Play With Owls At Cascades Raptor Center, Then Explore The Ridgeline Trail In Oregon

Let your sense of adventure take flight at Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene, Oregon! Spend an exceptional day with the birds at this state-of-the-art bird conservatory and nature center. Then, end your day with a spectacular hike through pristine Oregon woods! It’s an itinerary that's fun for the whole family and the perfect way to spend time in the great outdoors.

The Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene, Oregon may sound like an attraction out of Jurassic Park, but there’s nothing frightening here!

While there is a Visitor Center at the Cascades Raptor Center, the majority of your time will be spent outdoors. Walking includes steep hill grades. Also, dogs are not allowed on-site.

Founded in 1987, this non-profit nature center works to raise awareness for native raptors (also known as predatory birds) while caring for them, too.

Visitors have the option to book a private tour which are scheduled during the early morning hours prior to opening for the general public.

It’s hard to believe that the Raptor Center receives more than 300 birds in need of medical care a year. At the Louise Shimmel Wildlife Hospital, these beautiful creatures receive the love, attention, and care to get them safely back into the wild.

You can find both resident birds and patients at Cascades Raptor Center.

Come see wise owls, hawks, falcons, and majestic eagles! Many of the resident birds are housed in large aviaries, allowing visitors the perfect opportunity to see them up close. General admission includes a self-guided tour.

The friendly and helpful staff are dedicated to teaching visitors all about raptors! Kids and adults will leave with a better understanding of these wild and wonderful Pacific Northwestern birds.

When you’ve finished seeing these beautiful birds at the Cascades Raptor Center, simply cross Fox Hollow Road to Ridgeline Trail!

Going by foot will take a mere minute to the trailhead. Find a convenient parking lot near Christensen Road and Fox Hollow Road across from the Cascades Raptor Center.

From here, embark on a fun journey under the trees of the Amazon Headwaters in Eugene, Oregon. This easy trail is a popular hiking spot for many and is sure to become a favorite of yours as well.

Find comfortable shaded areas on what is considered an urban hike. Dogs on leashes are allowed.

The Fox Hollow to Mount Baldy Loop Trail is a section of the larger Ridgeline Trail and covers a distance of about 3.5 miles.

Enjoy the forest and its many wildflowers, butterflies, and birds along the well-maintained trail!

See the valley and Cascade mountains, including Mount Baldy towards the end of the loop trail as it towers over the valley. Feel like a bird from way up high! It's a stunning sight that is worth the trek.

To conclude, explore the wilderness of Willamette Valley in Eugene, Oregon by visiting raptors and hiking through a forest with mountain views. Combine an informational visit to the Cascades Raptor Center and a wonderfully easy hike through the songbirds of Ridgeline Trail for an exceptional day in Oregon’s glorious outdoors!

Have you visited any other wildlife sanctuaries in Oregon? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

Not quite finished learning about the wonderful world of animals? Then pack up the car and head to a wildly exciting wildlife safari in Winston, Oregon!