Drive our country roads or explore our forests, and you are almost certain to see some of our resident wildlife whether it be deer, elk, or an occasional black bear. Along our rivers and streams, you will find herons, mallards and wood ducks, and Canadian geese to name just a few of our abundant waterfowl.

Binoculars for birdwatching are a must. You don't want to miss seeing Hummingbirds, Western Meadowlarks, Steller Jays, Northern Flickers, Towhees, or on rare occasions a Pileated Woodpecker. Bring along a flashlight if you plan on taking one of the scheduled night walks through Tryon Creek Park in search of owls - it's a hoot! Pick up an Oregon Cascades Birding Trail brochure at one of our visitor centers and take a self-guided auto tour highlighting birding destinations in the Cascades and habitat conservation.

Protection of the environment is of major importance to all Oregonians. Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory is home to two major environmental educational sites. The John Inskeep Environmental Learning Center located at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City features ponds with fish, ducks, turtles and insects, a butterfly garden, wildlife snags, demonstration sites for stream and upland restoration, and it is home to 250 different species of native and ornamental plants. The Environmental Learning Center offers classes throughout the year, and its 24-inch telescope provides stargazers a close up view of the stars and planets.   On the way to Mt. Hood be certain to stop at the Wildwood Recreation Area just off Highway 26, where you'll find the Cascade Streamwatch. This educational project focuses on watersheds and fisheries. Located along the wild and scenic Salmon River, it includes an underwater stream profile viewing chamber, a wetlands boardwalk interpretive trail, and a network of trail and river access areas.

Click here for more information on Recreation Passes.