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Peavy Arboretum 500 Road


Highlights:

Old growth hike on the 500 service road
Near:Corvallis, OR
Scenery:
Distance:3.42 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:845 ft
Hike Time:2 hours
Difficulty:Strenuous
Trail Condition:Fire road/pavement
HikeType:Out and Back



Summary: There are many trails in McDonald Forest which is managed by Oregon State University. This hike takes you to the top of the 500 road with a gain of 845 feet. At the parking lot in Peavy Arboretum you will start your up hile climb on the gravel road. At the lake, stay left (look for sign posts that say 500). This road winds through old and new growth forest on a steady climb. Near the top, stay left and take the 530 road to the top (only a short distance). Look for deer, rabbits and other birds and animals along the way. Steep walk up, easy walk down.
Trailhead: From Corvallis, Oregon head north on Hwy 99 w and turn left onto Old Pacific Highway (follow the Peavy Arboretum signs) follow this road until you see the Peavy Arboretum sign on your left. If you reach Hwy 99 again, you have gone to far. Pull into the Peavy and stay left following the signs to the parking lot. You will park at a gate which is the 500 service road. You will stay on a gravel road your entire hike. (Lat:44.65715 Lon:-123.23524)
Trail Guides for Peavy Arboretum 500 Road:
Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses,
Ranger Contact: Oregon State University Forest Management Department
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Craig Cole, who has posted  72 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by Chelsey on 6/30/2007
I took my husband hiking on this trail with me, I am a regular hiker and he is not. For me it was a good workout and very enjoyable, but I would not call it strenuous. My husband on the other hand was huffing and puffing the hole way up and was unable to really enjoy the uphill part of the hike. He found the hike down quite pleasant on the other hand and said that he would love to go again to get into better shape. Trees mostly block the views, but the hike itself is beautiful and very serene. This is one of my favorite hikes I have bin on in Corvallis. If you are a regular hiker don’t expect it to be too strenuous, but you will break a good sweat. This is a perfect hike for someone just starting out who is looking for a challenging

Reviewed by Grant on 8/13/2006
This is a good exercise hike with a steady grade going up the hill, but it's not like it's the "switchbacks of doom" or anything. The last section on road 530 has the steepest pitches. I'll remember this one for when I just want to get out and get some decent exercise in the afternoon. It's a reasonable hike in the forest with some nice old growth in the lower sections but the end lacks any vistas (though you get hints of a view through the trees to the south). Part of RD 530 (including the end of this hike) also serves as the Powder House trail/36 Loop, which may be more popular amongst hikers due to it being mostly trail instead of road.

Reviewed by Nick on 3/24/2006
I haven't been on many hikes so I can't say if this is my personal favorite but I will definitely go back. The views are great but you should be in reasonably good shape if you want to appreciate them. otherwise you'll be huffing and puffing the whole way up and you'll miss everything. i am about average physical shape and I was pleasantly winded. It was no problem for my chihuahua, sally. bring some food to eat for when you get to the top. it took me an hour and a half to get up there but i just poking along and taking pictures. found it helpful to print out the directions on this page. otherwise, i wouldn't have found it.

Reviewed by aa on 10/10/2005
very hard

Reviewed by Tom on 10/7/2003
This is a nice hike we were able to enjoy this hike this summer. A lot to see in this arboreta as the scientific projects of the trees and plants.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Oregon Hiking, Oregon Trails, Oregon Hikes, Benton County Hiking, Benton County Trails, Benton County Hikes

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