Description:

This is 10-mile a loop through the William L Finely National Wildlife Refuge to experience the largest remaining tract of native Willamette Valley wet prairie as seasonal autumn rains return. We will look for wildlife during this time of change. Expect to see fields interspersed with Oregon white oak, meandering creeks, bottomlands of Oregon ash, and some old-growth big lead maple.

We will begin at the Refuge Office and walk south along the Mill Hill trail through the forest to the trail junction. We will take the junction to head through fields to the Cattail Pond and then south to Bruce Road. At Bruce Road, we turn east and walk along the refuge's southern boundary to the Cheadle Marsh Trail. We will walk around the marsh and then over to Pigeon Butte. If the weather is clear, we will make a side trip to the quarry overlook on the butte. We continue on the trail north past Cabell Marsh to the Homer Campbell Boardwalk. We turn west and walk a mile along the gravel road to the Woodpecker Loop Trail and return through the forest to the visitor center and parking area.

Bring lunch and any trail snacks. We will find a location on the trail for lunch (most likely Cheadle Barn).

Dress for the weather and come prepared for muddy trails. Consider bringing a thermos with something warm to keep in the car for your return. At the end of the hike, there will be time to visit the Nature Store. There is a restroom at the visitor center with an area to change clothes. A simple map showing our route will be available to all. Our speed will be a moderate pace with occasional stops for observing wildlife and photos. We should return to Eugene in the late afternoon.

Depending on the weather, this could be a wet day. If it is pouring (upon our arrival) the hike will be amended to the Woodpecker Loop and a side trip to the boardwalk.

Departure Location:
Meet at the Jerry's Home Improvement Center parking lot in the northernmost parking lot closest to Hwy 99 and Theona Dr. (2600 OR-99, Eugene, OR 97402)

Suggested donation for drivers is 56 miles round trip * $0.11 per mile = $6.16.

We will carpool from Jerry's to the Finely Visitor Cetner. Our route will be 99W through Monroe > West on Alpine Cutoff Road > North on Bellfountain Road > to the western entrance of the Finley Refuge Road to the Headquarters.