1880s as well as morerecent pieces.

Collier Memorial State Parkand Logging Museum46000 Highway 97Chiloquin, OR 97624(541) 783-2471www.oregonstateparks.org/park_228.php

tive guide to the Elkhorn Drive,contact the Baker City Visitor &Convention Bureau at (800) 523-1235 or Wallowa-Whitman NationalForest at (541) 523-6391.

To begin the driving tour, takeState Route 7 from Baker City toSumpter and continue west onGranite Hill Road to Bull Run Road.At Granite, follow Forest Road 73north and follow signs to Haines.Finish on Route 30 and head southback to Baker City.

The LoggingMuseum at

CollierMemorial

State Park,Chiloquin

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Ecola State Park offers year-roundrecreation for all types of

modern-day explorers. Stop fora picnic to feed your hungryadventurers before taking to themany miles of trails. At IndianBeach you can begin your ownexpedition on The Clatsop LoopTrail, an interpretive trail that givesyou the chance to walk in thefootsteps of Captain Clark andmembers of the Lewis & ClarkExpedition. This 2.5-mile trailclimbs through a lush forest of Sitkaspruce up to a hikers camp andreturns along the western face ofEcola State Park, where it offersstunning vistas of the Pacificcoastline. Along the way you’ll

21Ecola State Park

learn about the forests encounteredby Lewis and Clark and about theecology of today’s coastal forestlandsthrough interpretive signage andtrail guides.

Oregon State ParkInformation Center(800) 551-6949www.oregonstateparks.org/park_188.php

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Hikers on theClatsop LoopTrail at Ecola

State Park learnabout the

history of theforests along

the trail.


Oregon has about 28 millionacres of forestlands. About

60 percent is owned by governmentagencies and is open to the public.You are welcome at Oregon’s 13national forests, national parks andnational scenic areas plus more than200 state parks. Many hiking trailsand other recreational opportunitiesare available. For information, mapsand brochures, contact one of theagencies below:

Oregon Parks and RecreationDepartment1115 Commercial Street NESalem, OR 97301-1002(503) 378-6305www.oregonstateparks.org

Oregon State Forests

Tillamook State ForestForest Grove District Office801 Gales Creek RoadForest Grove, OR 97116(503) 357-2191http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/TSF/tsf.shtml

Clatsop State ForestAstoria District Office92219 Highway 202Astoria, OR 97103(503) 325-5451www.stateparks.com/clatsop.html

Elliot State ForestCoos District office63612 Fifth RoadCoos Bay, OR 97420(541) 267-4136http://egov.oregon.gov/odf/state_forests/elliott.shtml

Santiam State ForestNorth Cascade District office22965 North Fork Road SELyons, OR 97358(503) 859-2151www.stateparks.com/santiam.html

Sun Pass State ForestKlamath Lake District office3200 DeLap RoadKlamath Falls, OR 97601(541) 883-5681www.stateparks.com/sun_pass.html

Crater Lake National ParkP.O. Box 7Crater Lake, OR 97604(541) 594-2211www.nps.gov/crla

Fort Clatsop National Memorial92343 Fort Clatsop RoadAstoria, OR 97103-9197503-861-2471, Ext.214www.nps.gov/lewi

Columbia River GorgeNational Scenic AreaWaucoma Center902 Wasco Avenue, Suite 200Hood River, OR 97031(541) 386-2333www.fs.fed.us/r6/columbia

Oregon’s Public Forest Lands

Rhododenrons bloom in a once-loggedmeadow slope below Mt. Hood, inMt. Hood National Forest.

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Deschutes National Forest1645 Highway 20 EastBend, OR 97701(541) 383-5300www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon

Fremont National Forest1300 South G StreetLakeview, OR 97630(541) 947-2151www.fs.fed.us/r6/fremont

Malheur National Forest431 Patterson Bridge RoadJohn Day, OR 97845(541) 575-3000www.fs.fed.us/r6/malheur

Mt. Hood National Forest16400 Champion WaySandy, OR 97055(503) 668-1700www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood

Ochoco National Forest3160 NE Third StreetPrineville, OR 97754(541) 416-6500www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon

Rogue River National Forest333 West Eighth StreetMedford, OR 97501(541) 858-2200www.fs.fed.us/r6/rogue

Siskiyou National Forest333 W. Eighth StreetMedford, OR 97503(541) 858-2200www.fs.fed.us/r6/siskiyou

Siuslaw National Forest4077 Research WayCorvallis, OR 97339(541) 750-7000www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw

Umatilla National Forest2517 SW Hailey AvenuePendleton, OR 97801(541) 278-3716www.fs.fed.us/r6/uma

Umpqua National Forest2900 NW Stewart ParkwayRoseburg, OR 97470(541) 672-6601www.fs.fed.us/r6/umpqua

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest1550 DeweyBaker City, OR 97814(541) 523-6391www.fs.fed.us/r6/w-w

Willamette National Forest211 East Seventh AvenueEugene, OR 97401(541) 465-6521www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette

Winema National Forest2819 Dahlia StreetKlamath Falls, OR 97601(541) 883-6714www.fs.fed.us/r6/frewin

For general information on thenational forest lands near you:

U.S.D.A. Forest Service PacificNorthwest Regional Office333 SW First AvenuePortland, OR 97204(503) 808-2200www.fs.fed.us/r6

For more information aboutOregon’s forests:

Oregon Department of Forestry2600 State StreetSalem, OR 97310(503) 945-7200www.egov.oregon.gov/odf/

Oregon State UniversityCollege of Forestry

140 Peavy HallCorvallis, OR 97331(541) 737-2004www.cof.orst.edu

Oregon Forest Resources Institute317 SW Sixth Avenue, Suite 400Portland, OR 97204(971) 673-2944, (800) 719-9195www.oregonforests.org

Oregon Small WoodlandsAssociation1775 32nd Place NE, Suite CSalem, OR 97303(503) 588-1813www.oswa.org

Ponderosa pinePinus ponderosa

Commercially, this is themost important pine inwestern North America. It isa prominent eastern Oregonconifer, growing 125' to 180'tall and 3' to 6' in diameter.It can be recognized by itsbark, which is yellowish-orange when mature andcomposed of distinctivejigsaw-looking pieces.

Ponderosa pine makes uphalf the trees found east ofOregon's Cascade summit. Italso can be found growingin southwest Oregon, downthe western slope of theCascades and even in theWillamette Valley. It is usedfor molding, windows, doorsand other millwork,furniture,piling,polesandgeneralconstructionlumber.

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Common Plants of Oregon’s Forests

These plants are common inOregon’s second growth forests:

PearlyeverlastingAnaphalis margaritaceaSeveral littlewhite “pearls”cluster on eachstem of thisplant, andthey even-tually opento show yellowcenters. Pearlyeverlasting does indeedlast a long time, and it is commonon roadsides, burns, clearcuts andother open areas.

LupineLupinus spp.Lupines grow in clumpsand stand from one tothree feet tall. Theirmany small flowersrange from blue andpurple, to white withpink, and—on theeast side—bright yellow.Lupines are related topeas and theirflowers are similarto pea flowers.

Old man’s beardUsnea spp.This gray-green lichen, commonlyfound growing on tree bark orhanging from branches, resembles astraggly beard. When pulled gently,each strand reveals an elastic, whitecore. Lichen does not harm trees,and is eaten by deer and elk in thewinter, which helps them absorbnutrients from other foods.

Sword fernPolystichum munitum

Sword fern abounds in westsideforests. Its fronds grow from a

central point and can be upto five feet long. Separate a

frond’s leaflets and, to-ward the stem, you’llfind a little “thumb”on each one. In theMesozoic era theseferns grew as treesand covered much ofthe earth.

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KinnickinnickArctostaphylos uva-ursiKinnickinnickwas a trad-ing wordused byeastern tribesand was appliedto this plant bytraders who camewest. Its scientificname means “grapeof bears,” and bears doenjoy the bright redberries. Kinnickinnick hasbecome a popular groundcover in Oregon cities andsuburbs.

Poison oakRhus diversilobaIn Oregon,you arelikely tofind poisonoak onlyat lowelevationson the west sideof the Cascades,especially in theColumbia Gorge. Poisonoak can grow shrubby orvine-like. Watch out for threeleaflets with wavy edges. The centerleaflet is symmetrically lobed but theother two leaflets often are morelobed on their outer edge than ontheir inner edge (the edge towardsthe center leaflet). The “oak” in thisplant’s name comes from its resem-blance to oak leaves; the “poison”comes from the allergic reactionmost people develop by coming incontact with it. Stay away!

HuckleberryVaccinium spp.More than a dozenspecies of huckle-berry can be foundin Oregon, theirberries ranging incolor from blue-black,through blue to red.Huckleberries were extremely impor-tant to certain tribes, who used fireto maintain acres of the plants. Thetasty berries are still gathered bytribes and newer Oregonians.

BitterbrushPurshia tridentataAlso called greasewood,bitterbrush is found inopen forests east of theCascades and can be con-fused with sagebrush (but theedges of sagebrush leaves do notroll under). Its leaves are favored byelk and deer.

Cascade Oregon grapeBerberis nervosaEspecially common west of theCascades, Oregon grape isan evergreen with leavesthat resemble holly. Thenervosa of its scien-tific name refers tothe veins in its leaves.Its “grapes” are reallysour berries which wereused by early settlersto make jelly andwine.

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ElkCervus elaphusAlso known by their Shawnee name“wapiti.” Most of the year, elk travelin separate herds of adult males (bulls)and females (cows) with young.During the autumn breeding season,bulls announce their location by“bugling.” This haunting deep

bellow and whistle can carry formiles. Only the most fit bulls areable to attract the females intoherds called harems. The harem’s

movements, however, are directed byan older cow, as the bull attempts todefend the harem from other bulls.After mating season, the males losetheir antlers which can grow to animpressive five feet in length andweigh 40 to 50 pounds.

Who Lives in the Forest?LARGE MAMMALS

Most forest-dwelling animals are secretive and may avoid

human presence. The best way tosee them is by sittingquietly in one place atdusk or near dawn. Theseare some of the animalsthat live in Oregon’ssecond-growth forests:

Black bear Ursus americanusBlack bears are notoriously shy andavoid people so well that it is rare tocatch even a glimpse of one. Theyalso tend to avoid each othermost of the time. Cubs (usuallytwo) are born while the motheris in hibernation, and theyspend the winter suckling andsleeping. Because bears do notgo into a deep hibernation, themother is able to take care ofher young’s basic needs. Duringhibernation, a bear’s heart rateand metabolism slow consider-ably, and it depends on fat reservesbuilt up in the fall. A black bear’sfavorite foods are fruits, nuts, fish,insects and their larvae, and honey.19


When in danger, a fawn’s legs collapseand it lies quietly until its motherreturns. Every year, well-intentionedvisitors take fawns from the woods in themistaken belief that they are abandonedor sickly. If you happen across a fawn onone of your visits to the forest, rememberto leave it alone.

Mule deerBlacktail deerOdocoileus hemionusThe closely-relatedmule deer and the blacktail deerhave large ears and tails black atleast at the tip. These deerare found only in the West, and theyexhibit a particular gait adapted tothe West’s rough terrain. The abrupthigh leaps known as “stotting” allowthe animal to easily change direc-tion to elude pursuers. Like theirwhitetail relatives, these deer flashthe bushy white underside of theirtail as they flee. You may find theirbedding sites, which tend to besecluded spots of dense vegetation.Deer wear paths by regularly usingthe same routes. When you see adeer sign on the highway, it is likelythat one of their paths crosses theroadway in that area.

Animal tracksYou are more likely to findevidence of large animalsthan to see them. Look forthese tracks, especially nearstreams or in muddy ordusty trails.

Black Bear

Elk

Deer

20(not to scale)


Deer mousePeromyscus maniculatus

Its Latin name translates as “tiny-handed boot mouse.” Deer mice eatseeds, berries, and the larvae andadults of insects. A female may haveup to four litters a year, each withthree to five young.

If you find an unopened cone onthe ground, chances are it washarvested by a squirrel. Ordinarily,cones are still attached to the treebranch when they drop their seeds.But squirrels nip many green conesoff their branches, and thenretrieve the fallen cones for theirwinter caches. You might findsome overlooked or forgotten conesthe next time you are in a forest.

Douglas’ squirrelTamiasciurus douglasii

When the leaves are off deciduoustrees, it is easy to spot squirrels’nests (which many people mistakefor those of birds). Squirrel nests arelarge accumulations of leaves andtwigs, found near the tops of trees.These spherical leafy nests are usedmost in summer; tree holes arefavored in winter and by motherswith young.

Who Lives in the Forest?

SMALL MAMMALS

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Townsend’s chipmunkTamias townsendii

Ground squirrels and chipmunks lookvery much alike. Here’s a quick way totell them apart: Ground squirrels have alight-colored circle around their eyeswhile chipmunks have a dark horizontalstripe which runs “through” the eye.Their diet varies seasonally and includesfungi, huckleberries, conifer seeds, nutsand roots.


RaccoonProcyon lotor

Raccoons are nocturnaland often spend their dayssunning in a tree’sbranches. They will eat justabout anything, but cray-

fish are a favorite. Do rac-coons really wash their foodbefore eating it? They oftendip their food in water, butthe purpose of this activity isnot known.

BeaverCastor canadensis

Oregon’s State Mammal makesponds by damming streams, andcontrols the pond’s size by releasingwater or reinforcing the dam. Bea-vers are herbivorous and eat leaves,buds, branch ends and bark ofwoody plants as well as aquaticplants and herbaceous plantsthat grow near water.Willow and aspen aretheir favoritefoods.Although youmay not spot abeaver, lookfor characteris-tically chewedtree stumpsalong a pond’sshore.

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Dark-eyed juncoJunco hyemalis

The junco is a small bird that lookslike it has a dark hood over itshead. They are ground feeders thatconsume mostly seeds and someinsects. Watch for white outer tailfeathers that show when they fly.

BluegrouseDendragapus obscurus

Large birds related to chick-ens, grouse are grey-brownwith blackish tails. They feedand nest on the ground andare capable of flying only inshort bursts.

Steller’s jayCyanocitta stelleri

This large bird’s crestedhead and shoulders areblack, and its body is adeep blue. Among itsrepertoire of raucous calls isan imitation of a red-tailed

hawk’s scream.Steller’s jays cachenuts and seeds

under looseground litter

or in treecrevices.


BIRDS

NorthernflickerColaptes auratus

The flicker is awoodpecker witha spotted blackand buff breast,conspicuous black bib,and red on the top ofits head, mustache(males only), and theunderside of wings andtail. Like other woodpeckers, theflicker has a tongue considerablylonger than its head. The tongueloops around the skull beneaththe skin when the flicker is notretrieving insects from holes in trees.

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Western larchLarix occidentalisA unique conifer measuring140’ to 180’ tall, western larchloses all its needles in the fall,when its bright yellow foliage iseasily identified. It is also calledtamarack, although that nameusually applies to larch in theeastern United States.

In Oregon, western larch isfound on the east side of theCascade Range from the center

of the state north. It isalso found in theBlue Mountains.

Larch is veryintolerant of

shade. Thewood is hard

to distinguishfrom that of

Douglas-fir.Larch is used for

constructionlumber,posts and

mine timbersbecause of its

resistance to decay.


Water stridersGerris species

These thin insects skate atop wateron four graceful long legs. The tipsof their legs are covered with water-resistant hairs that allow the insectsto glide on the surface tension incalm pools or moving streams. Twosmaller, less noticeable legs near thehead are used for grasping prey.

Tent caterpillar mothsMalacosoma species

The silk “tents” the bristlycaterpillars build are conspicu-ous in red alder trees everydecade or so, when cyclicaloutbreaks of these brown mothsoccur. In an area of many aldersand many caterpillars you canactually hear them chewing theleaves. They slow the growth ofthe trees, but rarely kill any.


INSECTS

Western thatching antsFormica obscuripes

The nests of thatch antsare often made of pineneedles and twigsand are usually1- to 2-foot-tallmounds, though theycan be much higher. You mighttry following one of the trail ofants radiating from the nest tothe plants where they tendaphids. These tiny green orblack insects are protected bythe ants and release sugary“honey dew” when strokedby the ants’ antennae. 24

Western hemlockTsuga heterophylla

A large conifer 125’ to 200’tall, western hemlock isquite common in westernOregon forests. The tops ofthis species are bent over,which is quite noticeable onyounger trees. Seeds areprolific and seedlings can befound growing on partiallyrotted stumps or logs, moistduff or bare mineral soil.

Western hemlock prefersdeep shade, rain and fog. Itgrows especially well in thedense, dark forests ofOregon’s Coast andCascade ranges.

It is used forpulp, generalconstructionlumber,aircraftveneerandplywood.

SpittlebugsVarious genera and species

While the many species of spittlebugsmay be hard to distinguish, they areeasily found in the nymph stageunder masses of spittle on plantstems. By probing gently in thespittle, you can find the spittlebugnymph; it is usually green and aboutone-eighth inch long. The nymphscreate the spittle from the plantjuices they eat. The froth keeps thenymph from drying out and mayalso protect it from predators. Adultspittlebugs resemble leafhoppers.


Banana slugAriolimax columbianus

Common in the damp, westside forests thenotorious banana slug gets its name from itsyellow-greenish color. A mucous slime covers theslug and enables it to travel. Would-bepredators (and audacioushumans) find bananaslug slime numbs the lipsand tongue for a short time.

Northwestern garter snakeThamnophis ordinoides

If you happen to see a snake,chances are good it is a gartersnake. These pretty little snakesare highly variable in color(black, brown, grey, or greenish,with a yellow, orange or redstripe down the back). Theyoften bask in sunny areas nearcover, and are harmless exceptto the slugs, salamanders andfrogs that they eat.

Rough-skinned newtTaricha granulosa

Thisbrown-backedand orange-bellied newt is the oneyou are most likely to find in theforest—unlike most of its kind, it isn’tnocturnal. The rough-skinned newt issafe roaming about in the daylightthanks to a strong toxic skin secretionthat can sicken or kill small animalsthat eat it. (If you handle one, besure to wash your hands afterward.)Like other salamanders, newts muststay fairly close to water.

PacifictreefrogHyla regilla

Its Latin name translates to “queenletof the forests.” The Pacific treefrog

can be recognized by its bulboustoe pads (which offer good gripson trees) and the dark horizontalstripe running “through” each

eye. The male’s call is often heardcoming from ponds in the spring.

Western toadBufo boreas boreas

Oregon’sonly nativeforest-dwelling toad,the western toad isdistinguished from frogs by its wartyskin and tendency to walk instead ofhop. And it can be found well awayfrom water because it resists dryingbetter than frogs. The western toadlives in burrows that it digs itself.


AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES


MOLLUSKS

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Coho salmonOncorhynchus kisutch

Look for black spots on the back and top half of the tailfin. Spawning males have bright red sides. Like othersalmon, Coho use their sense of smell to determine notonly which particular tributary they were hatched inand will spawn in, but also to recognize otherfish by species and sex.

Brook troutSalvelinus fontinalis

Dark green fish, brook trout haveyellow spots and red spots outlined inblue. This fish is native to eastern NorthAmerica but is commonly stocked in westernstreams. Like other hatchery fish, the brook trout is easierto catch than more elusive, wily wild fish.

Kokanee or sockeye salmonOncorhynchus nerka

Spawning adults have dark, greenish headsand red bodies; the males are more vividin coloration than the females. Kokaneeare typically hatched in streams near lakes, andlive in the lakes for one to three years before head-ing for the ocean. After two to three years, they return totheir native stream to spawn.


FISH

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Rainbow trout/steelheadOncorhynchus mykiss

Steelhead are rainbow trout that go to sea. Rainbow trout(wild or hatchery-raised) spend their entire lives ininland waterways; steelhead leave the streams oftheir youth to travel the wide ocean, thenreturn home to spawn. A silvery, proteincoating covers steelhead while in saltwater,but the red-streak “rainbow” on their sides graduallyreturns when they enter freshwater.


OREGON FOREST RESOURCES INSTITUTE

©2006Oregon Forest Resources Institute317 SW Sixth Avenue, Suite 400Portland, OR 97204(971) 673-2944 (800) 719-9195

www.oregonforests.org

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Rediscover Oregon’s Forests

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