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Recreation
By Charles Weller Visit Corvallis and you will soon see that this is one of the most pedestrian and bicycle-friendly communities in Oregon. Automobile drivers in town are courteous to bicycles and pedestrians, helping to create a safe environment. The city maintains a network of paved paths that link parks together and provide people with car-free bike rides and hikes. Corvallis and Benton County parks provide a variety of paved and unpaved trails, giving you easy access to beautiful natural areas. Ask for a trail suggestion at one of the many bike shops and outdoor stores in town; you’ll get a range of answers tailored to the time of year and your desires. Here are a few to start with:
Mountain Biking Bald Hill Natural Area is a great starting point for a variety of offroad adventures. Three separate lots with plenty of parking lead to both paved trails and branching single-track that connects to Fitton Green, Oak Creek, and Cardwell Hill County Parks. Ride quietly and you're likely to see deer, coyote and many species of birds. Make sure to clean your bike before and after rides to reduce the transportation of invasive species.
Road Biking In addition to nearly twenty miles of paved multi-use paths within Corvallis, many roads in the area offer wide shoulders and light traffic. Ride south or east and you'll be greeted by rolling hills and local agriculture. Head north or west for a more challenging route such as the ride up Sulpher Springs Road or the daunting climb to Marys Peak (4.097 feet). www.visitcorvallis.com
Photo by: Scobel Wiggins
Hiking Whether your ideal hike is on a boardwalk, paved path, forest trail, or grassy meadow you can find it nearby. Catch a glimpse of the rare Fender's Blue Butterfly on a hike through William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge just south of town. Watch beavers build their dams at Sunset Natural Area or have a picnic among wildflowers in Timberhill Natural Area. North of town OSU manages Peavy Arboretum, a great place to grow your love of trees. More than fifty great hikes are nearby. Additional hiking information is available at the Corvallis Visitor Center, 553 NW Harrison Blvd.