Beaver Nation Migration

Want to get off-campus and enjoy some time in the sunshine hiking, biking, bird watching, BBQing or picnicking, well lucky for you there are several options, many within walking or biking distance from campus. Here are just a few of the options available to you!

Within a 10 to 15 minute walk/5 minute bike ride you will find:

Bald Hill– This park offers a 1.5 mile paved path along the base of the hill and several dirt and gravel foot trails that circle and climb to the summit of the hill. Biking in permitted on designated trails. To get there head west on Campus Way, which will turn into Midge Cramer Path once you cross 53rd street. Midge Cramer runs by the fairgrounds and then dead-ends into Bald Hill park.

Avery Park– Located south of campus, this park features a 1 mile jogging path along the river, rose garden, softball fields, several playgrounds, horse shoe pits, and BBQ shelters that can be reserved for private parties. To reach Avery Park head south of SW 15th which will hit Avery Park Drive shortly after crossing Philomath Blvd.

Riverfront Park– Running between 1st Street and the Willamette River, this small park offers paved and grassy areas, resting benches, (perfect for picnics), several sculptures (perfect for picture taking), and a 3/4 mile long running and biking trail. The Riverfront Park can be reached by going east on Monroe Ave. until you hit the trail. The trail goes north for a short distance or can be taken south to connect with several longer running/biking trails if you want to extend your time outside. Riverfront Park is also home to the Corvallis Farmers Market which is held from mid April to mid November every Saturday 9AM-1PM.

A little further away you will find:

Oak Creek Trail, Chip Ross Park, McDonald forest, Willamette Park, and Lewisburg Saddle offer many hiking and biking trails and are approximately a 15 minute bike ride or 5-10 minute car ride from campus. As you explore Corvallis more, be sure to check them out!

Looking for something more remote?

Check in with the Dixon Recreation Center’s Adventure Program located on the North end (facing Goss Stadium) of Dixon. They can offer advise for longer trips, whether it be rafting, backpacking, skiing, climbing, etc. They also offer trips throughout the year with guides to ensure your safety and enjoyment. In addition the office rents various outdoor gear including tents, snowshoes, rafts, climbing equipment and more!

Are you debating if you should bring your car to campus or not? There are some benefits to bringing a car, but you don’t need a car if you’re staying in Corvallis. You’ll be saving money not bringing your car! If you bring your car you’ll have to get a parking pass which will cost you $ and will not guarantee you a spot close to your residence hall or class.  So why don’t you try going without a car for the first term and see if you really need it.

The Beaver Bus is a shuttle that runs frequently throughout campus and can help get you from one place to another if you have mobility or just don’t want to walk in the rain.

The Corvallis Transit System (CTS) is FREE and it’s very easy to get around on the bus. Also this city is bike friendly, and it’s easy to get around anywhere on a bike if you don’t want to ride the CTS.  The bus system also includes a Linn Benton Loop that will take to to Albany to the Linn Benton Community College campus.

There are lots of options for if you’re traveling out of the city as well! If you’re heading to the airport there is the HUT (Portland Airport) leaving every 2 hours from campus, or the OmniShuttle (Eugene Airport) by reservation.  There’s also a Greyhound bus stop in Corvallis which you can get to easily using the CTS. Or if flying and going on the bus isn’t your thing, the Amtrak station is in Albany which is also easy getting to using public transportation, or ask a friend who has a car to take you there 😉