Primary Oregon Cascades Birding Trail Sponsors
National Forest Foundation American Bird Conservancy Leupold East Cascade Bird Conservancy www.oregonbirdingtrails.org GLOSSARY
Alpine – treeless region of high mountains, often referred to as tundra Oregon Cascades Birding Trail Bog – permanent wetland with peat as its base rather than soil If you like to watch birds you are part of the fastest growing outdoor recreational activity in the United States. The Clear-cut – area where the entire stand of trees was Oregon Cascades Birding Trail was created for people just like you! With nearly 200 sites along more than 1,000 removed in one cutting miles of scenic roadways, the Oregon Cascades Birding Trail offers outdoor adventure for birders of all skill and Conifer Forest – also called mixed conifer interest levels. From the snow-capped summit of Mt. Hood to the marshlands of the Klamath Basin, well over forest; containing any or all of the following: pine, 300 species of birds have occurred in the Oregon Cascades. fir, spruce, hemlock, Douglas-fir, cedar, yew, or larch; often bordered by subalpine above and pine or riparian This guide is your travel companion to explore the Oregon Cascades Birding Trail. Whether you live in Oregon or forest below. are visiting from out of state, the Oregon Cascades Birding Trail provides you the best opportunities for enjoying the birds and the beauty of the Cascade Mountains. For more information on the Oregon Cascades Birding Trail Developed Areas – towns, ranches, parks 7ELCOME TOvisit our web site: www.oregonbirdingtrails.org. Marsh – ecosystem of more or less continuously waterlogged soil dominated by rushes, reeds, As you search for birds in the Cascades, explore the alpine meadows, picturesque lakes, mountain streams, cattails, and sedges, but without peat accumulation and dense conifer forests showcasing some of the largest trees on earth. Enjoy the birds and other wildlife, the as its base seasonal carpets of wildflowers, the towering volcanic peaks, and the beauty of this unique natural area. You Mature – usually defined in economic terms as a will find services and amenities in communities along the trail. Let residents and businesses know why you are forest that has reached harvest age visiting and that you support birding and bird conservation. Together, visitors, communities, and businesses are Mixed Forest – mix of deciduous and coniferous all stewards of Oregon’s wildlife and unique natural treasures. trees with a closed canopy Montane – zone of relatively moist, cool slopes What is a Birding Trail? below timberline, usually dominated by conifer trees Birding trails are self-guided auto tours that highlight selected sites for observing birds. The Oregon Cascades Old-Growth – forest that has not experienced Birding Trail links a network of observation sites and birding experiences by using existing roads, pull-offs, intense or widespread disturbance for many years parking areas, and walking trails to showcase birds in their natural habitats. You may also see other wildlife relative to the life spans of the dominant species such as deer, fish, and butterflies living amidst the beauty and wonder of Oregon’s natural landscapes. Portals – strategic locations where visitors can obtain current information about birds, the birding trail, and/or tourism facilities and amenities in the Birding Ethics local area Resident – species occurs year round The Oregon Birding Trails Working Group endorses the American Birding Association’s Principles of Birding Ethics Nesting – species occurs only during the spring (excerpted and summarized below from ABA web page www.aba.org/about/ethics.html). Everyone who enjoys and summer birds and birding must always respect wildlife, its environment, and the rights of others. In any conflict of interest Riparian – habitat associated with the bank or edge between birds and birders, the welfare of the birds and their environment comes first. of a watercourse, lake or other wetland ■ Keep well back from nests and nesting colonies, roosts, display areas, Structures – bridges, buildings, towers and important feeding sites. ■ Use a blind or hide, and take advantage of natural cover when Subalpine – habitat zone just below treeline, usually dominated by conifer trees observing birds. ■ Do not feed or attempt to attract birds in the wild. Wet Meadow – grassland inundated with water during part or most of the year ■ Stay on roads, trails, and paths where they exist; otherwise keep habitat disturbance to a minimum. Wetland – seasonally or permanently waterlogged habitat, including lakes, streams, bogs and marshes ■ Keep groups to a size that limits impact on the environment and others. Woodland – habitat with widely spaced large trees, the crowns of which do not form a canopy; often ■ Follow all laws, rules, and regulations governing use of separated by grass or shrubs roads and public areas. Adapted from Johnson and O’Neil, Wildlife-Habitat ■ Respect the rights of private property owners. Relationships in Oregon and Washington, Oregon State University Press, 2001. ■ Respect the interests, rights, and skills of fellow birders, as well as people participating in other legitimate outdoor activities. Western Tanager On the cover PHOTO BY U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Broken Top in the Three Sisters Wilderness. (PHOTO BY STEVE TERRILL) 1 WASHINGTON Columbia River Gorge 26 National Scenic Area C 84 O L U M B I A R I V E R Hood 6 Troutdale River Mosier Cascade Locks The Dalles Beaverton Corbett Lost Lake Tigard Portland Sandy R iver Mt. Hood 35 Oregon City Estacada 26 197
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Warm D Welcome ...... 1 Springs Indian No Santiam bush R. rth River Breiten Reservation What is a Birding Trail ...... 1 22 Detroit Warm Springs Detroit Res. Mt. Jefferson s Albany toliu Ri Birding Ethics ...... 1 e ve M r Madras Corvallis 22 Lake Billy Chinook Lebanon Glossary ...... 1 r S e ou Three Fingered Jack v t i h S an R
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Complete Map of Trail ...... 2 Riv s Brownsville e
20 D Crooked 126 River Sweet Mt. Washington Using the Guide ...... 3 Home Ca 126 lapo oia R Sisters Safety Issues and Passes ...... 3 iver 126 McKenzie Bridge 20 Redmond 242 5 er Three East Cascade Bird Conservancy ...... 4 Riv 126 Sisters nzie McKe Cougar Res. Bend Mt. Hood Loop ...... 5 Eugene Springfield 20 372 19 M iddle Lookout Mt. Bachelor Mt. Jefferson Loop ...... 9 F Point Res. ork Sunriver Wil lam ette Ri Newberry Three Sisters Loop ...... 14 Cottage Grove ver National Volcanic Oakridge Waldo Lake Monument Crater Lake Loop ...... 21 Wickiup Hills 58 Gold Davis er Lake Res. v La Pine Creek Lake i R Res. s Mt. McLoughlin Loop ...... 25 e 97 t Diamond u Odell sc h Peak Lake De Little Birding Trail Checklist ...... 29 Crescent Gilchrist 5 Lake Crescent 31
Oregon Birding Trails Working Group ...... 31 Steamboat Idleyld Park 138 Partners/Sponsors ...... 31 iver Glide Umpqua R Roseburg Chemult Diamond Mt. Thielsen Donations/Membership ...... 31 Lake
138 Silver Lake 18 2810 River qua 230 Ump Crater Lake uth National Park 46 So 227 Mt. Scott Canyonville Tiller River n o s
m i a g l Rogue River 97 Wil 62 Prospect 0 25 Miles 62 Fort Klamath 0 25 KM
5 Shady Cove The Oregon Cascades Birding Trail Agency Chiloquin Grants Butte Falls Lake Mt. Hood Loop Pass 234 Sprague R. Gold Eagle Point Mt. McLoughlin Rocky Mt. Jefferson Loop Hill Point Upper 140 Three Sisters Loop Klamath Medford 140 Crater Lake Loop Lake
Mt. McLoughlin Loop 140 Klamath Falls Klamath Basin Birding Trail Ashland
66 Midland 97 Klamath Basin Birding Trail continues into Northern California Using the Trail Guide and Maps Safety Issues and Required Passes This is your guide to the birds and Site Sponsors Seasonal Road Closures card orders only) or from vendors habitats of the Oregon Cascades Many sites have a site sponsor listed. Some Oregon Cascades Birding Trail across the state (www.oregonstate Birding Trail as well as other natural and This recognition is provided to agen- sites, especially those at higher eleva- parks.orgdayuse_permit_vendors.php). cultural points of interest. The Trail is cies, organizations, businesses, and tions, will be inaccessible in winter The Northwest Forest Pass is honored divided into 5 primary loops. For each individuals that provided financial due to the seasonal closure of access at Oregon State Parks in the Columbia loop, a master map indicates the main support to the Oregon Cascades Birding roads. Specific opening and closing River Gorge from Troutdale to the Twin roads that will guide you between sites. Trail. Site sponsorship does not imply dates of these routes usually depend on Tunnels entrances. We recommend you use a detailed road any responsibility for the site, rather it local weather conditions. Occasionally, Most developed campgrounds on map in conjunction with our maps and serves as a reminder of the significant four-season highways will close due to National Forest lands charge a fee for directions to assist you in getting to contributions of these entities. Contact extreme conditions. camping. When using dispersed camp- Birding Trail sites off the main road. information for all site sponsors is listed Before crossing the Cascades or sites, please take care to minimize your Local forest maps can be purchased on page 34. visiting any high elevation birding trail impact, and pack out all waste. at any U.S. Forest Service office or site, check current road conditions by ranger station. Services and Facilities Safety Tips calling 1-800-977-6368 (or 1-503- Icons following each site description UÊ ÀÛiÊV>ÕÌÕÃÞtÊ >ÞÊ >Ì>Ê 588-2941 outside Oregon) or visit the Site Descriptions indicate the presence of some services Forest roads are single-lane, gravel- Oregon Department of Transportation Each site description contains direc- and facilities at or near the site. Please surfaced, and require low speeds. web site at www.tripcheck.com. You tions on how to get to the site plus note that any given site may undergo Rocks, limbs, trees or ruts may occur may also check National Forest road information on land ownership or man- changes after publication. For more randomly on forest roads throughout the conditions at any local Forest Service agement, the types of habitat, birds to detailed and up-to-date information Cascades. Be prepared to stop or avoid ranger station. look for, and other unique aspects of the on services and facilities, contact the them, and be prepared to turn around site. The following abbreviations have respective land owner or manager listed Fees and Passes or park if they block the road. Be pre- been used in the site descriptions: in the site description. Many Forest Service trailheads, pared for approaching logging trucks, trails available at the site especially those at improved recreation especially on blind curves. These trucks CO = County Road areas, require possession of a always have the right-of-way. Allow for Hwy = highway camping available at the site Northwest Forest Pass . This vehicle extra stopping distance on downhill (dispersed or maintained) NF = National Forest parking permit may be used at National gravel grades. restrooms available Forests and other designated sites UÊ Food, gas, and lodging are seldom FS = Forest Service at the site throughout Oregon and Washington. available along forest roads. Carry RD = Ranger District fees required for Northwest Forest Pass signs are posted adequate food, water, and clothing in N, S, E, W = north, south, day-use or parking* at participating sites. If possible, it is your vehicle and let someone know your east, west lodging available at the site best to obtain the Northwest Forest Pass travel plans. Be prepared for sudden L, R = left, right or within 10 miles before your trip. For more information inclement weather to impede your Rd = road food available at the site or on the program or to purchase a pass progress or prevent your scheduled within 10 miles MP = milepost call 1-800-270-7504 or visit www. return. If possible, carry a cellular phone auto fuel available at the site naturenw.org. Additional information with external antenna in case of back- FR = Forest Road or within 10 miles can be found at the Forest Service web road emergencies or vehicle failure. mi = mile(s) site at www.fs.fed.us/r6/feedemo.html. A blue icon indicates that the facility is Federal Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and UÊ VÊÞÕÀÊÛi ViÊ>ÌÊ>Ê«>À}Ê>Ài>ÃÊ Baby Yellow Warbler accessible to those with disabilities. Golden Access Passports are honored regardless of how safe they appear. *This does not apply to NW Forest Pass. at Northwest Forest Pass sites. Carry all valuables with you when leaving your vehicle. Some State Parks charge a day-use UÊÜ>ÞÃÊÀiiLiÀÊÌÊV>ÀÀÞÊÜ>ÌiÀÊ fee. You can purchase and drink plenty of water to prevent a State Park Pass, Disclaimer dehydration, especially on the east which will entitle you The sponsors and organizers of the Oregon Cascades side of the Cascades. The high desert to entrance and use of Birding Trail project and the member organizations of the and mountain wilderness will take the any State Park, from any Oregon Birding Trails Working Group do not guarantee the moisture right out of your body before State Park office or over safety or conditions at or getting to any site listed in this you see or feel the perspiration. guide. The above organizations also do not assume any the phone by calling responsibility or liability for injuries, etc., suffered as a result 1-800-551-6949 (credit PHOTO BY PAT TILLEY PAT BY PHOTO of activities associated with the use of this guide.
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