With more than 360 state parks, 11 national forests and 21 national wildlife refuges, Oregonians enjoy plenty of places to enjoy the stunning nature beauty that surrounds us. Did you know that the Beaver State has a brand new state park? Take a look at Sitka Sedge State Natural Area.
Oregon’s newest state park is open to the public! Sitka Sedge State Natural Area opened on June 2, 2018.
Lessa Clayton/flickr The land was purchased with funds from the Oregon State Lottery and a National Coastal Wetlands Conservation grant provided by the U.S. Forest Service.
You’ll find the park just north of Pacific City, on the northern coast. It’s nestled between Sand Lake and the Pacific, and adjacent to Clay Meyers State Natural Area.
Google The park has 26 parking spaces for visitors and a day use area.
One of the best things about this park is its lack of development.
Oregon State Parks Most of the 375 acres have been left untouched — a truly wild, natural place. This quiet, peaceful spot is the perfect location to relax and reconnect with nature.
While most of this park has been left untouched, one of the few developments here allows you to explore the area without trampling on delicate habitat.
Oregon State Parks Take a stroll along 3.5 miles of trail, including the half-mile Beltz Dike trail.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, which thrives in this protected area.
Oregon State Parks You’ll see as many as 42 species of birds, including the blue heron pictured here. Other wildlife spotted in the park includes frogs, snakes, fish, and deer. Park rangers have even spotted bears and cougars here!
This wild place is also home to plenty of beautiful grasses and flowers, and you’ll definitely want to bring a camera along to capture them.
Oregon State Parks Look for the park’s namesake — the sitka sedge — a native, grass-like plant that gently waves in the breeze. You’ll also find wild rose, foxglove and other wildflowers providing splashes of color throughout the salt and fresh water marshes.
Visitors to the Sitka Sedge State Natural Area will have excellent views of Cape Lookout to the north and Cape Kiwanda to the south.
Oregon State Parks You’ll find an undisturbed beach next to the natural area, where you can watch the waves and dig for clams, with the appropriate permit.
Have you had a chance to explore the wonders of Sitka Sedge Natural Area yet? If you’ve been to this area, share your experience with our readers in the comments below!
Lessa Clayton/flickr
The land was purchased with funds from the Oregon State Lottery and a National Coastal Wetlands Conservation grant provided by the U.S. Forest Service.
The park has 26 parking spaces for visitors and a day use area.
Oregon State Parks
Most of the 375 acres have been left untouched — a truly wild, natural place. This quiet, peaceful spot is the perfect location to relax and reconnect with nature.
Take a stroll along 3.5 miles of trail, including the half-mile Beltz Dike trail.
You’ll see as many as 42 species of birds, including the blue heron pictured here. Other wildlife spotted in the park includes frogs, snakes, fish, and deer. Park rangers have even spotted bears and cougars here!
Look for the park’s namesake — the sitka sedge — a native, grass-like plant that gently waves in the breeze. You’ll also find wild rose, foxglove and other wildflowers providing splashes of color throughout the salt and fresh water marshes.
You’ll find an undisturbed beach next to the natural area, where you can watch the waves and dig for clams, with the appropriate permit.
Established in 2013, Cottonwood Canyon State Park is another of Oregon’s more recent parks, and you’ll want to check it out, too!
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