Benton: Waterfalls, Hiking Trails, and History

At the South Fork of the Alsea River, water plunges more than 30 feet to form Alsea Falls. The Alsea Falls Recreation Site in Benton County is open year-round for day use; seasonal operating details may change, so check before visiting. The Alsea Falls Trail System connects trails and roads and offers a variety of mountain biking opportunities. The waterfall and trail network offer different highlights: here, the river scenery takes center stage; there, it’s the combination of trails and roads.

Among Benton County’s attractions is Marys Peak, the highest point in the Oregon Coast Range. Hiking trails wind through lush meadows and dense stands of noble fir. From Marys Peak, you can see both Cascade peaks and the Pacific Coast beaches of Newport. Meadows, forest, and this view give the outing a different scenic focus than the waterfall on the Alsea River.

Hiking, Birdwatching, and Nature Trails

The William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge offers more than 12 miles of trails for hiking and birdwatching. A driving loop passes through a variety of native habitats and offers another way to experience the area. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. Check for current notices and seasonal closures before traveling there.

At the McDonald-Dunn Research Forest, visitors can explore 35 miles of trails and more than 110 miles of roads. Possible activities include picnicking, hiking, trail running, mountain biking, horseback riding, walking dogs, and nature observation. Trail access may change during forestry work. At Peavy Arboretum, short, wide, mostly level paths wind among trees from the Pacific Northwest and other parts of the world. Compared with the Research Forest’s long trail and road routes, the arboretum is characterized by a more compact type of trail.

Historic Places

Fort Hoskins Historic Park covers 130 acres and is open to the public for day use. The park features interpretive displays and self-guided trails; park conditions may change. The original fort was established in 1856 to protect and oversee the new coastal reservation for Indigenous people. A visit thus brings together present-day park use and the history of the fort.

In Philomath, the research library at the Philomath Museum is open to the public by appointment only. Make arrangements before your visit. The Philomath College Building dates to 1867 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tours on Foot, by Bike, and on the Water

The Corvallis-to-the-Sea Trail is a 60-mile hiking and biking route connecting the Willamette Valley with the Central Oregon Coast. Public transportation from Newport and Seal Rock, Oregon, is available for the return trip after a tour; check current schedules in advance. This lets you plan the return journey as a separate part of your tour.

The Willamette River Water Trail through Corvallis extends for 187 miles. It’s suitable for both afternoon paddling trips and multi-day excursions. The two routes offer different ways to plan: on the Corvallis-to-the-Sea Trail, combine hiking or biking with a route between the valley and the coast; on the Water Trail, paddling and your chosen trip length shape the experience.

Discover more destinations: Corvallis, Philomath, Clackamas, Josephine County, Lake County, Linn, Klamath County, Morrow County.

For the full travel overview: Oregon.