Difference between revisions of "La Center Loop Hike"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
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=== Hike Description === | === Hike Description === | ||
| − | The East Fork of the Lewis River flows past the town of La Center. Originally a natural wetland, the river lowlands were diked in the early years on the 20th century to create cropland. | + | The East Fork of the Lewis River flows past the town of La Center. Originally a natural wetland, the river lowlands were diked in the early years on the 20th century to create cropland. Today a portion of this land has been opened to the public and a trail has been built on top of the old dike. Part of the dike has failed and the winter water has returned, recreating a habitat for waterfowl. |
| − | + | From the trailhead, walk the paved La Center Bottoms Trail. The first section of the trail skirts the edge of the town's water treatment plant, but the trail soon comes to wilder areas. There's a junction with a trail leading uphill into the city park, then the trail crosses Brezee Creek on a metal bridge. The trail turns to gravel at the bridge and soon comes to a "T" trail junction. Turn right here and pause at the first bird viewing blind. This blind overlooks a large pool that's filled with birds during the winter. Look for Canada Geese here, many varieties of ducks and the endangered Trumpeter Swan. | |
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| + | The path continues across a second metal bridge, this one spanning a gap where the old dike failed many years ago. The level path comes to a second blind and then continues to a second low spot in the dike. The gravel portion of the trail ends here, but hikers can usually continue beyond this low spot. From here, the trail is mowed grass and quite a bit more secluded. The trail comes right to the river's edge and follows it closely to the [[La Center Bottoms Trail End|end of the trail]]. Signs and fences here clearly mark the end of the open parklands in the beginning of private property. Return the way you came. | ||
=== Maps === | === Maps === | ||
Revision as of 14:40, 23 January 2009
- Start point: La Center Trailhead
- End point: La Center Bottoms Trail End
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Out and back
- Distance: 2.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 10 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: Year round
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Hike Description
The East Fork of the Lewis River flows past the town of La Center. Originally a natural wetland, the river lowlands were diked in the early years on the 20th century to create cropland. Today a portion of this land has been opened to the public and a trail has been built on top of the old dike. Part of the dike has failed and the winter water has returned, recreating a habitat for waterfowl.
From the trailhead, walk the paved La Center Bottoms Trail. The first section of the trail skirts the edge of the town's water treatment plant, but the trail soon comes to wilder areas. There's a junction with a trail leading uphill into the city park, then the trail crosses Brezee Creek on a metal bridge. The trail turns to gravel at the bridge and soon comes to a "T" trail junction. Turn right here and pause at the first bird viewing blind. This blind overlooks a large pool that's filled with birds during the winter. Look for Canada Geese here, many varieties of ducks and the endangered Trumpeter Swan.
The path continues across a second metal bridge, this one spanning a gap where the old dike failed many years ago. The level path comes to a second blind and then continues to a second low spot in the dike. The gravel portion of the trail ends here, but hikers can usually continue beyond this low spot. From here, the trail is mowed grass and quite a bit more secluded. The trail comes right to the river's edge and follows it closely to the end of the trail. Signs and fences here clearly mark the end of the open parklands in the beginning of private property. Return the way you came.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Regulations or restrictions, etc
- None
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Guidebooks that cover this hike
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Contributors
- Stevefromdodge (creator)