Recreation Report
Willamette Zone
Recreation Report
December 7, 2022
If there’s not a photo, it didn’t happen
Submit your viewing photo to ODFW and we might use it here or elsewhere on MyODFW.com.
Corvallis area
There are lots of deer, shorebirds and waterfowl to see on the wildlife area – look for goose, mallard, hooded merganser and wood duck broods. Wildlife viewing remains good for waterfowl and shorebirds. Neotropical migrants in the area include yellow-breasted chat, American goldfinch, various swallows, warblers, thrush, kinglet and common yellowthroat.
Note: Dogs are required to be on a leash inside the wildlife area boundary. Rifles and pistols are prohibited year-round. Find directions to EE Wilson Wildlife Area.
A parking permit is required to park at EE Wilson Wildlife Area. Find out how to buy a parking permit.
Eugene area
Observant visitors may catch a glimpse of black-tailed deer and furbearers including beaver, otter, mink, red fox and coyotes. Some of the unusual and special bird species to be on the lookout for include white pelicans, black terns, band-tailed pigeons, yellow-headed blackbirds, osprey and bald eagles.
Throughout the year look for waterfowl, shore birds, wading birds, songbirds, raptors, reptiles, and amphibians. During summer, visitors may also see western pond turtles basking on logs, branches, and rocks in sunny areas of rivers, off-channel ponds, and other wetlands. Please report sightings of turtles here.
An elevated viewing platform in the Fisher Butte unit just south of Royal Avenue is open year-round. A second viewing platform is located 1/4 mile north of the Fisher Butte unit parking lot on Hwy. 126.
A parking permit is required to park at Fern Ridge Wildlife Area. Find out how to buy a parking permit. Maps of the wildlife area can be found on the ODFW website.
Portland area
The Sauvie Island Wildlife Area Eastside units and Westside, Oak Island and North units are scheduled to close on Oct. 1and will remain closed through April 15, 2023. Rentenaar Road, Eastside Viewing Platform and Raccoon Point will remain open for viewing. The trail to Warrior Rock Lighthouse remains open and offers a great hike along with bird viewing. All open areas are on Reeder Road and require a parking permit.
When planning your trip to the island please see the current Game Bird Hunting Regulations for the hunt schedule and plan accordingly.
Viewing opportunities are plentiful as a variety of winter waterfowl and migratory birds are on the island, including snow geese, pelicans, tundra swans and peak numbers of sandhill cranes. The sandhill cranes will remain on the wildlife area through the winter. Bald eagle numbers continue to increase along with tundra swans and ducks. Snow geese have moved in and are abundant on the wildlife area. Viewing is excellent this time of year so be sure to bring your binoculars and dress for the weather.
Sauvie Island is a main stopping point for migratory birds as they travel along the Pacific Flyway, and ODFW actively manages the Wildlife Area to provide food and cover for these creatures.
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is located on Sauvie Island, only 10 miles north of Portland off Hwy. 30. A parking permit is required for the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area and can be purchased at ODFW license vendors or on line at myodfw.com