Ellmaker State Wayside
🏆🏆 Coast Range Forest — Old-growth forest wayside on Highway 20 between Corvallis and Newport
Ellmaker State Wayside preserves a stand of old-growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock along Highway 20 in the Coast Range between Corvallis and Newport. The towering trees — some over 200 feet tall and 500+ years old — create a cathedral-like canopy over the short interpretive trail. This is one of the most accessible old-growth experiences along Oregon’s coastal highways.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Highway 20, Coast Range, OR |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Trees | 200ft Sitka spruce, 500+ years old |
Frequently Asked Questions
How big are the trees?
The largest Sitka spruce exceed 200 feet tall and 8 feet in diameter. These are among the last remnants of the ancient Coast Range forest that once covered all of western Oregon.
About Ellmaker Wayside
Ellmaker State Wayside preserves a small grove of old-growth forest along the Luckiamute River in the central Willamette Valley. The park is named for Ira Ellmaker, one of the first settlers in Polk County. The old-growth Douglas fir and grand fir trees here are remarkable — remnants of the vast forests that once covered the entire valley before agricultural clearing.
Things to Do
Picnicking beneath ancient trees, short nature walks, and enjoying the rare experience of old-growth forest in the otherwise agricultural Willamette Valley. The Luckiamute River offers quiet paddling and small-stream fishing.
Insider Tips
Coast Range forest: Ellmaker Wayside along Highway 20 features a stunning old-growth Sitka spruce and western red cedar grove. Pro tip: The short loop trail passes trees over 200 feet tall — look straight up for the full effect. Nurse logs: Fallen trees become “nurse logs” for new seedlings — you’ll see rows of young trees growing from decomposing logs. This is how Northwest rainforests regenerate.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round: Old-growth forest is beautiful in every season. Winter: Rain makes the moss-draped trees glow green. Spring: Wildflowers and birdsong. Fall: Chanterelle mushroom season (October-November).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nurse log?
When a large tree falls in the rainforest, it becomes a nursery for the next generation. Seeds germinate on the elevated, moss-covered surface — away from competing ground-level vegetation. After the log decomposes, a row of mature trees stands on stilted roots where the log once lay.
Wildlife & Nature
Ellmaker State Wayside preserves a grove of old-growth timber along the highway corridor — protecting ancient trees that would otherwise have been cleared for road widening or development. Oregon’s old-growth forests — defined as stands 200+ years old with large trees, standing dead snags, and fallen logs — are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth. They store more carbon per acre than any other ecosystem, including tropical rainforests. The massive trees support unique canopy communities — epiphytic mosses, lichens, and ferns drape every branch. Marbled murrelets — endangered seabirds — nest high in old-growth trees, sometimes flying 50+ miles from the ocean to reach their nests. Red tree voles spend their entire lives in the canopy, never touching the ground.
Nearby Attractions
Valley of the Giants — a Bureau of Land Management Outstanding Natural Area — protects one of Oregon’s most impressive old-growth groves (not to be confused with California’s redwood parks). Marys Peak — the highest point in the Coast Range (4,097 feet) — offers panoramic views from the ocean to the Cascades. Corvallis — home of Oregon State University — has a vibrant college-town atmosphere. Alsea Falls offers a scenic waterfall in the Coast Range. Siuslaw National Forest provides extensive recreation opportunities.
🌲 Visit Ellmaker State Wayside
500-year-old giants — cathedral old-growth on the drive to Newport.
