Hike-in Required
No
Guided tours
No
ADA accessible
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Fern Ridge Wildlife wetlands area is a large preserve that encompasses large portions of the shoreline of Fern Ridge Reservoir. The Fisher Butte Unit, on the southeastern shore of the reservoir, is a great place for bird watching. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife plants seed crops here to attract over wintering waterfowl. In addition, there are a number of canals and shallow lagoons that attract various species year round. This unit is open for hunting in the fall and also has seasonal closures during winter and early spring. Unfortunately, the ODFW website does not stay current with the signs at the trailhead parking lot, so you will have to check at the trailhead or call the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area headquarters during business hours (541.935.2591) to learn of any closures.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

ODFW Wildlife Area Parking Permit

Pros

Close to town. Great bird watching.

Cons

Winter closures are only posted at the trailhead, not online.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Features

Bird watching
Bird watching
Bird watching
Bird watching
Bird watching

Location

Comments

05/24/2016
The viewing platform is great for bird and sunset watching. Fern Ridge, being so close to Eugene, is an easy place to go in the evening after work.
Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.