Siuslaw Hairy-Necked Beetle at New River ACEC. Segment aired on Oregon Field Guide on April 2, 2015.
The Storm Ranch Entrance to the New River ACEC is the most developed access to the area.
The Nature Centure at Storm Ranch has been recently remodeled and is a fantastic resource for visitors.
The Nature Center at the New River ACEC.
To walk the large loop counterclockwise, begin on the North Trail.
North Trail, New River ACEC.
The New River trails lead through healthy and protected habitat that is a home for several unique plant species.
Portions of the trail are sandy.
The boat ramp for the New River.
The boat ramp for the New River.
A great spot to observe shorebirds on the New River.
Note that the boat ramp is seasonally closed to motor traffic to protect wildlife.
The New River has a very slight gradient, and it is especially calm when the water is low late in the season.
Portions of this loop include the road that leads to the boat ramp.
Returning to the trail.
The New River Spur leaves the loop for a quick detour to the river.
New River.
New River.
A wildlife observation blind on the shores of Muddy Lake.
The spur to the old cranberry bog only adds another 20 minutes to the hike.
This cranberry bog was active from 1914 through 1950. Naturally occuring clay-rich Blacklock layers at the bottom of the bogs keep water from absorbing into the earth.
The stagnate water naturally becomes acidic as plants decompose, creating a perfect environment for wild cranberries.