baskett slough national wildlife refuge

One viewing area is right on Hwy 22 so it's very convenient. That's where we were. However, being right on the really busy highway, it's also very noisy! There's a little gazebo and some informational signs and that's about it. You can't walk anywhere from this location. We looked out over the fields, which frankly was no more interesting than looking at them from a vehicle on the highway.I guess to appreciate the birds here you have to drive around to the other side (away from the highway) and probably walk along the footpaths.

We've been intrigued by this spot for some years since it's what you overlook from the Van Duzer winery; this year--at last!--we managed to make time for a proper visit--and it was well worth it. There's a lot more to it than first meets the eye: a mixture of open grassland, marshes, and oak-wooded habitats. It was mid-day when we visited at the end of August; not usually prime birding conditions but we still saw quite a number of birds including western wood pewee, northern harrier, scrub jay, Steller's jay, chickadees, kestrels, cinnamon teal, mallard, great blue heron, brown creeper, and more. There are a number of well-marked paths, overlooks, strategically placed benches, and adorable chipmunks--and an outhouse at the trailheadl off Coville Road.THe area is CLOSED during the winter months.

A nice relaxing place to watch wildlife. If you are in the Dallas area take an hour or two and see this peaceful and beautiful place brimming with life.

If you like nature and birds this is a nice place to visit. There is a viewing area off Rt 22 but to really experience take the Coville Rd and take a hike in the preserve.

Baskett Slough offers some of the finest bird watching in the Willamette Valley. You may even catch a glimpse of a river otter, deer or elk. Several hikes take you through the refuge, and several observation areas give you a chance to see some wildlife and take in the views. No services are on site, but a picnic area with a clean bathroom can be found.

It is great anytime of the year. A short drive from Salem, Dallas, Monmouth, or Independence. Wonderful birding in spring and fall, darn good the rest of the year as well.

Baskett Slough is a great place for bird watchers, photographers and hikers. Nice trails and beautiful scenery. You can spend hours or just take a short walk to a view point. Fun for all!

From the top of the hill at the lookout, watching and listening to the birds was really cool. It is very beautiful from that vantage point. The trails are nice, but if you have difficulty hiking you may get winded. Wheel chairs would be quite difficult, but not impossible. You can't take your dogs, but that keeps the birds from being terrorized.

This place is always new having something to see in all seasons. It is a hike that small children can do as well as adults. A quite walk will give you all sorts of birds, deer, and other small wild animals. This is not a place available to the family pooch, so leave her at home. I have done this many times, and have never been disappointed.

Super duper hike to the top of the hill. I enjoy interpretive trails so this fit the bill.The path wasn’t too tough, workout that didn’t killDidn’t even have to take a pain pill!

To be fair, I've never stopped there but have driven by a few hundred times and I can see most of the Slough as I go by. canadian geese stay here when they migrate. I've seen nutra. If you're lucky you may spot some deer. But it's free and easy access on and off Hwy 22.

We pass this area always on our way to the coast. We even have an oil paintint of the area. No matter the time ofthe year this area has ever changing rolling hills, an abundance of wildlife and sometimes even Mt. Hood.

Baskett Slough is a gathering place for Canadian Geese visiting for the winter and really year around. When traveling west of Salem, stop and enjoy the view and try to pick out as many wildlife as you can identify. Spend a quiet moment to admire nature.