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Hike-in Required
No
ADA accessible
Yes
Guided tours
No
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Just outside of Reedsport, Oregon, there is a series of wide meadows along the Umpqua River that form a year-round environment for a herd of about 100 Roosevelt elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti). Jointly managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Federal Bureau of Land Management, this area provides a marvelous opportunity to safely view Oregon’s largest land mammal from a very close vantage point. These animals are the largest of the four subspecies of elk in North America and are found along the Pacific coast from northern California to Alaska. 

The first stop should be at the O. H. Hinsdale interpretive center to get some background on these elegant animals. This is often a good viewing area for the elk, but if there aren’t many in sight, there are several favorite spots east and west of the center where the herd often visits. Viewing elk closely might require pulling over on a narrow shoulder of the highway.

Single bulls with smaller antler racks are often spotted from the road. The bulk of the herd will be guarded by a few very large males with massive antlers who are the dominant members of this community. Watching the interactions in the herd is fascinating, and this is a great opportunity to get photos of wild animals in their natural surroundings, an experience more like Yellowstone National Park than the coast of Oregon.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Close views of elk. Informative displays.

Cons

Getting close might require parking along a busy road.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Features

Wildflowers
Big vistas
ADA accessible

Location

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A profound concept originally envisioned by governor Oswald West, in 1967 the Oregon legislature ultimately realized his vision of making the entire Oregon Coast forever open to the public in a piece of landmark legislation titled the Oregon Beach Bill, officially making all 363 miles public land. "The People's Coast" is truly a one-of-a-kind coastline, a unique blend of mountains and rocky stacks, towering old growth forests, marine sanctuaries, tide pools and kelp forests, charming towns, historic fishing communities, world-class golfing, breweries, and simply jaw-dropping scenic beaches. We encourage you to plan your next trip at visittheoregoncoast.com or by calling (541) 574-2679.

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