Living in Corvallis means having easy access to the great outdoors. Dozens of hiking and biking trails surround the picturesque college town, and people can visit numerous parks, wildlife refuges, and natural areas nearby. Whether you enjoy hiking, bird watching, or simply walking outside with incredible scenery, Corvallis has a spot for you.

 

Here are some of the best places for outdoor fun in Corvallis:

Corvallis-to-the-Sea Trail

 

This 62-mile trail connects the Willamette Valley to the Oregon Coast. This impressive feat is the product of years of planning and coordination, with the original idea coming about in the 1970s. It finally opened in early 2021, and today, the public can enjoy miles of biking and hiking trails through forests, suburban areas, and rolling hillsides.

 

Bald Hill Natural Area

 

Bald Hill Natural Area is perfect if you’re looking for a quick escape from downtown Corvallis. The natural area has areas for walking and biking, with a mix of paved and unpaved areas. There are also scenic open fields to sit down and enjoy a picnic. Enjoy easy access from the OSU campus, perfect for college students looking for a change of scenery.

 

Willamette River Water Trail

 

The Willamette River Water Trail offers 187 miles of beautiful scenery enjoyed from the river. The trail goes through parks, farms, and meadows. Get on a canoe or a kayak and explore the Willamette River for an hour or take a few days to appreciate everything the water trail offers fully. Some permits are necessary. Make sure to check out the link above to see what you need to get started. 

 

William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge

 

This wildlife refuge covers over 5,000 acres of the Willamette Valley with 12 miles of trails. Exploring this diverse area will bring you through wetlands, mixed forests, and wetland prairies. Bird watchers will love spotting bald eagles, geese, and water birds. Visitors will also enjoy beautiful views of the Willamette Valley and the Cascade Range. 

 

OSU Mcdonald-Dunn Research Forests

 

Located only 15 minutes from campus, this research forest provides easy access to a great hiking trail. The trail is easy enough for young children, and there are many trees to learn about and enjoy. The forests also have a pond that adds to the lovely scenery. You can also enjoy a picnic in this forest maintained by OSU. Other visitors have also gone horseback riding through the trails. 

 

A visit to Corvallis is a must if you love the great outdoors. Corvallis and its surrounding areas offer the best nature, from wetlands to forests to prairies.

 

If you are lucky enough to live in Corvallis, you’ll enjoy easy access to numerous recreational opportunities outdoors. Plus, the possibilities for outdoor fun are endless – from hiking to boating to fishing, you’ll never run out of something to do. Whether you want a casual two-hour hike or you’re up for a weekend of camping, you can do it here. 

 

Looking for a place to live in Corvallis? Visit the Fillmore Inn Apartments to learn more.