Distance: 7 miles
Elevation gain: 500 feet (900-1400 ft), with several gains and losses.
Difficulty: gravel logging road with manageable gains and losses.
It has been some time since I hiked the Davies Road Loop, a nice 7 mile hike. To get to the trailhead you go North of Corvallis on either HW 99 or Highland Drive to Lewisburg Road. Take Lewisburg Rd west until you come to the Y at Sulphur Springs Road. Take Sulpher Springs Road up to the Lewisburg Saddle. You will see a parking area on the right and there are likely to be cars parked there.
The Davies Road Loop starts to the right.
Most of the trail is in thick forests, ranging from young forest to a section of Old Growth Forest.
From the trailhead you can either take the upper or the lower road. If you take the lower road you will come to the Old Growth Trail on the left. This is a short side trail that takes you through a beautiful section of Old Growth Fir. This section of trail is steeper and is a dirt trail so it can be slippery during wet conditions.
You do get a few vista views like this one through a recent clear cut. Notice the new trees in protective netting. These nets are designed to protect the trees from the deer.
Depending on the time of year you are going to be treated to various native plants. This is a picture of a flowering dogwood tree.
There is a variety of game in the area. You are likely to see squirrels and deer. There are also cougars, bobcats and bear in the area, but is unlikely that you will get the opportunity to see them.
Bird life is abundant. If you listen as you are hiking you could hear the very distinctive sound of Grouse.
Since this trail is on a well maintained gravel road it is an excellent place to ride a mountain bike.
As you are hiking you will want to watch out for bicyclists, runners and possibly equestrians. Many people walk their dogs in this area and for the most part the dogs are very friendly, although at times a bit excited to see you.
