Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

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Roosevelt Elk

Tucked in the Fishhawk Creek Valley of the coast range, next to the hamlet of Jewell, a mile-long stretch of Highway 202 passes neatly-trimmed meadows. Even if you are expecting them, it's still a surprise to spot meadow-tan Roosevelt elk standing or lounging in the open there, seemingly without a care in the world.

On most winter and early spring days, you can take a look right from the highway or pull into one of the designated parking areas for close-up photo without the zoom lens. If the day is pleasant, bring a lunch and your binoculars. Saddle Mountain hovers over the surrounding trees. Birds and other wildlife like the area, too. Want to help feed the elk? Call the Meadows staff at (503) 755-2264 to reserve your spot on the feed wagon, beginning December 1.

Jewell Meadows is west of Vernonia (the only nearby town of any size), but you can get there by turning off Highway 26 at Jewell junction just west of the Elderberry Inn. Follow Highway 103 north to Jewell and turn left on Highway 202 toward Astoria.

Keywords: Winter (December - February), Scenic, Any time of the day, Free, Just you alone / As a single, With teens, Outside the city, Interesting, Park (Local / State / National), With pets, Everyone, In the afternoon, With a group, With kids, As a senior citizen, As a couple, In the morning, Need a car, Spring (March - May)