Mill Hill Loop Hike

Overview

The William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, named after a respected 20th century wildlife photographer and conservationist, is one of three Willamette Valley refuges set up to protect habitat for wintering waterfowl, especially the dusky Canada goose (Branta canadensis occidentalis). Several short trails in the refuge, including the Mill Hill Loop, are open all year, while others can be hiked after April 1st. Characteristic habitat here includes wetlands and riparian shrubbery at the lowest elevations and mixed forest dominated by Douglas-fir, Oregon white oak, and big-leaf maple on hillsides. There are also numerous meadows and open fields. The Mill Hill Loop is a short hike that takes you across oak savannah and some Douglas-fir woodland, with views of Gray Creek and a colorful and varied wildflower display in the spring. From the trailhead, get a view of the Display Pond, which should have a diversity of waterfowl plying its waters. Head to your right, paralleling the refuge road, into Douglas-fir woods and come to the junction with the Intertie Trail, where you go left into an open oak savannah with serviceberry bushes blooming in spring (Going right would connect you with the Woodpecker Loop Hike). Reach a gravel road and go right, strolling through an oak forest. At a junction for many destinations, go right and uphill on the Mill Hill Trail. Soon reach another junction for the loop and go right. Walk in lovely, mossy oak woods blooming with toothworts, orchids and violets in spring. Higher up, more Douglas-firs enter the mix. The trail exits these more mature woods and bends left, heading down a grassy alley bordered by young Douglas-firs with the occasional grand fir. Mosquitoes whine in profusion here during spring. Head up above marshy Gray Creek on the old road bed (Look for wood ducks on the creek) and at a junction, keep right (straight) to end the loop. Soon come to the main junction and proceed left to retrace your steps to the trailhead.

Trail Stats

Photos

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