Travels With Keith - Beazell Memorial Forest - Philomath, Oregon

Travels With Keith

By Keith Bottger

Keith

Bird Loop Trail
Beazell Memorial Forest

The Beazell Memorial Forest is a 586 acre temperate rain forest located on the Kings Valley Highway (Highway 223) five miles north of Highway 20 just west of Philomath, Oregon.  The area is part of the Benton County park system.

In 2000, Fred Beazell bequeathed this wonderful 586 acres to Benton County in honor of his late wife, Dolores, "by providing a beautiful public place that bears the family name."

All I can say is “Thanks, Fred!”

There are several loop trails within the forest.  So far, Guy & I have only hiked the Bird Loop Trail, which is about 1 mile long and is an easy hike with virtually no elevation gain.  

Beginning at the Plunkett Barn, an educational facility - and a pretty neat building - which also hosts wedding receptions and such, cross over the footbridge and hang a left at the trail intersection.  Follow the creek until you come to the Bird Loop trailhead.  The trail can be easily hiked in under 45 minutes, unless you want to stop and observe the various views along the trail or take a break and sit on one of the benches provided.  There’s a gazebo along the trail which is an ideal place to stop and munch on a cookie or 2!

If you’re up for a slightly longer hike, try the Plunkett Loop, which is about 1.5 miles.  Guy hasn’t taken me on this trail yet, but evidently you cross over Plunkett Creek a couple of times on footbridges.  Believe it or not, when I was a puppy I used to be scared to death of footbridges, but I like ‘em now!

The sign at the entrance says “dogs” are welcome, but they have to be on a leash.

Two BIG paws up for the Beazell forest!  Check it out!

Directions: From Corvallis, take Highway 20 west past Philomath; turn right onto Highway 223; continue about 5 miles. Look for signs to Beazell Memorial Forest on your right.

For more info about the Beazell Forest, click here.