Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area Visitors' Guide

The Bureau of Land Management maintains a series of pastures along Oregon Highway 38 that are a year-round residence for a herd of 60-100 Roosevelt elk. Elk are visible almost every day of the year!

Best time to visit: A mild winter climate and abundant forage allow elk to remain at Dean Creek Wildlife Area year-round. The best times to view and photograph wildlife area early mornings and just before dusk.

Visiting hours: Open year-round from sunrise to sunset

What to see and do: The Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area and the O.H. Hinsdale Interpretive Center are popular tourist stops along Hwy. 38 near Reedsport. Visitors are treated to up-close views of Roosevelt elk, with the herd sometimes reaching as many as 120 elk. Mountains, meadows and marshes are also home to beaver, muskrat, mallards, Canada geese and great blue heron.

  • Wildlife: a variety of waterfowl including mallards, wood ducks, and Canada geese; swallows, purple martin, river otter, beaver, nutria, coyotes, bears, and cougars.
  • Facilities: Universal Access Restrooms flush and vault restrooms are available
  • Nearby: The Pacific Ocean and the Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area offer a variety of recreational opportunities.

Directions: 
From Reedsport and Highway 101: Travel about three miles east on Hwy. 38 to the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area signs.
From Interstate 5: Take Hwy. 38 west to Reedsport and the viewing area.

Contact: Managed by the Bureau of Land Management: 541-756-0100.

Frog looking out

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