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Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, Reedsport

4.7

#2 of 8 in Things to do in Reedsport

Wildlife Area Nature / Park

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The Dean Creek Wildlife Area is a wildlife management area located near Reedsport, Oregon, United States. Jointly managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the United States Bureau of Land Management, it is the year-round residence for a herd of Roosevelt elk.
Elk have inhabited the location that is now the Dean Creek Wildlife Area since the 1930s. During that time, native salt marshes were drained and freshwater allowed to irrigate the site's grasslands. Originally used for cattle grazing by area farmers, the Bureau of Land Management, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, took over management of the site in 1991.
The same year, an outdoor, covered interpretive center was constructed at the site. The O.H. Hinsdale Interpretive Center was built at a cost of $85,000 and was named after a Reedsport-area community leader. Funds to finance the center were privately raised by a local community group. In addition to the interpretive center, the site also includes restrooms and several viewing platforms.
The 1040acre are roughly divided between pasture and woodland. The pasture (with some wetlands) covers about of the area and is generally visible from the road. The remaining of the wildlife area comprise mainly conifer trees and other hardwoods.

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Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

207 reviews

Google

4.7

facebook

4.7

120 likes

• By kencatron

  Having grown up in Oregon, I have had the pleasure of seeing literally tens of thousands of elk. However, for those not as fortunate, this is a fabulous opportunity to see these majestic creatures. Th...  more »

• By R5216ESlindac

  This is a greatmemory place to see elk ... calves, cows and bulls as they graze near the hwy. Excellent photo ops. There is a viewing platform and parking, but many times the elk are farther away from...  more »

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Google

• By Michael Hess

  Love to Stop in and check out the Heard whenever were passing through... We really like to take pictures of them and share them with our friends. I highly recommend stopping in if your driving near here and you happen to have a few minutes to spare...

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• By James Kidman

  A great place to see tons of Elk. When we first drove past in the evening there were tons of elk. We ended up not stopping as we were planning on coming back the next day morning… what a mistake… the next day the elk had moved back into the trees and we were not able to see as many. If you drive by and the elk are out - Stop!

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