Built in 1991 by Eugene BLM employees and volunteers, this unique footpath arises from the streamside in the moisture rich hills called the Coast Range by local Willamette Valley residents. This is specifically a hiking trail, connected to a popular BLM campground, also called Whittaker Creek, and the trailhead can be accessed on the backside of the park at campsite 24. Vehicle parking is available int he campground parking lot, free of charge.
The trail climbs at a moderate rate, winding uphill through three significant ecosystems; riparian, second growth Douglas fir, and the pristine Old Growth Ridge. Each system has it's own special plant and animal species that thrive there.
The riparian or stream zone, is considered one of the premier salmon and steelhead streams in all of the Coast Range. The huge Chinook use it in November, followed by the smaller, more energetic Coho, or Silver salmon, in December, and finally the powerful Steelhead, from January thru early March. This year-round, cool water stream is is also home to many four-legged critters that frequent its waters. It is also the nucleus of a semi-primitive campground that has become extremely popular to the greater Eugene-Springfield clientele. The site has 31 campspaces with no electric hook-ups, a fine swimming area, and access to the Siuslaw River, which in only a short distance away. Some of the campsites are physically connected to the river itself.
The second growth zone is home to 60-year-old Douglas Fir stands, mixed with other tree species that make up a diverse eco-system that is rapidly reaching maturity. The trail ascends to a ridge where, in the 1950's logging activity ceased, and the higher reaches of the hill were left untouched. At that point, the hiker can witness old Douglas Fir trees int heir original habitat. This area is also home to the Northern spotted owl and the marbled murrlet. The BLM rangers have built comfortable benches along the way for the hikers to rest and refresh themselves.
Presently, a mile long loop is being added to the main trail and will be completed by September 2004 for the public to enjoy. The loop will highlight the scenic Whittaker Creek itself, traveling along it's bank as it returns to the park area. This new, long awaited enterprise will give the entire system a profound sense of completion. It will send new information regarding this leg when it's done.
