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Nature-lover’s haven
LUCKIAMUTE STATE NATURAL AREA HOLDS EASY NATURE TRAILS
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Luckiamute State Natural Area, nestled on the border of Polk and Benton Counties, is a nature-lover’s haven, whether you enjoy jogging down the largest remaining remnant of bottomland cotton-maple-ash gallery forest, scouting for the several different species of birds the area is home to, or simply want to find a spot to sit down and look out on the Willamette
River — the 315 square miles of riparian wilderness has it all.
This time of year is especially beautiful, with the leaves changing into bright colors.
However, any time of year you visit this quiet, tucked-away slice of nature is a delight. It can get muddy, so make sure to wear proper footwear.
As you meander through the winding trails, you’ll be welcomed along your walk or run by native shrubs, flowers and trees, most of which have been planted by volunteers, working to repair the habitat to its natural state. Others have a history of growing in the area long before settlers came, such as purple camas.
Birds such as hummingbirds, red-breasted sapsuckers, white-crown sparrows and a redtail hawk can be seen in this area, depending on the time of year. Nesting wood duck, ruffled grouse, Western screech-owl, five woodpecker species, as well as red-eyed vireos and bandtailed pigeon populations can be found here.
Several grassland species of birds, such as Oregon vesper sparrow and streaked horn larks, both of which are declining in number, can also be seen nesting here.
Another sensitive species here is the Western Pond Turtle, in decline due to its habitat loss.
Another fun activity to enjoy in the LSNA is geocaching — kind of like a treasure hunt using a set of clues, a map and/or GPS coordinates. When you find the cache, of which there are a few planted in the LNSA, you log
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your name in the cache book. If you take some of the loot, be sure to leave something too, for the next geocacher to find.
The loop from the northern trailhead is about two miles, but additional trails connect with it, taking hikers and joggers to the confluence of three rivers, where the Santiam and the Luckiamute meet the Willamette. Other trails have canoe access or give hikers a chance to explore the forest deeper. Bring a jacket, a mask, a camera if that’s your thing, pack a lunch, and happy exploring!
Check It Out
Where: Luckiamute State Natural Area is located at the southeastern edge of Polk County, bordered by Buena Vista Road and the Willamette River. To reach the north tract trailhead coming from Independence, turn left onto Crocker Road and keep left until you reach a parking area. The paddlers’ access parking lot is located just north of the Crocker Road intersection on the west side of Buena Vista Road. The south tract trail is located on the east side of Buena Vista Road just north of the junction with Northwest Springhill Drive. For more information: Call the Luckiamute Watershed Council at 503-837-0237 or visit www.luckiamutelwc.org.
