Photographing the Roosevelt Elk Rut & Fishhawk Falls

Right now, the Roosevelt Elk of Oregon are embroiled in a violent speed dating contest called the rut. It's like Tinder with weapons. Lots of yelling, clashing, chasing, talking smack about each other--it all just makes you glad you survived your 20s.

The Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area in the Oregon Coast Range is THE spot to view herds of horny (see what I did there?) ruminants doing their thing at dawn. Nearby is an easy stroll to a lovely waterfall that spreads Fishhawk Creek into a 62-foot high fan and 10-foot cascade over glossy black basalt. The cathedral-like forest of moss-frosted cedar and fir with a burbling creek running through it is ethereal, lots of bird and moth action.

We'll meet in the main parking lot of the elk viewing area and spend 30 to 60 minutes watching the fur fly. There is a short trail system that allows you to get right up to the fence, you'll be anywhere from 50 to 800 feet from the action. If the herds aren't visible, we'll head up the road to a few other viewing spots to find them. I'll give an overview on Roosevelt Elk, explain the rut, and give you some tips on when to see the cute baby calves later on.

Then, we'll drive 3 miles further to the Lee Wooden Fishhawk Falls County Park and commune with the falls during an easy 0.5 mile round trip stroll on relatively flat, dry trail and a couple wooden bridges with stairs. A quarter mile further up the road is a fine view of the falls from above with ample parking. I'll provide bird, plant, and nature ID.

Afterward, you can stop off at the elk viewing spots again on the way back to see if anybody's started anything or continue north on the 202 for 27 mi. to Astoria to make a day of it.

Bring $10 cash, water, snacks, binoculars/scope, camera, birding books/apps, and WEATHER appropriate clothing. Spectacular flush restrooms at elk viewing site (I mean that, it's the nicest facilities I've ever seen!) but none at trailhead. Free parking at both. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.