Peavy Arboretum Loop Hike

Overview

The three short loop hikes described here are all in the Peavy Arboretum area of the McDonald State Forest. The area began as a nursery for Oregon State University’s School of Forestry. From 1933 – 1942, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp operated here, and the arboretum reverted to OSU jurisdiction. Native and non-native species were relabeled in 2011. The arboretum is named after George Peavy, a former Dean of the School of Forestry at OSU. Take the Firefighter Memorial Trail that begins next to the information kiosk, which has a large map of the Peavy Arboretum area (In addition, the Intensive Management Trail – see the Calloway Creek Loop Hike – begins at the west end of the parking area). Native trees, such as Oregon ash and Oregon white oak, are labeled in the riparian area along the small stream that runs here. The Sign Shop (1936), where wooden signs used by state forests are made, is the large barn-like structure across the sward. The wide gravel trail takes you up to a covered picnic area and the Firefighter’s Memorial. The plaque here commemorates the nine Oregon firefighters who died in the South Canyon Fire, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on July 6th, 1994. Enter an oak woodland and cross a stream on a footbridge. Reach a junction at a grove of redwoods and sequoias, and go left to cross a paved road near the Forestry Club Cabin Trailhead. Reach a four-way junction and keep straight on the Sequoia Trail to begin the loop to Randall Pond. At the next junction go left, and come to another four-way junction at a Port Orford cedar. Keep straight here on the Fir Hollow Trail. Pass plantings of Greek and Cicilian firs, and reach the trail that circles Randall Pond. Go right and cross the outlet stream. An interpretive sign explains the fish ladder here. The Peavy Lodge (1948) is up the slope to your right. Walk the rim of the alder-shaded pond, and go right at the junction on the east shore of the pond. You’ll see the Sign Shop up to your right before you turn right at the next junction. Pass a tanoak on

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