Explore the West Eugene Wetlands!
Experience first-hand how the West Eugene Wetlands Partnership is working to restore and protect the rare Willamette wet prairie, upland prairies, and oak savannahs. Come explore this beautiful part of Eugene, OR. Visitors can access the wetlands by biking or walking the Amazon Bike Path, hiking the trails, or parking at one of the overlooks and just enjoying the view.
Stop by the West Eugene Wetland Project Office at 751 S Danebo Ave to pick up a map, or click here for a map, before you explore the wetlands. We hope you enjoy the wetlands, but please be aware of the West Eugene Wetlands Rules.
Winter activities in the West Eugene Wetlands
For those visitors willing the brave the winter rain, the West Eugene Wetlands reward in a beautiful display of natural wonders. One of the first things people notice is that the West Eugene Wetlands are actually "wet". The vernal pools are filling with winter rain, and they will soon become the breeding grounds for a host of aquatic insects and amphibians.
Some of the larger vernal pools, such as Stewart Pond, fill with an incredible variety of winter birds.
After a large storm event, travel to the Meadowlark Prairie Overlook, where the banks of Amazon Creek were pulled back in large-scale restoration project, to watch the wetlands in action. Historically, Amazon Creek would flood its banks, and the wetlands would store and filter the water, preventing flooding downstream. Meadowlark Prairie is one of the few places, where this function still occurs.
Stewart Pond Trail Map
(click on the image)
Take a hike along Tsanchiifin Walk. This 1/2 mile trail offers an easy walk through the wetlands. Look for kestrels hovering while hunting, great blue herons hunting in vernal pools, and listen for pacific tree frogs. Six new interpretive signs have recently been added to the trail (such as the one below), explaining what wildlife can be found in the wetlands. View more signs!
Take a bike ride along the Fern Ridge bike path to Meadowlark Prairie Overlook. Along the way, look for herons, beaver activity, and you may even catch a glimpse of an otter in Amazon Creek.
Attend a Program! If you'd like to learn more about the wetlands, attend one of our community programs (see event listing) or call 683-6494.
