Birding Locations
Taylor Dunes Trail return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 A-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 45 A-6 geographic coordinates 43 51’ 51” N 124 08’ 53” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Oregon Coast Birding Trail. Click on the Central Coast tab and go to section 99.
Tahkenitch Dunes/Threemile Lake Trails return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 B-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 44 B-5 geographic coordinates 43 47’ 42” N 124 08’ 56” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Oregon Coast Birding Trail. Click on the South Coast tab and go to section 100.
Fivemile Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 B-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 44 C-5 geographic coordinates 43 45’ 43” N 124 07’ 27” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Located about 5 miles north of the junction of Highways 101 and 38 in Reedsport and 16 miles south of Florence is this gravel logging road that allows access to some of the coast range. Watch for log trucks. Most of the road passes through young successional forest that can reveal some good coastal mountain species. Look and listen for Saw-whet and Pygmy Owls. Mountain Quail are here along with some Ruffed and Sooty Grouse at higher levels. Water and marsh birds, mountain finches, chickadees, and sparrows can be found here as well. Don't miss the marshy areas on the east side of Tahkenitch Lake. These are some of the best marshes in Douglas County.
Dawson and Stowe Marsh Restoration Area/Smith River Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 C-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 45 C-6 geographic coordinates Jct of Smith River Road and Hwy 101 43 42’ 51” N 124 05’ 54” W Stowe Marsh 43 44’ 08” N 124 03’ 43” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Oregon Coast Birding Trail. Click on the South Coast tab and go to section 101. From the junction of Highways 101 and 38 in Reedsport, go north on 101 about 0.8 miles to Lower Smith River Road. Go right on L. Smith River Road. As you cross the bridge coming out of Reedsport, there is a Double-crested Cormorant rookery just NW of the bridge. Go another 0.5 miles and you will see Stables Road. There are tidal ponds and mudflats here that can be very birdy during high tides. It's worth checking this area at any tide. Back on the Smith River Road, watch for periodic mudflats that will hold gulls and shorebirds. Pull over and check them out as you work your way out to Stowe Marsh. Just before the old mill, there is a group of trees on the right where Band-tailed Pigeon are known to congregate. At 3.2 miles from Hwy 101, turn right on South Side Road and cross the bridge to Dawson and Stowe Marsh Restoration Area. Don't forget to check out the town of Gardiner during high tide. Sometimes shorebirds rest at puddles and muddy areas here. Just after getting on Smith River Road, watch for a short road to your left called Stables Road. Birds in this area include Purple Martin, Marsh Wren, waterfowl, swallows, Yellow Warbler, and rails.
Coast Range return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 C-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 45 C-6 geographic coordinates 43 44’ 21” N 124 03’ 50” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: The best way to see the coast range in Douglas County is to take two Forest Service Roads that lie between the Smith and Umpqua Rivers. From the junction of Highways 101 and 38 in Reedsport, go north on Hwy 101 for 0.8 miles to Lower Smith River Road. Go right (east) on Lower Smith River Road for 3.2 miles to South Side Road. Turn and cross the river. Follow Road 119 until it turns into FS Rd. 41. This gravel road takes you over a ridge through mixed aged forest and ends up at Wells Creek on Hwy 38. This will give you many miles to experience the coast range and its wide variety of birds.
Matt's Flats return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 B-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 44 D-5 geographic coordinates 43 45’ 10” N 124 07’ 34” W (These are the coordinates to the access road).
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Travel 2.1 miles north of the Gardiner Boat Ramp or 16.6 miles south of Florence to Sparrow Park Road. Take Sparrow Park Road (4.1 miles from the junction of Highways 101 and 38 in Reedsport). Take Sparrow Park Road to its end at the beach (about 4 miles and good birding along the way). Go down the beach (south) for about 1 mile and look for two posts that mark a trail. Follow this trail another 1.5 miles to the river and its mud flats. You either need a 4WD or ATV to get here or a 1.5 hour walk each way. The small creek just south of where you enter the beach is a roost spot for gulls and some shorebirds. The area south of the trail and in the deflation plain sometimes has wintering swans. Horned larks have been found in migration also. The area is very "birdable" by boat putting inat Gardiner or Winchester Bay. There are some nice mud flats only reachable by boat. Matt’s Flats is a local name. It was named by local birders for Matt Hunter so that name won’t be found on any map. The obvious draw here is shorebirds but gulls and sea ducks are viewable here too.
Winchester Bay return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 C-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 44 D-5 geographic coordinates 43 43’ 29” N 124 10’ 28” W
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Location: From Hwy 38 in Reedsport, take Hwy 101 south 4.3 miles to Winchester Bay. Go right on Salmon Harbor Drive 1.9 miles, and turn right on paved road to access beach and jetty. Best birding is from the jetty. Go back along Salmon Harbor Drive to Ork Rock Rd; turn left and view the harbor and bay wherever possible. Several other small roads lead to viewing areas.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: ocean, beach, river, conifers, boat basin, jetty rocks. Birds: Alcids (Pigeon Guillemot nests at the crab dock), gulls, terns, Bald Eagle, Osprey, waterfowl, Wrentit, cormorants, grebes. Best birding: Aug-Apr.
Reedsport Duck Pond return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 C-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 45 D-6 geographic coordinates 43 41’ 49” N 124 06’ 51” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: From Highways 101 and 38 in Reedsport, go south on Hwy 101 0.6 MILE to just before the bridge that crosses Scholfield Creek. The pond is on the east side of the road and the access road is just before the bridge. You can continue past this pond to the boat landing and you might find some loons or ducks as well. Green Heron, Mallard, wigeon, American Coot, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, and warblers can be found here. (Source: Oregon Birds, Issue 18, Hunter & Sawyer)
Umpqua Discovery Center return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 C-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 45 D-6 geographic coordinates 43 42’ 15” N 124 05’ 41” W
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Take a virtual tour of the Umpqua Discovery Center
Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website Choose the Oregon Coast Birding Trail. Click on the South Coast tab and go to section 102.
Reedsport Dumpand Schofield Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 40 C-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 45 D-7 geographic coordinates 43 41’ 30” N 124 03’ 59” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: To reach Scholfield Road and the subsequent transfer station, take Hwy 38 east out of Reedsport. Travel about 2.2 miles from Hwy 101 and turn right onto Scholfield Road. The transfer station is only about .4 miles down this road. There are usually a good mix of gulls here and Glaucous Gull appears almost annually. Continue on Scholfield Road and bird for as long as you have time. This road winds its way up into the foothills of the coast range and can be pretty birdy. Walker Creek Road and Schofield Ridge Road are side trips that can be productive. (Source: Oregon Birds, Issue 18, Hunter & Sawyer)
Umpqua R. Between Reedsport and Scottsburg return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 40 C-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 45 D-7 geographic coordinates 43 42’ 04” N 124 05’ 17” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: From Reedsport, take Hwy 38 east along the river. Large rafts of scaup and other ducks rest here. Look for Bald Eagles in the winter and stop frequently to search the marshy areas for various species. There are a couple of small parks along the way including Dean Creek, Umpqua Landing, and Scottsburg Park. (Source: Oregon Birds, Issue 18, Hunter & Sawyer)
Dean Creek return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 40 C-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 45 D-7 geographic coordinates 43 41’ 37” N 124 02’ 50” W
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An article about the Dean Creek Elk Refuge
Location: Take Hwy 38 east from Reedsport 3.7 miles to the main parking area; elk viewing area runs along Hwy 38 for about 4 miles with several pull-offs.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: river, wet fields. Birds: Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, White-tailed Kite, Greater Scaup, other waterfowl, swallows, shorebirds, marsh birds. Best birding: Aug-May.
Mildred Kanipe Memorial County Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 A-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 46 F-4 geographic coordinates 43 29’ 02” N 123 13’ 11” W
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Location: From I-5 going north, take exit 138 and head east 1.5 miles to Oakland. At the stop sign turn left on 1st Street. Go 0.15 miles and turn right on Oak Street, which turns into Driver Valley Road (County Road [CR] 22). Follow this road 3.9 miles to Elkhead Road (CR 50). There is a pond on the left before the junction that usually holds some waterfowl. Bear left on Elkhead Road. At 0.7 miles there is a pull-off on the right where you can view a small private wetland. At 2.6 miles is the first entrance to Kanipe Ranch on the left, which is used mainly for horse trailer parking. The main entrance is another 0.4 miles (MP 3.0) on the left.
Habitat and Birds: The park is open for horses March 15-Oct.31, and all year for general use. This 1100 acre former ranch includes a variety of open and wooded habitats. The topography is generally rolling hills and contains 450 acres of pasture, 650 acres of woods with meadows, a couple of intermittent streams with sparse patches of riparian habitat, and a small pond. There are quite a few horse and hiking trails and some old ranch roads to walk. Some ranch animals may still graze parts of the ranch. The flock of peacocks by the entrance can be a noise nuisance. Birds found here include Western Bluebird, Lazuli Bunting, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pileated Woodpecker, Bullock’s Oriole, Solitary Vireo, Western Tanager, and Western Meadowlark. A pair of Red-eyed Vireos have nested in the oak riparian area.
Ford's Pond return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 A-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 A-8 geographic coordinates 43 23’ 38” N 123 21’ 40” W
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Location: Take I-5 exit 136 in Sutherlin and drive west for 1.3 miles on Hwy 138 to Church Rd. Turn left on Church Rd for 0.2 miles. Park at pull-off; good place to scope from. Also check out the small pond on the east side of Church Rd (local name is Chevy Pond). Unfortunately there will soon be a large housing development wrapping around Ford’s pond. Hopefully you will be able to scope from Church Road.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: large pond, small marshy pond, brush. Birds: waterfowl, raptors, rails, nesting Tri-colored Blackbirds, Black Phoebe, variety of passerines. Best birding: Sept-Apr.
Cooper Creek and Plat I Reservoirs return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 A-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 A-9 Cooper Creek Reservoir geographic coordinates 43 22’ 44” N 123 16’ 29” W Plat I Reservoir geographic coordinates 43 23’ 30” N 123 15’ 11” W
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Location: Cooper Creek Reservoir- From I-5 exit 136 in Sutherlin, go east on Central Ave 3.3 miles to South Side Rd (Douglas County Rd 120); turn right, go 0.8 miles, birding the fields on either side, and turn left at the Cooper Creek Rd/Reservoir sign. Paved roads with pull-offs overlook the reservoir. The shallow upper end of the reservoir is the most productive; to reach it, go left at the fork and drive 1.9 miles to the end of the road. Plat I Reservoir - From I-5 exit 136 in Sutherlin, go east on Central Ave 4.2 miles to Plat I Rd (Douglas County Rd 70); turn right, go 0.6 miles and turn left on unpaved road to reservoir. Continue past the caretaker’s house to the turnaround where there is a good view of the marshy end of the reservoir. There are other pull-offs along the reservoir off of County Rd 70.
Habitat and Birds: Cooper Creek Reservoir- Habitat: Open water, mixed conifer/hardwood forest, and marsh. Birds:Green-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, both wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, Wood Duck, Bufflehead, Northern Pintail, Steller’s Jay, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Purple Martins. Best birding: Oct-June. Plat I Reservoir - Habitat: open water, marsh on east end, brushy meadows. The water level is lowered significantly in the winter. Birds: Great Egret, Great Blue Heron and a variety of shorebirds feed when the water is low. Bald Eagle, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Red-shouldered Hawk and White-tailed Kite can be seen in the stand of dead trees on the other side of the lake; nearby are white nest gourds for Purple Martins. Western Bluebirds, warblers, sparrows, swallows, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail. Best birding: Sept-May
Umpqua Community College Campus return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 B-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 B-8 geographic coordinates 43 17’ 26” N 123 19’ 58” W
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Campus Map & Directions
Location: From I-5 exit 129 north of Roseburg, turn left (north) on Hwy 99 and go a short distance to College Rd; turn right and drive 1 mile to the college. Park and start from any point at a sidewalk. Map available at the Administration Building on weekdays. Sidewalks completely circle campus. The fields and hill north of tennis courts are good for migrants and sparrows; also take the path down to the river. Best habitat is along edges of the campus.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: grassy parkland, river, riparian, oak groves. Birds: waterfowl, Acorn Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Hutton’s Vireo, Western Bluebird, Osprey. Best birding: Apr-May.
North Bank Habitat Management Area return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 B-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 B-9 geographic coordinates 43 18’ 39” N 123 15’ 10” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 129 north of Roseburg, turn left (north) on Hwy 99 for about 1.8 miles. At the North Bank Rd/Glide sign, turn right and go 5.3 miles to the west entrance of NBHMA. Another 6.6 miles takes you to the east entrance; map and message board are here. This area is 6581 acres with 40 miles of walking trails. Motorized vehicles are restricted; walk the old roads. Hunting is allowed at certain times. Horseback riding is also allowed. The east entrance gate is open Fri-Mon otherwise you must walk from the gate. The east entrance road goes about a mile to a parking area.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: rare southwest Oregon lowland foothills consisting of grassy slopes and woods of Oregon white oak, Douglas fir, Pacific madrone and bigleaf maple. Birds along North Bank Rd: Bald and Golden Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Osprey, Western Kingbird, Western Scrub-Jay, Wild Turkey. Birds at NBHMA: Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Chipping and Fox Sparrow, Hutton’s and Warbling Vireo, Say’s Phoebe, Lazuli Bunting, Western Bluebird, Acorn and Lewis’s Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, California Quail, Western Tanager, Ash-throated Flycatcher. Best birding: Nov-Feb, Apr-June.
Whistler's Bend Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 B-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 B-9 geographic coordinates 43 18’ 50” N 123 13’ 03” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 124 in Roseburg follow the signs for Hwy 138 east toward Glide. Go 12 miles and turn left on Whistler’s Bend Park Rd. Drive 2.6 miles and turn left on South Bank Rd; go 0.5 miles to a pond(PRIVATE PROPERTY, BIRD FROM ROAD) on the left. Return to the intersection with Whistler’s Bend Park Rd and turn left into the park. Heavy use by disc golfers can disturb birding.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: pond, meadow and mixed riparian forest along a bend in the North Umpqua River. Birds: diving and dabbling ducks, Western Bluebird, Varied Thrush, Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Common Merganser, Spotted Sandpiper, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle and other raptors. Best birding: Nov-Feb, May.
River Forks Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 B-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 C-7 geographic coordinates 43 16’ 13” N 123 26’ 39” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 125 in Roseburg go west on Garden Valley Blvd 4.6 miles. Turn left on Old Garden Valley Rd and go 1.6 miles to River Forks Park Rd; turn left into the park.
Habitat and Birds: Habitat: river, riparian, grassy parkland, mixed hardwood/conifer, at the confluence of the North and South Umpqua Rivers. The park is busy during the summer. Birds: Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Common Merganser, Bald Eagle, Belted Kingfisher, Spotted Sandpiper, active Osprey nest on a utility pole, a variety of passerines, including American and Lesser Goldfinch, Hutton’s Vireo, Black-headed Grosbeak, Red-breasted Sapsucker and Cedar Waxwing. Best birding: Apr-June.
Melrose (Driving Route) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 C-7 geographic coordinates 43 14’ 46” N 123 27’ 31” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 124 in Roseburg take Harvard Ave (which will become Old Melrose) west 2.6 miles to the Great Blue Heron rookery across the South Umpqua River. Continue 2.6 miles to T-intersection with Melrose Rd; turn left and go 2 miles to Melqua Rd. Turn right and continue 10 miles to Hubbard Creek Rd; turn right and go 8 miles to I-5 at Sutherlin (restroom at Umpqua Landing). Make a stop at Ford’s Pond.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: mixed hardwood/conifer, river, fields. Birds: Bald Eagle, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Northern Shrike, Wood Duck, mergansers, Western Kingbird, Wrentit, Lazuli Bunting, Western Meadowlark, Golden-crowned Sparrow. Best birding: Nov-Feb, May-June.
Stewart Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 C-8 geographic coordinates 43 13’ 24” N 123 22’ 17” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 125 in Roseburg, go west 0.3 miles on Garden Valley Blvd to the 4th stoplight; turn left on NW Goetz St just past the Fred Meyer supermarket to pond parking. Habitat: two ponds, river, riparian, paths, grassy parkland, golf course, mixed hardwood/conifer.
Habitat and Birds:Birds: waterfowl, waders, passerines, Green Heron, Anna’s Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Bewick’s Wren, Merlin, Bullock’s Oriole, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat. Best birding: Oct-Feb, May.
Lookingglass (Driving Route) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 D-7 geographic coordinates 43 10’ 41” N 123 29’ 07” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 124 in Roseburg, go west on Harvard Ave 1.6 miles to Lookingglass Rd; turn left and go 6 miles to T-intersection; turn left for 0.3 miles and turn right on Coos Bay Wagon Rd. Go 1.3 miles to Dairy Loop Rd, turn left. Continue 2.8 miles around Dairy Loop; go straight at the T-intersection with Lookingglass Rd for 2.2 miles to Happy Valley Rd. Follow this road 3.8 miles to the bridge across the South Umpqua River; very little traffic, wide shoulders for walking; restroom at the Happy Valley boat launch.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: pastures, mixed hardwood/conifer, river, roadside weed patches. Birds: Double-crested Cormorant, Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Great Egret, Belted Kingfisher, Acorn and Pileated Woodpecker, sparrows. Best birding: Oct-Feb, May.
Ben Irving Reservoir (Berry Creek Reservoir) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 34 D-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 E-6 geographic coordinates 43 02’ 58” N 123 33’ 59” W
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Location: From I-5 take 119 exit (Hwy 42) west about 13.3 miles (MP 63.8). Turn left on Benedict Road for 1.2 miles. Go right on Ireland Road for 0.9 miles. Turn left on Berry Creek Road. At 1.3 miles there is a large pull-off where you can scope the upper end of the lake. The road follows the lake another 1.2 miles where it ends at the boat ramp. There is a small picnic area before the boat ramp.
Habitat and Birds: This is a narrow reservoir. The dam area cannot be viewed without a boat. The best area is the upper end where plenty of waterfowl and Double-crested Cormorants hang out. The surrounding area has conifer/hardwood mixed forest sprinkled among the ranchland. There are some low-traffic country roads (such as Olalla Road) in the area you can explore after you finish the reservoir.
Myrtle Creek (Driving Route) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 D-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 E-9 geographic coordinates 43 01’ 41” N 123 16’ 47” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 108 in Myrtle Creek go 0.7 miles to the junction of 1st Ave and Main St. This is the start point for the rest of the tour. There are a series of small parks, most with a riparian component along the park edges best birded during spring migration. Millsite Park: turn right on 1st Ave, one short block to park. Evergreen and Creek-side Parks: follow signs by going left on 1st Ave, right on Johnson St and then right on Cedar St to Evergreen Park; nice stand of trees. Continue around the park to exit. Left on Howland St, left on Pine St, right on Oak St to Creek-side Park. Sewage pond and golf course: from start point continue on Main St 0.2 miles to Riverside Drive. Left on Riverside Drive 0.2 miles to Days Creek Cutoff Rd; follow this road 0.9 miles to pond on right. Bird the creek-side vegetation at the pull-offs along this road. Return to Riverside Drive and turn right; continue to Neal Lane and turn right; follow signs to golf course. Pioneer Cemetery: continue 0.4 miles south from start point on Main St to Pioneer Way; right on Pioneer Way to cemetery (very narrow road); hilltop stand of mixed hardwoods and conifers.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: river, riparian, forest, grassland, ponds. Birds: waterfowl winter and spring, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-breasted Chat, Black Phoebe, Western Bluebird, Western Meadowlark, sparrows, raptors. Best birding: May-June
Canyonville return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 27 A-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 60 A-4 geographic coordinates 43 55’ 40” N 123 16’ 47” W
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Location: At I-5 exit 99 South at Canyonville go left under the freeway and right on Main St. past the casino 1 mile; turn left on Third St (County Hwy 1) for 1.2 miles to Canyonville Park Rd; turn left for 0.3 miles to the river. Return to Third St, go left for 0.2 miles to Herbert's Pond on left. To get to Stanton County Park return to exit 99 and go straight on Gazely Bridge Rd 0.1 miles and then left on Stanton Park Rd for 0.4 miles; turn right into the park.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: pond with trail, brush, farmland, river, riparian, mixed hardwood and conifer. Birds: riverine birds, Green Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, Common Merganser, Pileated, Acorn and Downy Woodpecker, Bushtit, Wrentit, Lesser Goldfinch, and waterfowl. Best birding: Oct-Feb, May-June.
Galesville Reservoir return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 27 B-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 60 B-5 geographic coordinates 42 51’ 00” N 123 10’ 40” W
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Location: From I-5 take exit 88 (CR 36) east. At .1 mile there is a pond and blackberry patch just off CR 36 on Creek Road that should be checked out. Tiny Longfibre County Park is at 4.2 miles on CR36. At 7.3 miles you reach the dam and the first overlook. The road follows the lake for 3.5 miles. The small boat landing is the last public access point. There are numerous pull-outs and a campground and picnic area along the way.
Habitat and Birds: This is a large reservoir with many snags. Best time is spring and early summer. Water levels are lowered in winter providing some shorebird habitat. The surrounding area has mixed multi-aged hardwood/conifer forest. Several roads in the area access the low and mid-elevations on BLM and Forest Service lands. Rock Wren has occurred several times during spring, near the rock pit by the dam. Wrentit, Nashville Warbler, Anna’s Hummingbird, and Black-throated Gray Warbler reside in the drier areas. All of the swallow species and Purple Martin are around in early summer. Double-crested Cormorants and Osprey are regulars here. The forest roads provide a good selection of passerines and woodpeckers.
Cow Creek Loop (Driving Route about 41 miles)return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 26 B-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 A,B-1,2,3,4 geographic coordinates 42˚ 49’ 09” N 123 36’ 42” W
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Location: At I-5 exit 88 south of Canyonville go right (southwest) on Azalea-Glendale Rd for 10.2 miles. Go right 0.2 miles on North Rueben Rd and turn right on Rueben Rd; after another 4.3 miles it turns into Cow Creek Rd; go 6.4 miles to Skull Creek Recreation Area which is 0.2 miles off of road to left and has camping and restrooms but no water. Go left after 3.8 miles; another 16.1 miles takes you to Island Creek day use area with picnic tables and restrooms; go on 2.8 miles to a small marsh; go 7.1 miles to return to I-5 at Tri-City. Paved loop follows Cow Creek National Back Country Byway for much of the way; numerous options for exploring gravel forest roads in the middle portion of route; BLM map available.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: ranchland on both ends of route with several small ponds, river, interspersed public and private forestlands of mixed hardwood and conifer stands. Birds: riverine birds, forest passerines, dabbling ducks, Nashville, Black-throated Gray and Hermit Warbler, Cassin’s and Hutton’s Vireo, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Swainson’s Thrush, Wrentit. Best birding: May-June.
Susan Creek Falls return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 36 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 54 B-3 geographic coordinates 43 17’ 49” N 122˚ 53’ 23” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 137. Be careful when looking at the Crater Lake Loop Map on the Cascades Birding Trail website. Sites 135 and 137 are unintentionally switched on that map. We've been informed that this will be remedied with the next printing of that document. Consult our Google map if you are confused.
Panther-Emile Loop return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 36 B-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 54 B-5 geographic coordinates 43 18’ 20” N 122˚ 40’ 38” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: The route is mainly on Forest Service land with a little bit of BLM and private forest land. It passes thru multi-aged Douglas fir predominated forests. The elevation ranges from about 1300’ to 4300’. The higher elevations are open from mid June to mid Nov. The best months to visit are May- July. The other months can be quite dull. Eight species of owls have been encountered on this route over the years. Since these are Forest Service roads that are mainly gravel, it is best to stay on the main roads. The spur roads are poorly maintained but still could be walked or biked. A Forest Service map is a necessity since other maps both paper and electronic are very inaccurate. The Apple Creek campground at one end and the Coolwater campground at the other end are open during the summer. There are several primitive camps along the route which are usually empty except during hunting season.
If you spent a June weekend on this route, you should be able to get most of the Westside forest birds. The huge area of willows up top has a great potential for new discoveries since it is basically unbirded. I only know of 2 people that have ever birded many of these areas.
DIRECTIONS:
From Roseburg take 138 East 43.5 miles to Forest Road (FR) 4714
This is 27.5 miles east from the Little River Bridge in Glide
Turn right on 4714 (Panther Creek Road) at Apple Creek CG
There is a restroom at the North Umpqua Trail-Panther Trailhead just across the bridge
SIDE TRIP #1 APPLE FIRE LOOP
Follow 4714 for 0.2 mile, veer left on FR4720 (Calf Ridge Rd)
At 0.8 mile, at the junction of 005 and 4720 you start a 22 mile loop (4720 to 760 to 005) through the Apple Fire of 2002. This loop is frequently blocked by slides or downed trees. Even if you can only drive a few miles each way, you gain access to good birding in this huge fire area. The area is filled with large snags.
Once you are done with the fire, go back to the 4714 rd. and follow the paved road all the way to the top, even though the road number changes to 330 at 6.0 miles. At 9.9 miles, turn right on FR 2703; where the pavement ends (Lookout Mountain Rd). This is the road you take all the way down to Little River Rd. if you don’t want to investigate any of the other side trips. At 1.2 miles on 2703, bear left to remain on 2703 at the 600 spur junction.
You are now entering the huge area known as Willow Flats; which has interspersed forest and willow openings and a willow-lined riparian area.
Emile Sump (primitive camp) is 0.3 miles from the 600 junction on 2703. Emile Shelter (primitive camp) at 0.9 miles from the 600 junction. The willow infested riparian area along Emile Creek parallels 2703 for about 1.7 miles.
SIDE TRIP #2 WILLOW FLATS SUMP
At 1.8 miles from the 600 junction go right on FR4711. Follow 4711 .2 mile then go right on 4711-750. At 1.2 miles, turn right on 835 (2nd 835 entrance) The first 835 rd. can be quite rough with deep water in road. Follow 835 .2 mile to Willow Flats Sump (toilet and primitive camp). Return to 4711.
SIDE TRIP #3 MOOSE MEADOWS (local name not on any map)
From the junction of 2703 and 4711, turn right on 4711. At the 750 and 4711junction stay left on 4711. The meadows start 0.1 mile from the 750 junction and run for about 0.7 mile. There are many other roads that meander around Willow Flats but some aren’t very good. Fabulous roadside show of wildflowers. The 4711 rd. (very steep) will take you back to Hwy 138 at Wright Cr. if you so choose.
SIDE TRIP #4 GROTTO FALLS
From 2703 and 4711, go 3.2 miles on 2703 and take a sharp right on 2703-150. Go 2.1 miles to Grotto Falls (toilet). The falls is a .25 mile hike. A black swift was seen there a couple of times at dusk. On the 150 rd., you get spectacular views of Thunder Ridge and Emile Creek Canyon. Return to main road (2703) and continue 4.4 miles down to Little River Road at Coolwater CG. Turn right on Little River Road and go 16.5 miles to Hwy 138 in Glide.
Illahee Flats return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 36 B-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 B-6 geographic coordinates 43 17’ 55” N 122˚ 34’ 42” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 135. Be careful when looking at the Crater Lake Loop Map on the Cascades Birding Trail website. Sites 135 and 137 are unintentionally switched on that map. We've been informed that this will be remedied with the next printing of that document. Consult our Google map if you are confused.
Big Camas Loop (Driving Route) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 37 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 C-7 geographic coordinates 44˚ 17’ 29” N 122˚ 32’ 44” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 138. Due to snow, Big Camas Loop east(top)half is closed Dec-April
Toketee Lake return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 37 B-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 B-7 geographic coordinates 43 16’ 04” N 122˚ 24’ 59” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 124 in Roseburg follow the signs for Hwy 138 east 59 miles, turn left on Forest Rd 34 (Toketee Rigdon Rd). At 0.2 miles stay left at the fork (right fork goes to the Toketee Ranger Station). Go 0.3 miles to Toketee Lake Dam; road follows the lakeshore with several pull-offs. Go 0.9 miles to campground road and boat landing at east end of lake with access to several trails and a small, birdy peninsula; forest recreation pass is required.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: lake, river, riparian, marshy pond (other side of FR 34), mixed conifer. Birds: Bald Eagle, Osprey, Willow Flycatcher, both goldeneyes, waterfowl, forest passerines. Best birding: May-June, Sept-Oct.
Thorn Prairie return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 37 B-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 B-8 geographic coordinates 43 18’ 30” N 122˚ 19’ 55” W
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Location: Free of snow [May - November] From I-5 exit 124 in Roseburg follow the signs for Hwy 138 east 59 miles, turn left on Forest Rd 34 (Toketee Rigdon Rd). At 0.2 miles stay left at the fork (right fork goes to the Toketee Ranger Station). Go 0.3 miles to Toketee Lake Dam (see #12). Go 1.9 miles and turn right on FR 3401 (gravel road); go approximately 4.2 miles to where Thorn Prairie begins and continues for about 2 miles.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: unique eastside Cascade vegetation, white thornbrush, lodgepole pine, mixed conifer. Birds: best place in county for Calliope Hummingbird and Green-tailed Towhee, also Dusky Flycatcher, woodpeckers, forest passerines. Best birding: May-July.
Toolbox Meadows return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 37 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 C-9 geographic coordinates 43 14’ 48” N 122˚ 17’ 00” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 143. Due to snow, Toolbox Meadows is closed Dec-mid June
Stump Lake and Mowich Park(Driving Route) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 37 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 C-9 geographic coordinates 43 14’ 47” N 122˚ 16’ 54” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 142. Due to snow, Mowich Park is closed Dec-May
Lemolo Lake return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 37 B-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 B-10 geographic coordinates 43 19’ 01” N 122˚ 11’ 32” W
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Location: From the junction of Highways 230 & 138 near Diamond Lake, go 10.3 miles north on Hwy 138 and take a right on FR 2610 (This road is also called Basket Butte Road). Go 4.0 miles to the Poole Creek boat launch and another 0.8 miles to the lodge. A road circles the lake with numerous pull-offs and campgrounds. The boat ramp is good for scoping the whole lake. On the east end, the North Umpqua River enters the lake and is bordered by a marshy riparian area. The 2612 road parallels the river for a couple miles passing springs. Going north on the 700 road takes you up Kelsay Mountain to an old fire area. You can either loop around on this road to road 60 (Windgo Pass Road) or connect with the 60 road at east end of the 2614 road. The 60 road will give you access to the higher mountain species up near the pass.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: open water, wet meadow and mixed conifer. Birds: grebes, mergansers, goldeneyes, Bufflehead, Lesser Scaup, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Mountain Chickadee, Western Tanager, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Townsend’s Solitaire, Western Wood-Pewee, Cassin’s Finch, warblers. Best birding: May-July, Sept-Oct.
Diamond Lake return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 37 C-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 D-10 geographic coordinates 43 10’ 45” N 122˚ 08’ 16” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 124 in Roseburg follow the signs for Hwy 138 east 80 miles to Diamond Lake. The lake (ice-covered December through mid-April) is circled by a paved road and a trail. The best birding areas are the campgrounds, boat launches, parking areas and the South Shore Picnic Area including the paved path from the parking lot south along the wet meadow to several small lakes; forest recreation pass is required.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: open water, wet meadow and mixed conifer. Birds: grebes, mergansers, goldeneyes, gulls, Lesser Scaup, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Cinnamon Teal, Mountain Chickadee, Western Tanager, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Townsend’s Solitaire, Western Wood-Pewee, Cassin’s Finch, warblers. Best birding: May-July, Sept-Oct. The ponds (at least during the 1980s) supported breeding Barrow's Goldeneye, Mallard, and Wood Duck, with single breeding records for Bufflehead and Ruddy Duck. The portion between the main ponds, which by 1995 had grown in with lodgepole pine saplings, was in the '80s a barren, grass-dotted opening which attracted hordes of Savannah Sparrows, American Pipits, and with them, Oregon's 2nd and 5th Chestnut-collared Longspurs. The pond on the west side had nesting Wilson's Phalaropes and many migrant shorebirds, among them Semipalmated Sandpiper, Willet, Red-necked Phalarope, and Long-billed Curlew. Snowy Egret, Loggerhead Shrike, Bank Swallow, and Lark, Vesper, Grasshopper, Chipping, and Brewer's Sparrows have also been seen here (all D. Fix or D. Fix and D. Irons). A June 29th record of Solitary Sandpiper is the earliest report of an apparent fall migrant in the state, and the site also provided a late September Swamp Sparrow. Northern Goshawk is possible any time of year, and Black-backed Woodpeckers breed in the mixed conifer forest dominated by Shasta red fir beyond the fenced area. While there, turn around and put glasses on the summit of Mt. Thielsen--sometimes people are standing on top. In August and September the dikes are ablaze with fireweed, particularly beautiful when seen backlit in late afternoon.
Hemlock Lake return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 36 C-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 54 D-4 geographic coordinates 43 11’ 23” N 122˚ 42’ 09” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 136. Hemlock Lake closed from snow Dec-May.
South Umpqua Falls return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 36 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 54 E-5 geographic coordinates 43 02’ 58” N 122˚ 42’ 21” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 146.
Carmen Lake return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 36 C-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 D-6 geographic coordinates 43 07’ 00” N 122˚ 35’ 08” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 147.
Rabbit Ears and Hershberger Mountain Access return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 29 A-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 F-7 geographic coordinates 42˚ 55’ 57” N 122˚ 25’ 19” W (THESE ACCESS COORDINATES ARE ACTUALLY IN JACKSON COUNTY. RABBIT EARS AND HERSHBERGER MOUNTAIN ARE BOTH ON THE SOUTHERN EDGE OF DOUGLAS COUNTY.)
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 149. Due to snow, Rabbit Ears-Hershberger Mt is closed Dec-May.
Lost Creek at Highway Falls return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 37 D-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 E-8 geographic coordinates 43 02’ 04” N 122˚ 22’ 02” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 148.
Tiller Ranger Station return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 28 A-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 61 A-7 geographic coordinates 42˚ 55’ 33” N 122˚ 57’ 00” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 145.
Birding Locations
Taylor Dunes Trail return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 A-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 45 A-6 geographic coordinates 43 51’ 51” N 124 08’ 53” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Oregon Coast Birding Trail. Click on the Central Coast tab and go to section 99.
Tahkenitch Dunes/Threemile Lake Trails return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 B-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 44 B-5 geographic coordinates 43 47’ 42” N 124 08’ 56” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Oregon Coast Birding Trail. Click on the South Coast tab and go to section 100.
Fivemile Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 B-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 44 C-5 geographic coordinates 43 45’ 43” N 124 07’ 27” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Located about 5 miles north of the junction of Highways 101 and 38 in Reedsport and 16 miles south of Florence is this gravel logging road that allows access to some of the coast range. Watch for log trucks. Most of the road passes through young successional forest that can reveal some good coastal mountain species. Look and listen for Saw-whet and Pygmy Owls. Mountain Quail are here along with some Ruffed and Sooty Grouse at higher levels. Water and marsh birds, mountain finches, chickadees, and sparrows can be found here as well. Don't miss the marshy areas on the east side of Tahkenitch Lake. These are some of the best marshes in Douglas County.
Dawson and Stowe Marsh Restoration Area/Smith River Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 C-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 45 C-6 geographic coordinates Jct of Smith River Road and Hwy 101 43 42’ 51” N 124 05’ 54” W Stowe Marsh 43 44’ 08” N 124 03’ 43” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Oregon Coast Birding Trail. Click on the South Coast tab and go to section 101. From the junction of Highways 101 and 38 in Reedsport, go north on 101 about 0.8 miles to Lower Smith River Road. Go right on L. Smith River Road. As you cross the bridge coming out of Reedsport, there is a Double-crested Cormorant rookery just NW of the bridge. Go another 0.5 miles and you will see Stables Road. There are tidal ponds and mudflats here that can be very birdy during high tides. It's worth checking this area at any tide. Back on the Smith River Road, watch for periodic mudflats that will hold gulls and shorebirds. Pull over and check them out as you work your way out to Stowe Marsh. Just before the old mill, there is a group of trees on the right where Band-tailed Pigeon are known to congregate. At 3.2 miles from Hwy 101, turn right on South Side Road and cross the bridge to Dawson and Stowe Marsh Restoration Area. Don't forget to check out the town of Gardiner during high tide. Sometimes shorebirds rest at puddles and muddy areas here. Just after getting on Smith River Road, watch for a short road to your left called Stables Road. Birds in this area include Purple Martin, Marsh Wren, waterfowl, swallows, Yellow Warbler, and rails.
Coast Range return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 C-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 45 C-6 geographic coordinates 43 44’ 21” N 124 03’ 50” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: The best way to see the coast range in Douglas County is to take two Forest Service Roads that lie between the Smith and Umpqua Rivers. From the junction of Highways 101 and 38 in Reedsport, go north on Hwy 101 for 0.8 miles to Lower Smith River Road. Go right (east) on Lower Smith River Road for 3.2 miles to South Side Road. Turn and cross the river. Follow Road 119 until it turns into FS Rd. 41. This gravel road takes you over a ridge through mixed aged forest and ends up at Wells Creek on Hwy 38. This will give you many miles to experience the coast range and its wide variety of birds.
Matt's Flats return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 B-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 44 D-5 geographic coordinates 43 45’ 10” N 124 07’ 34” W (These are the coordinates to the access road).
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Travel 2.1 miles north of the Gardiner Boat Ramp or 16.6 miles south of Florence to Sparrow Park Road. Take Sparrow Park Road (4.1 miles from the junction of Highways 101 and 38 in Reedsport). Take Sparrow Park Road to its end at the beach (about 4 miles and good birding along the way). Go down the beach (south) for about 1 mile and look for two posts that mark a trail. Follow this trail another 1.5 miles to the river and its mud flats. You either need a 4WD or ATV to get here or a 1.5 hour walk each way. The small creek just south of where you enter the beach is a roost spot for gulls and some shorebirds. The area south of the trail and in the deflation plain sometimes has wintering swans. Horned larks have been found in migration also. The area is very "birdable" by boat putting inat Gardiner or Winchester Bay. There are some nice mud flats only reachable by boat. Matt’s Flats is a local name. It was named by local birders for Matt Hunter so that name won’t be found on any map. The obvious draw here is shorebirds but gulls and sea ducks are viewable here too.
Winchester Bay return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 C-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 44 D-5 geographic coordinates 43 43’ 29” N 124 10’ 28” W
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Location: From Hwy 38 in Reedsport, take Hwy 101 south 4.3 miles to Winchester Bay. Go right on Salmon Harbor Drive 1.9 miles, and turn right on paved road to access beach and jetty. Best birding is from the jetty. Go back along Salmon Harbor Drive to Ork Rock Rd; turn left and view the harbor and bay wherever possible. Several other small roads lead to viewing areas.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: ocean, beach, river, conifers, boat basin, jetty rocks. Birds: Alcids (Pigeon Guillemot nests at the crab dock), gulls, terns, Bald Eagle, Osprey, waterfowl, Wrentit, cormorants, grebes. Best birding: Aug-Apr.
Reedsport Duck Pond return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 C-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 45 D-6 geographic coordinates 43 41’ 49” N 124 06’ 51” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: From Highways 101 and 38 in Reedsport, go south on Hwy 101 0.6 MILE to just before the bridge that crosses Scholfield Creek. The pond is on the east side of the road and the access road is just before the bridge. You can continue past this pond to the boat landing and you might find some loons or ducks as well. Green Heron, Mallard, wigeon, American Coot, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, and warblers can be found here. (Source: Oregon Birds, Issue 18, Hunter & Sawyer)
Umpqua Discovery Center return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 32 C-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 45 D-6 geographic coordinates 43 42’ 15” N 124 05’ 41” W
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Take a virtual tour of the Umpqua Discovery Center
Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website Choose the Oregon Coast Birding Trail. Click on the South Coast tab and go to section 102.
Reedsport Dumpand Schofield Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 40 C-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 45 D-7 geographic coordinates 43 41’ 30” N 124 03’ 59” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: To reach Scholfield Road and the subsequent transfer station, take Hwy 38 east out of Reedsport. Travel about 2.2 miles from Hwy 101 and turn right onto Scholfield Road. The transfer station is only about .4 miles down this road. There are usually a good mix of gulls here and Glaucous Gull appears almost annually. Continue on Scholfield Road and bird for as long as you have time. This road winds its way up into the foothills of the coast range and can be pretty birdy. Walker Creek Road and Schofield Ridge Road are side trips that can be productive. (Source: Oregon Birds, Issue 18, Hunter & Sawyer)
Umpqua R. Between Reedsport and Scottsburg return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 40 C-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 45 D-7 geographic coordinates 43 42’ 04” N 124 05’ 17” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: From Reedsport, take Hwy 38 east along the river. Large rafts of scaup and other ducks rest here. Look for Bald Eagles in the winter and stop frequently to search the marshy areas for various species. There are a couple of small parks along the way including Dean Creek, Umpqua Landing, and Scottsburg Park. (Source: Oregon Birds, Issue 18, Hunter & Sawyer)
Dean Creek return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 40 C-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 45 D-7 geographic coordinates 43 41’ 37” N 124 02’ 50” W
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An article about the Dean Creek Elk Refuge
Location: Take Hwy 38 east from Reedsport 3.7 miles to the main parking area; elk viewing area runs along Hwy 38 for about 4 miles with several pull-offs.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: river, wet fields. Birds: Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, White-tailed Kite, Greater Scaup, other waterfowl, swallows, shorebirds, marsh birds. Best birding: Aug-May.
Mildred Kanipe Memorial County Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 A-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 46 F-4 geographic coordinates 43 29’ 02” N 123 13’ 11” W
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Location: From I-5 going north, take exit 138 and head east 1.5 miles to Oakland. At the stop sign turn left on 1st Street. Go 0.15 miles and turn right on Oak Street, which turns into Driver Valley Road (County Road [CR] 22). Follow this road 3.9 miles to Elkhead Road (CR 50). There is a pond on the left before the junction that usually holds some waterfowl. Bear left on Elkhead Road. At 0.7 miles there is a pull-off on the right where you can view a small private wetland. At 2.6 miles is the first entrance to Kanipe Ranch on the left, which is used mainly for horse trailer parking. The main entrance is another 0.4 miles (MP 3.0) on the left.
Habitat and Birds: The park is open for horses March 15-Oct.31, and all year for general use. This 1100 acre former ranch includes a variety of open and wooded habitats. The topography is generally rolling hills and contains 450 acres of pasture, 650 acres of woods with meadows, a couple of intermittent streams with sparse patches of riparian habitat, and a small pond. There are quite a few horse and hiking trails and some old ranch roads to walk. Some ranch animals may still graze parts of the ranch. The flock of peacocks by the entrance can be a noise nuisance. Birds found here include Western Bluebird, Lazuli Bunting, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pileated Woodpecker, Bullock’s Oriole, Solitary Vireo, Western Tanager, and Western Meadowlark. A pair of Red-eyed Vireos have nested in the oak riparian area.
Ford's Pond return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 A-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 A-8 geographic coordinates 43 23’ 38” N 123 21’ 40” W
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Location: Take I-5 exit 136 in Sutherlin and drive west for 1.3 miles on Hwy 138 to Church Rd. Turn left on Church Rd for 0.2 miles. Park at pull-off; good place to scope from. Also check out the small pond on the east side of Church Rd (local name is Chevy Pond). Unfortunately there will soon be a large housing development wrapping around Ford’s pond. Hopefully you will be able to scope from Church Road.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: large pond, small marshy pond, brush. Birds: waterfowl, raptors, rails, nesting Tri-colored Blackbirds, Black Phoebe, variety of passerines. Best birding: Sept-Apr.
Cooper Creek and Plat I Reservoirs return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 A-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 A-9 Cooper Creek Reservoir geographic coordinates 43 22’ 44” N 123 16’ 29” W Plat I Reservoir geographic coordinates 43 23’ 30” N 123 15’ 11” W
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Location: Cooper Creek Reservoir- From I-5 exit 136 in Sutherlin, go east on Central Ave 3.3 miles to South Side Rd (Douglas County Rd 120); turn right, go 0.8 miles, birding the fields on either side, and turn left at the Cooper Creek Rd/Reservoir sign. Paved roads with pull-offs overlook the reservoir. The shallow upper end of the reservoir is the most productive; to reach it, go left at the fork and drive 1.9 miles to the end of the road. Plat I Reservoir - From I-5 exit 136 in Sutherlin, go east on Central Ave 4.2 miles to Plat I Rd (Douglas County Rd 70); turn right, go 0.6 miles and turn left on unpaved road to reservoir. Continue past the caretaker’s house to the turnaround where there is a good view of the marshy end of the reservoir. There are other pull-offs along the reservoir off of County Rd 70.
Habitat and Birds: Cooper Creek Reservoir- Habitat: Open water, mixed conifer/hardwood forest, and marsh. Birds:Green-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, both wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, Wood Duck, Bufflehead, Northern Pintail, Steller’s Jay, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Purple Martins. Best birding: Oct-June. Plat I Reservoir - Habitat: open water, marsh on east end, brushy meadows. The water level is lowered significantly in the winter. Birds: Great Egret, Great Blue Heron and a variety of shorebirds feed when the water is low. Bald Eagle, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Red-shouldered Hawk and White-tailed Kite can be seen in the stand of dead trees on the other side of the lake; nearby are white nest gourds for Purple Martins. Western Bluebirds, warblers, sparrows, swallows, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail. Best birding: Sept-May
Umpqua Community College Campus return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 B-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 B-8 geographic coordinates 43 17’ 26” N 123 19’ 58” W
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Campus Map & Directions
Location: From I-5 exit 129 north of Roseburg, turn left (north) on Hwy 99 and go a short distance to College Rd; turn right and drive 1 mile to the college. Park and start from any point at a sidewalk. Map available at the Administration Building on weekdays. Sidewalks completely circle campus. The fields and hill north of tennis courts are good for migrants and sparrows; also take the path down to the river. Best habitat is along edges of the campus.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: grassy parkland, river, riparian, oak groves. Birds: waterfowl, Acorn Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Hutton’s Vireo, Western Bluebird, Osprey. Best birding: Apr-May.
North Bank Habitat Management Area return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 B-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 B-9 geographic coordinates 43 18’ 39” N 123 15’ 10” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 129 north of Roseburg, turn left (north) on Hwy 99 for about 1.8 miles. At the North Bank Rd/Glide sign, turn right and go 5.3 miles to the west entrance of NBHMA. Another 6.6 miles takes you to the east entrance; map and message board are here. This area is 6581 acres with 40 miles of walking trails. Motorized vehicles are restricted; walk the old roads. Hunting is allowed at certain times. Horseback riding is also allowed. The east entrance gate is open Fri-Mon otherwise you must walk from the gate. The east entrance road goes about a mile to a parking area.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: rare southwest Oregon lowland foothills consisting of grassy slopes and woods of Oregon white oak, Douglas fir, Pacific madrone and bigleaf maple. Birds along North Bank Rd: Bald and Golden Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Osprey, Western Kingbird, Western Scrub-Jay, Wild Turkey. Birds at NBHMA: Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Chipping and Fox Sparrow, Hutton’s and Warbling Vireo, Say’s Phoebe, Lazuli Bunting, Western Bluebird, Acorn and Lewis’s Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, California Quail, Western Tanager, Ash-throated Flycatcher. Best birding: Nov-Feb, Apr-June.
Whistler's Bend Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 B-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 B-9 geographic coordinates 43 18’ 50” N 123 13’ 03” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 124 in Roseburg follow the signs for Hwy 138 east toward Glide. Go 12 miles and turn left on Whistler’s Bend Park Rd. Drive 2.6 miles and turn left on South Bank Rd; go 0.5 miles to a pond(PRIVATE PROPERTY, BIRD FROM ROAD) on the left. Return to the intersection with Whistler’s Bend Park Rd and turn left into the park. Heavy use by disc golfers can disturb birding.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: pond, meadow and mixed riparian forest along a bend in the North Umpqua River. Birds: diving and dabbling ducks, Western Bluebird, Varied Thrush, Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Common Merganser, Spotted Sandpiper, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle and other raptors. Best birding: Nov-Feb, May.
River Forks Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 B-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 C-7 geographic coordinates 43 16’ 13” N 123 26’ 39” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 125 in Roseburg go west on Garden Valley Blvd 4.6 miles. Turn left on Old Garden Valley Rd and go 1.6 miles to River Forks Park Rd; turn left into the park.
Habitat and Birds: Habitat: river, riparian, grassy parkland, mixed hardwood/conifer, at the confluence of the North and South Umpqua Rivers. The park is busy during the summer. Birds: Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Common Merganser, Bald Eagle, Belted Kingfisher, Spotted Sandpiper, active Osprey nest on a utility pole, a variety of passerines, including American and Lesser Goldfinch, Hutton’s Vireo, Black-headed Grosbeak, Red-breasted Sapsucker and Cedar Waxwing. Best birding: Apr-June.
Melrose (Driving Route) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 C-7 geographic coordinates 43 14’ 46” N 123 27’ 31” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 124 in Roseburg take Harvard Ave (which will become Old Melrose) west 2.6 miles to the Great Blue Heron rookery across the South Umpqua River. Continue 2.6 miles to T-intersection with Melrose Rd; turn left and go 2 miles to Melqua Rd. Turn right and continue 10 miles to Hubbard Creek Rd; turn right and go 8 miles to I-5 at Sutherlin (restroom at Umpqua Landing). Make a stop at Ford’s Pond.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: mixed hardwood/conifer, river, fields. Birds: Bald Eagle, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Northern Shrike, Wood Duck, mergansers, Western Kingbird, Wrentit, Lazuli Bunting, Western Meadowlark, Golden-crowned Sparrow. Best birding: Nov-Feb, May-June.
Stewart Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 C-8 geographic coordinates 43 13’ 24” N 123 22’ 17” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 125 in Roseburg, go west 0.3 miles on Garden Valley Blvd to the 4th stoplight; turn left on NW Goetz St just past the Fred Meyer supermarket to pond parking. Habitat: two ponds, river, riparian, paths, grassy parkland, golf course, mixed hardwood/conifer.
Habitat and Birds:Birds: waterfowl, waders, passerines, Green Heron, Anna’s Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Bewick’s Wren, Merlin, Bullock’s Oriole, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat. Best birding: Oct-Feb, May.
Lookingglass (Driving Route) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 D-7 geographic coordinates 43 10’ 41” N 123 29’ 07” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 124 in Roseburg, go west on Harvard Ave 1.6 miles to Lookingglass Rd; turn left and go 6 miles to T-intersection; turn left for 0.3 miles and turn right on Coos Bay Wagon Rd. Go 1.3 miles to Dairy Loop Rd, turn left. Continue 2.8 miles around Dairy Loop; go straight at the T-intersection with Lookingglass Rd for 2.2 miles to Happy Valley Rd. Follow this road 3.8 miles to the bridge across the South Umpqua River; very little traffic, wide shoulders for walking; restroom at the Happy Valley boat launch.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: pastures, mixed hardwood/conifer, river, roadside weed patches. Birds: Double-crested Cormorant, Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Great Egret, Belted Kingfisher, Acorn and Pileated Woodpecker, sparrows. Best birding: Oct-Feb, May.
Ben Irving Reservoir (Berry Creek Reservoir) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 34 D-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 E-6 geographic coordinates 43 02’ 58” N 123 33’ 59” W
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Location: From I-5 take 119 exit (Hwy 42) west about 13.3 miles (MP 63.8). Turn left on Benedict Road for 1.2 miles. Go right on Ireland Road for 0.9 miles. Turn left on Berry Creek Road. At 1.3 miles there is a large pull-off where you can scope the upper end of the lake. The road follows the lake another 1.2 miles where it ends at the boat ramp. There is a small picnic area before the boat ramp.
Habitat and Birds: This is a narrow reservoir. The dam area cannot be viewed without a boat. The best area is the upper end where plenty of waterfowl and Double-crested Cormorants hang out. The surrounding area has conifer/hardwood mixed forest sprinkled among the ranchland. There are some low-traffic country roads (such as Olalla Road) in the area you can explore after you finish the reservoir.
Myrtle Creek (Driving Route) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 35 D-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 E-9 geographic coordinates 43 01’ 41” N 123 16’ 47” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 108 in Myrtle Creek go 0.7 miles to the junction of 1st Ave and Main St. This is the start point for the rest of the tour. There are a series of small parks, most with a riparian component along the park edges best birded during spring migration. Millsite Park: turn right on 1st Ave, one short block to park. Evergreen and Creek-side Parks: follow signs by going left on 1st Ave, right on Johnson St and then right on Cedar St to Evergreen Park; nice stand of trees. Continue around the park to exit. Left on Howland St, left on Pine St, right on Oak St to Creek-side Park. Sewage pond and golf course: from start point continue on Main St 0.2 miles to Riverside Drive. Left on Riverside Drive 0.2 miles to Days Creek Cutoff Rd; follow this road 0.9 miles to pond on right. Bird the creek-side vegetation at the pull-offs along this road. Return to Riverside Drive and turn right; continue to Neal Lane and turn right; follow signs to golf course. Pioneer Cemetery: continue 0.4 miles south from start point on Main St to Pioneer Way; right on Pioneer Way to cemetery (very narrow road); hilltop stand of mixed hardwoods and conifers.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: river, riparian, forest, grassland, ponds. Birds: waterfowl winter and spring, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-breasted Chat, Black Phoebe, Western Bluebird, Western Meadowlark, sparrows, raptors. Best birding: May-June
Canyonville return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 27 A-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 60 A-4 geographic coordinates 43 55’ 40” N 123 16’ 47” W
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Location: At I-5 exit 99 South at Canyonville go left under the freeway and right on Main St. past the casino 1 mile; turn left on Third St (County Hwy 1) for 1.2 miles to Canyonville Park Rd; turn left for 0.3 miles to the river. Return to Third St, go left for 0.2 miles to Herbert's Pond on left. To get to Stanton County Park return to exit 99 and go straight on Gazely Bridge Rd 0.1 miles and then left on Stanton Park Rd for 0.4 miles; turn right into the park.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: pond with trail, brush, farmland, river, riparian, mixed hardwood and conifer. Birds: riverine birds, Green Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, Common Merganser, Pileated, Acorn and Downy Woodpecker, Bushtit, Wrentit, Lesser Goldfinch, and waterfowl. Best birding: Oct-Feb, May-June.
Galesville Reservoir return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 27 B-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 60 B-5 geographic coordinates 42 51’ 00” N 123 10’ 40” W
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Location: From I-5 take exit 88 (CR 36) east. At .1 mile there is a pond and blackberry patch just off CR 36 on Creek Road that should be checked out. Tiny Longfibre County Park is at 4.2 miles on CR36. At 7.3 miles you reach the dam and the first overlook. The road follows the lake for 3.5 miles. The small boat landing is the last public access point. There are numerous pull-outs and a campground and picnic area along the way.
Habitat and Birds: This is a large reservoir with many snags. Best time is spring and early summer. Water levels are lowered in winter providing some shorebird habitat. The surrounding area has mixed multi-aged hardwood/conifer forest. Several roads in the area access the low and mid-elevations on BLM and Forest Service lands. Rock Wren has occurred several times during spring, near the rock pit by the dam. Wrentit, Nashville Warbler, Anna’s Hummingbird, and Black-throated Gray Warbler reside in the drier areas. All of the swallow species and Purple Martin are around in early summer. Double-crested Cormorants and Osprey are regulars here. The forest roads provide a good selection of passerines and woodpeckers.
Cow Creek Loop (Driving Route about 41 miles)return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 26 B-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 A,B-1,2,3,4 geographic coordinates 42˚ 49’ 09” N 123 36’ 42” W
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Location: At I-5 exit 88 south of Canyonville go right (southwest) on Azalea-Glendale Rd for 10.2 miles. Go right 0.2 miles on North Rueben Rd and turn right on Rueben Rd; after another 4.3 miles it turns into Cow Creek Rd; go 6.4 miles to Skull Creek Recreation Area which is 0.2 miles off of road to left and has camping and restrooms but no water. Go left after 3.8 miles; another 16.1 miles takes you to Island Creek day use area with picnic tables and restrooms; go on 2.8 miles to a small marsh; go 7.1 miles to return to I-5 at Tri-City. Paved loop follows Cow Creek National Back Country Byway for much of the way; numerous options for exploring gravel forest roads in the middle portion of route; BLM map available.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: ranchland on both ends of route with several small ponds, river, interspersed public and private forestlands of mixed hardwood and conifer stands. Birds: riverine birds, forest passerines, dabbling ducks, Nashville, Black-throated Gray and Hermit Warbler, Cassin’s and Hutton’s Vireo, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Swainson’s Thrush, Wrentit. Best birding: May-June.
Susan Creek Falls return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 36 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 54 B-3 geographic coordinates 43 17’ 49” N 122˚ 53’ 23” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 137. Be careful when looking at the Crater Lake Loop Map on the Cascades Birding Trail website. Sites 135 and 137 are unintentionally switched on that map. We've been informed that this will be remedied with the next printing of that document. Consult our Google map if you are confused.
Panther-Emile Loop return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 36 B-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 54 B-5 geographic coordinates 43 18’ 20” N 122˚ 40’ 38” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: The route is mainly on Forest Service land with a little bit of BLM and private forest land. It passes thru multi-aged Douglas fir predominated forests. The elevation ranges from about 1300’ to 4300’. The higher elevations are open from mid June to mid Nov. The best months to visit are May- July. The other months can be quite dull. Eight species of owls have been encountered on this route over the years. Since these are Forest Service roads that are mainly gravel, it is best to stay on the main roads. The spur roads are poorly maintained but still could be walked or biked. A Forest Service map is a necessity since other maps both paper and electronic are very inaccurate. The Apple Creek campground at one end and the Coolwater campground at the other end are open during the summer. There are several primitive camps along the route which are usually empty except during hunting season.
If you spent a June weekend on this route, you should be able to get most of the Westside forest birds. The huge area of willows up top has a great potential for new discoveries since it is basically unbirded. I only know of 2 people that have ever birded many of these areas.
DIRECTIONS:
From Roseburg take 138 East 43.5 miles to Forest Road (FR) 4714
This is 27.5 miles east from the Little River Bridge in Glide
Turn right on 4714 (Panther Creek Road) at Apple Creek CG
There is a restroom at the North Umpqua Trail-Panther Trailhead just across the bridge
SIDE TRIP #1 APPLE FIRE LOOP
Follow 4714 for 0.2 mile, veer left on FR4720 (Calf Ridge Rd)
At 0.8 mile, at the junction of 005 and 4720 you start a 22 mile loop (4720 to 760 to 005) through the Apple Fire of 2002. This loop is frequently blocked by slides or downed trees. Even if you can only drive a few miles each way, you gain access to good birding in this huge fire area. The area is filled with large snags.
Once you are done with the fire, go back to the 4714 rd. and follow the paved road all the way to the top, even though the road number changes to 330 at 6.0 miles. At 9.9 miles, turn right on FR 2703; where the pavement ends (Lookout Mountain Rd). This is the road you take all the way down to Little River Rd. if you don’t want to investigate any of the other side trips. At 1.2 miles on 2703, bear left to remain on 2703 at the 600 spur junction.
You are now entering the huge area known as Willow Flats; which has interspersed forest and willow openings and a willow-lined riparian area.
Emile Sump (primitive camp) is 0.3 miles from the 600 junction on 2703. Emile Shelter (primitive camp) at 0.9 miles from the 600 junction. The willow infested riparian area along Emile Creek parallels 2703 for about 1.7 miles.
SIDE TRIP #2 WILLOW FLATS SUMP
At 1.8 miles from the 600 junction go right on FR4711. Follow 4711 .2 mile then go right on 4711-750. At 1.2 miles, turn right on 835 (2nd 835 entrance) The first 835 rd. can be quite rough with deep water in road. Follow 835 .2 mile to Willow Flats Sump (toilet and primitive camp). Return to 4711.
SIDE TRIP #3 MOOSE MEADOWS (local name not on any map)
From the junction of 2703 and 4711, turn right on 4711. At the 750 and 4711junction stay left on 4711. The meadows start 0.1 mile from the 750 junction and run for about 0.7 mile. There are many other roads that meander around Willow Flats but some aren’t very good. Fabulous roadside show of wildflowers. The 4711 rd. (very steep) will take you back to Hwy 138 at Wright Cr. if you so choose.
SIDE TRIP #4 GROTTO FALLS
From 2703 and 4711, go 3.2 miles on 2703 and take a sharp right on 2703-150. Go 2.1 miles to Grotto Falls (toilet). The falls is a .25 mile hike. A black swift was seen there a couple of times at dusk. On the 150 rd., you get spectacular views of Thunder Ridge and Emile Creek Canyon. Return to main road (2703) and continue 4.4 miles down to Little River Road at Coolwater CG. Turn right on Little River Road and go 16.5 miles to Hwy 138 in Glide.
Illahee Flats return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 36 B-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 B-6 geographic coordinates 43 17’ 55” N 122˚ 34’ 42” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 135. Be careful when looking at the Crater Lake Loop Map on the Cascades Birding Trail website. Sites 135 and 137 are unintentionally switched on that map. We've been informed that this will be remedied with the next printing of that document. Consult our Google map if you are confused.
Big Camas Loop (Driving Route) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 37 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 C-7 geographic coordinates 44˚ 17’ 29” N 122˚ 32’ 44” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 138. Due to snow, Big Camas Loop east(top)half is closed Dec-April
Toketee Lake return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 37 B-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 B-7 geographic coordinates 43 16’ 04” N 122˚ 24’ 59” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 124 in Roseburg follow the signs for Hwy 138 east 59 miles, turn left on Forest Rd 34 (Toketee Rigdon Rd). At 0.2 miles stay left at the fork (right fork goes to the Toketee Ranger Station). Go 0.3 miles to Toketee Lake Dam; road follows the lakeshore with several pull-offs. Go 0.9 miles to campground road and boat landing at east end of lake with access to several trails and a small, birdy peninsula; forest recreation pass is required.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: lake, river, riparian, marshy pond (other side of FR 34), mixed conifer. Birds: Bald Eagle, Osprey, Willow Flycatcher, both goldeneyes, waterfowl, forest passerines. Best birding: May-June, Sept-Oct.
Thorn Prairie return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 37 B-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 B-8 geographic coordinates 43 18’ 30” N 122˚ 19’ 55” W
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Location: Free of snow [May - November] From I-5 exit 124 in Roseburg follow the signs for Hwy 138 east 59 miles, turn left on Forest Rd 34 (Toketee Rigdon Rd). At 0.2 miles stay left at the fork (right fork goes to the Toketee Ranger Station). Go 0.3 miles to Toketee Lake Dam (see #12). Go 1.9 miles and turn right on FR 3401 (gravel road); go approximately 4.2 miles to where Thorn Prairie begins and continues for about 2 miles.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: unique eastside Cascade vegetation, white thornbrush, lodgepole pine, mixed conifer. Birds: best place in county for Calliope Hummingbird and Green-tailed Towhee, also Dusky Flycatcher, woodpeckers, forest passerines. Best birding: May-July.
Toolbox Meadows return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 37 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 C-9 geographic coordinates 43 14’ 48” N 122˚ 17’ 00” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 143. Due to snow, Toolbox Meadows is closed Dec-mid June
Stump Lake and Mowich Park(Driving Route) return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 37 C-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 C-9 geographic coordinates 43 14’ 47” N 122˚ 16’ 54” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 142. Due to snow, Mowich Park is closed Dec-May
Lemolo Lake return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 37 B-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 53 B-10 geographic coordinates 43 19’ 01” N 122˚ 11’ 32” W
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Location: From the junction of Highways 230 & 138 near Diamond Lake, go 10.3 miles north on Hwy 138 and take a right on FR 2610 (This road is also called Basket Butte Road). Go 4.0 miles to the Poole Creek boat launch and another 0.8 miles to the lodge. A road circles the lake with numerous pull-offs and campgrounds. The boat ramp is good for scoping the whole lake. On the east end, the North Umpqua River enters the lake and is bordered by a marshy riparian area. The 2612 road parallels the river for a couple miles passing springs. Going north on the 700 road takes you up Kelsay Mountain to an old fire area. You can either loop around on this road to road 60 (Windgo Pass Road) or connect with the 60 road at east end of the 2614 road. The 60 road will give you access to the higher mountain species up near the pass.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: open water, wet meadow and mixed conifer. Birds: grebes, mergansers, goldeneyes, Bufflehead, Lesser Scaup, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Mountain Chickadee, Western Tanager, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Townsend’s Solitaire, Western Wood-Pewee, Cassin’s Finch, warblers. Best birding: May-July, Sept-Oct.
Diamond Lake return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 37 C-7 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 D-10 geographic coordinates 43 10’ 45” N 122˚ 08’ 16” W
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Location: From I-5 exit 124 in Roseburg follow the signs for Hwy 138 east 80 miles to Diamond Lake. The lake (ice-covered December through mid-April) is circled by a paved road and a trail. The best birding areas are the campgrounds, boat launches, parking areas and the South Shore Picnic Area including the paved path from the parking lot south along the wet meadow to several small lakes; forest recreation pass is required.
Habitat and Birds:Habitat: open water, wet meadow and mixed conifer. Birds: grebes, mergansers, goldeneyes, gulls, Lesser Scaup, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Cinnamon Teal, Mountain Chickadee, Western Tanager, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Townsend’s Solitaire, Western Wood-Pewee, Cassin’s Finch, warblers. Best birding: May-July, Sept-Oct. The ponds (at least during the 1980s) supported breeding Barrow's Goldeneye, Mallard, and Wood Duck, with single breeding records for Bufflehead and Ruddy Duck. The portion between the main ponds, which by 1995 had grown in with lodgepole pine saplings, was in the '80s a barren, grass-dotted opening which attracted hordes of Savannah Sparrows, American Pipits, and with them, Oregon's 2nd and 5th Chestnut-collared Longspurs. The pond on the west side had nesting Wilson's Phalaropes and many migrant shorebirds, among them Semipalmated Sandpiper, Willet, Red-necked Phalarope, and Long-billed Curlew. Snowy Egret, Loggerhead Shrike, Bank Swallow, and Lark, Vesper, Grasshopper, Chipping, and Brewer's Sparrows have also been seen here (all D. Fix or D. Fix and D. Irons). A June 29th record of Solitary Sandpiper is the earliest report of an apparent fall migrant in the state, and the site also provided a late September Swamp Sparrow. Northern Goshawk is possible any time of year, and Black-backed Woodpeckers breed in the mixed conifer forest dominated by Shasta red fir beyond the fenced area. While there, turn around and put glasses on the summit of Mt. Thielsen--sometimes people are standing on top. In August and September the dikes are ablaze with fireweed, particularly beautiful when seen backlit in late afternoon.
Hemlock Lake return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 36 C-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 54 D-4 geographic coordinates 43 11’ 23” N 122˚ 42’ 09” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 136. Hemlock Lake closed from snow Dec-May.
South Umpqua Falls return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 36 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 54 E-5 geographic coordinates 43 02’ 58” N 122˚ 42’ 21” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 146.
Carmen Lake return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 36 C-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 D-6 geographic coordinates 43 07’ 00” N 122˚ 35’ 08” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 147.
Rabbit Ears and Hershberger Mountain Access return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 29 A-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 F-7 geographic coordinates 42˚ 55’ 57” N 122˚ 25’ 19” W (THESE ACCESS COORDINATES ARE ACTUALLY IN JACKSON COUNTY. RABBIT EARS AND HERSHBERGER MOUNTAIN ARE BOTH ON THE SOUTHERN EDGE OF DOUGLAS COUNTY.)
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 149. Due to snow, Rabbit Ears-Hershberger Mt is closed Dec-May.
Lost Creek at Highway Falls return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 37 D-6 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 55 E-8 geographic coordinates 43 02’ 04” N 122˚ 22’ 02” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 148.
Tiller Ranger Station return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 28 A-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) Pg 61 A-7 geographic coordinates 42˚ 55’ 33” N 122˚ 57’ 00” W
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Location, Habitat, and Birds: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Cascades Birding Trail. Click on the Trail Guide and choose the Crater Lake Loop Guide. Section 145.