William L. Finley Wildlife Refuge
​Campbell Boardwalk
Hike details:
Mileage: 0.75 miles round trip w/ 39 ft. elevation gain
Approximate hike time: 20 minutes w/ an average pace of 2.3 mph
Difficulty: Easy
Trail usage: Low
Highest elevation: 269 ft. Lowest elevation: 236 ft.
General location: 12 miles south of Corvallis - William L. Finley Wildlife Refuge
Accessible: Year-round
(Best time to go is April for wildflowers and October for fall foliage).
Permits required: N/A
Pit toilet at trailhead: No
Trail allows: This trail is wheelchair accessible
NO DOGS! Dogs are not allowed at William Finley Wildlife Refuge
Possible dangers: N/A
Approximate hike time: 20 minutes w/ an average pace of 2.3 mph
Difficulty: Easy
Trail usage: Low
Highest elevation: 269 ft. Lowest elevation: 236 ft.
General location: 12 miles south of Corvallis - William L. Finley Wildlife Refuge
Accessible: Year-round
(Best time to go is April for wildflowers and October for fall foliage).
Permits required: N/A
Pit toilet at trailhead: No
Trail allows: This trail is wheelchair accessible
NO DOGS! Dogs are not allowed at William Finley Wildlife Refuge
Possible dangers: N/A
(parking area)
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Description:William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1964 with the primary goal to provide a habitat for the Dusky Canada goose to winter. During the winter months you will see geese, swans and many other birds as well as Roosevelt elk. If your goal is to see wildflowers, visiting in the spring (April and May) is the best. There are a plethora of trails and loops in the refuge, each featuring something different like vista views, wildflower meadows or marshes.
The Homer Campbell Memorial Boardwalk is one of the shorter excursions available at William Finley Wildlife Refuge. It is also one of the few that is wheelchair accessible since the entire route is on a boardwalk, which crosses the soggy shallows and ends at the Homer Campbell shelter which offers a beautiful view out over Cabell Marsh. |
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The boardwalk is beautifully built with some informational signs along the way about the flora and fauna that you are seeing. You will easily be able to spend quite a bit of time strolling down the boardwalk looking at all of the animals and birds down below. The trees are laden with thick usnea (aka 'old man's beard') which sparkles like diamond strands in the sunlight after a recent rain. This place is quite magical and it gives off Florida swamp vibes where you'd expect to see an alligator at any moment.
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After 0.3 miles there is a split where you will see a seasonal closure sign. You cannot go left between November 1 - March 31 due to wintering wildlife. Starting April 1 you can continue here and the boardwalk will dead end into Pigeon Butte Trail at the edge of Cabell Marsh. If you are here when this area is closed, you can go check out the Homer Campbell shelter which sits at the edge of the marsh and provides a great place to view the birds and geese.
(Homer Campbell shelter)
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If you are out at William Finley Wildlife Refuge to get some hiking in, definitely don't miss checking out this little boardwalk gem. It is truly a unique experience getting to walk on a 0.4 mile long boardwalk through the swampy forests. This is a great place for people of all abilities to explore and be able to get outdoors and see some local flora and fauna.
Directions:
From Corvallis
- Drive on OR-99W/Pacific Hwy. W for a total of 9 miles, then turn right onto Finley Rd. for 1.3 miles. Turn left onto Finley Refuge Rd. for another 1.4 miles, then turn right at a sign for Campbell Overlook Trail/Campbell Boardwalk and immediately turn right into the gravel parking area. (Total of 12.2 miles)
- Take 6th Ave./OR-99 N for a total of 15.2 miles. Drive through Junction City and then turn left onto OR-99 W N/Pacific Hwy. W for 15.7 miles. Turn left onto Finley Rd. for 1.3 miles, then turn left onto Finley Refuge Rd. for another 1.4 miles. turn right at a sign for Campbell Overlook Trail/Campbell Boardwalk and immediately turn right into the gravel parking area. (Total of 33.7 miles)
- Total of 51 miles via Corvallis.
- Total of 95 miles via Corvallis.
- Total of 140 miles via Corvallis.
- Total of 202 miles via Eugene.
-This trail write-up was last updated May, 2023-
*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer
*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer
*Disclaimer: The trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense. Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes.