Oregon’s natural beauty is beyond comparison, and the local wild residents of our wilderness areas are a sight to behold. Here’s a little wildlife refuge that many Oregonians don’t know about, but it’s a wonderful place to view Roosevelt Elk.

The Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area is located in the northwestern part of the state, off State Highway 202.

GoogleMaps The address is 79878 Hwy. 202, Seaside, OR 97138. For driving directions, click here.

This beautiful place encompasses 2,940 acres and serves as a refuge for as many as 200 elk during the spring and winter months.

Sharath Chandra/Google

You’ll find some signs here that restrict public access to certain parts of the area. Make sure to obey these signs to maintain the habitat for the animals who call this place home.

Hector casillas/Google

The Roosevelt Elk who live here are majestic creatures who can weigh as much as 1,200 pounds. In June, visitors might see new calves; in September, rutting elk battle it out in the meadows to establish dominance.

Dan Dzurisin/flickr

The scenery here is absolutely stunning, and it’s a great place for wildlife photographers as well as nature enthusiasts.

Jeff Gunn/flickr

The best way to view the elk is to simply leave them alone and let them do their thing - you’ll find some great photo opportunities that way. This guy was just munching on blackberries when he popped his head up to say hello.

Dan Dzurisin/flickr

Sometimes they almost seem to be posing for the camera!

Peggy Beaston/Google

During the summer, you might notice fields being planted or harvested. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife feeds the elk throughout the winter to help the repopulation program and keep them off private agricultural land where they can do damage to crops.

Ian Sane/flickr

Many other species live here, too! During your visit, you might see black-tailed deer, coyotes, red-tailed hawk, bald eagles, and golden-crowned sparrows (shown here).

Dan Dzurisin/flickr

You’ll love a trip to this little-known wildlife area! As always, respect this beautiful place and leave no trace of your presence behind. We want to preserve this stunning spot for generations to come!

ridepdx/flickr

For more information about Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area, check out the visitor’s guide on the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife website here.

GoogleMaps

The address is 79878 Hwy. 202, Seaside, OR 97138. For driving directions, click here.

Sharath Chandra/Google

Hector casillas/Google

Dan Dzurisin/flickr

Jeff Gunn/flickr

Peggy Beaston/Google

Ian Sane/flickr

ridepdx/flickr

Have you seen the Roosevelt Elk at Jewell Meadows? We’d love to see the photos from your trip! Join our Oregon Nature Lovers Group on Facebook and you’ll find tons of fantastic wildlife photos captured by fellow Oregonians and can post your own to share with others!

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