Clemens Park Loop Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Clemens Park Trailhead
- End point: Seeley Creek Footbridge
- Hike Type: Two connected loops
- Distance: 1.1 miles
- Elevation gain: 50 feet
- High Point: 1155 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: All year
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable:No
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Hike Description
The 38 riparian acres here along the North Fork Alsea River were donated to Benton County by timber entrepreneurs Rex and Ethel Clemens in 1968. The forest was logged over 100 years ago, but now big mossy maples and maturing Douglas-firs dominate this leafy setting. The park is popular with fishermen, but there’s also the opportunity to view spawning salmon in season.
Take the trail on the north side of the parking area into a lush woodland of alder and maple. Picnic tables occupy private enclaves within the forest, and short spur trails lead to the river. A sign denotes the beginning of the North Fork Interpretive Trail, with its 10 numbered stations (although you may not find a guide at the trailhead). At Station #3, take a look at the two twisted, moss-draped yew trees leaning over the North Fork. More Douglas-firs come into the forest mix now, shading an Oregon grape/sword fern understory. At Station #8, there’s a salmon viewing deck constructed as an Eagle Scout project. You may have the chance to observe coho salmon spawning in their shallow redds in the fall. The trail turns away from the river to reach a junction, where you should keep right to pass close to the bluff about ten feet above the river. Past Station #10, the trail reaches another junction, where you should go right.
Pass through a thicket of alder and salmonberry before crossing the Seeley Creek Footbridge. You can see down the creek to its confluence with the North Fork Alsea River. Stay right at a junction to begin a loop. Ignore a fisherman’s trail heading off to the right as you hike under gnarly maples draped with moss and licorice fern. Then you’ll pass through a regenerating Douglas-fir forest before coming to the footbridge again.
After crossing the footbridge, keep straight (right) at all junctions to follow an old logging road bed. Large stumps with springboard notches attest to the felling of old growth here in the 1920s. Big-leaf maples dominate the area now. Soon, you’ll come to the parking area and your vehicle.
Fees, Regulations, etc.
- Day use only
- Restrooms, picnic area
- Dogs on leash
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Clemens Park Loop Hike
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Clemens Park Loop Hike
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- Corvallis Trails by Margie C. Powell
- A Guide to Trails in the Corvallis Area by Phillip R. Hays
More Links
- Clemens Park (Benton County)
- Clemens North Fork Interpretive Trail (The Right Trail)
- Clemens Seeley Creek Access Trail (The Right Trail)
- Clemens South Loop Trail (The Right Trail)
- “Widespread trail closures make Clemens Park an attractive option” (Democrat-Herald)
Contributors
- bobcat (creator)