Beazell Memorial Forest (15 miles from Corvallis)
586 acre Benton County Park. This forest property was donated to Benton County in 2000, and was opened to the public in 2003. It is managed to conserve and restore the natural ecosystem, and has an educational facility. Near the parking area the restored Plunkett House, built in 1875, is an example of a 19th century farmhouse in Kings Valley. The owner, Ashnah Plunkett (1847-1933), was the first pioneer baby born in Kings Valley.
Picnic area: Two wooden tables sit under a huge spreading oak tree next to the parking area. The Beazell Forest Education Center is in a large renovated barn that can be rented for class groups or special occasions, call 541-766-6871.
Restrooms: Flush toilets with running water.
Hiking: Several loop trails offer easy hiking over a total of 3.9 miles through a Willamette Valley forest and meadows. From the barn, a path to the right starts a 0.4 mile South Loop trail through the forest to look for spring and summer wildflowers. For the 0.6 mile Bird Loop, go past the barn and over the bridge spanning Plunkett Creek. Turn left and go 0.2 miles to the start of the Bird Loop. For a longer hike through the forest and open meadow, turn right along Plunkett Creek. After 0.4 miles, a fork in the trail starts and optional Plunkett Creek circle route, go right or left 0.4 or 0.5 miles and circle back along the creek for a shorter walk. Or continue on to the South Ridge trail for another 1.8 miles, with an optional circle through the forest around the South Meadow. Keep to the left for the shorter path back to the barn. Total elevation gain on the South Ridge trail is 885 feet.
Pets: Dogs must be leashed.
Birding: Look and listen for forest birds, especially in the spring
Getting there:
Take Hwy 20 W toward Philomath. Go through Philomath. After about 10 miles, turn right onto OR-223/Kings Valley Hwy. After about 3.5 miles, turn right into Beazell Memorial Forest Park, keep right on circular drive to the parking lot behind the white Plunkett House.
