The Magical Place In Oregon Where You Can View A Wild Elk Herd
By Catherine Armstrong|Published February 21, 2019
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon is home to around 76,000 elk. When you catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures crossing the road or hanging out in a field, it’s always a pleasure to watch them, but those encounters can be fleeting and rare. There are four places in the Beaver State to view protected elk herds, but Dean Creek is the largest, and you’re almost always guaranteed to see elk during your visit. Take a look:
You'll find the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area along Highway 38, three miles east of Reedsport.
You'll find several pull-out spots along the road where you can view the elk, but you'll definitely want to check out the main viewing area. There's an interpretive center where you can learn all about the elk, and a viewing deck with benches.
Roosevelt elk are such beautiful animals! They're the largest land mammal in Oregon, and can reach up to 1,000 pounds. This place gives you the opportunity to observe them for hours. Just make sure to stay behind the fence at all times, and keep your pets on leash.
If wildlife photography is your thing, Dean Creek is pure heaven. If you hang out long enough, you're certain to get some stunning shots of these majestic creatures.
The Dean Creek Elk Viewing Are is open year-round, during daylight hours. It's fully-accessible and also offers restrooms. It's free to visit.
If you’d like to see more elk, check out the Elkhorn Wildlife Area in eastern Oregon, Finely National Wildlife Refuge near Corvallis, and the Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area in northwest Oregon.
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