Jackson-Frazier Wetland Loop Hike

Overview

The Jackson-Frazier Wetland northeast of Corvallis comprises a 147-acre parcel of protected land established in 1992. A short, looping boardwalk, dedicated in 2005, takes you on a stroll through marshes dominated by willow, Oregon ash, spiraea, and marsh grasses. You're likely to see red-winged blackbirds, great blue herons, and sparrows. Birds heard, but unlikely to be easily spotted, are Virginia rails and marsh wrens. Raptors, such as harriers and Cooper's hawks, may be patrolling the open areas, and tanagers, warblers, towhees, and waxwings can be spotted in the foliage. This can be a great family outing with young children or a quick stop after completing a longer hike in the area. In spring, cherry trees near the trailhead are blooming. Take the paved trail from the parking circle and cross a slough. Early in the year, notice the catkins on the willows: there are five willow species in all here, the most common being Hooker's willow and Scouler's willow. Come to a junction and noticeboard and take a left (The spur right leads to NE Canterbury Circle). Beyond the notice board, the trail converts to the Bob Frenkel Boardwalk (Bob Frenkel, a former geography professor at Oregon State University, was an environmental activist who fought to protect the wetland; he passed away on February 20th, 2017). Along the trail, you'll see vernal pools in these wetlands where Jackson and Frazier Creeks come together. Restoration of the wetland prairie includes mowing and burning on an annual basis. Pass an interpretive sign which identifies some of bird species which inhabit the marshes here. Trained eyes will also notice the poison oak. At the beginning of the loop, go right. Rose bushes (Nootka and non-native sweetbriar) line the boardwalk. Come to an open wetland where western spiraea tends to dominate. Lichen-draped Oregon ash trees shade a seasonal swale. The area was regularly burned by Native Americans to foster camas and tarweed habitat. Early settlers dug out a system of drainage ditches and used the land for

Trail Stats

Photos

400px-JacksonFrazierMap

400px-JacksonFrazierMap

250px-Nootka_rose_%28Rosa_nutkana_var

250px-Nootka_rose_%28Rosa_nutkana_var

250px-Sign%2C_Jackson_Frazier_Wetland

250px-Sign%2C_Jackson_Frazier_Wetland

400px-Boardwalk%2C_Jackson_Frazier_Wetland

400px-Boardwalk%2C_Jackson_Frazier_Wetland

Tags