Corvallis, Oregon is situated right between I-5 and 99W, and the Pacific Coast, making it the perfect pit stop as you head towards the beach. Enjoy a couple of hours by stretching your legs and basking in nature on the north end of town, and savoring an excellent meal in downtown Corvallis.
Jackson-Frazier Wetland is a small county-maintained natural area on the north side of Corvallis, right at the end of Lancaster Street. A short sidewalk leads visitors past a signboard with a map to the raised wooden boardwalk that loops through the wetlands. Here you can stroll through mossy green trees, lush wetlands and wetland prairie. Keep an eye out for birds - over 70 different species have been spotted at Jackson-Frazier. Along the loop, which is about two-thirds of a mile long, you'll find lookout spots and benches, as well as interpretive signs with information about the wetlands and the species of plants and wildlife living there.
The Brass Monkey is a great spot to grab lunch. This riverside restaurant bills itself as "Corvallis' living room" and offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where each meal is made from scratch. Choose off their limited-time specials menu that might include bison patty melts, duck breast, or other delicious treats, or relish something off their regular menu like their ahi taco, truffle fries, or pub burger.
Once you've had a break from driving, it's easy to continue on to the Oregon Coast. From the Brass Monkey, just head south on 1st Street to Madison Avenue, turn right and head west to 4th Street (99W), then head south a few blocks to enter onto the Corvallis-Newport Highway. From there you can enjoy a quick drive through Philomath and choose to head to the Pacific Coast on either HW20 or HW34. HW20 is a beautiful drive, but if you have a little extra time, we recommend taking HW34, also known as the Marys Peak to Pacific Coast Scenic Byway. This lovely, twisting drive is full of some great sightseeing opportunities.
The Brass Monkey calls itself "Corvallis’ riverside living room" and offers made-from-scratch meals both on their specials menus, which rotates in new items regularly, and their regular menu.
Find The Brass Monkey at 130 SW 1st Street in Corvallis (map). Sunday through Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Visit them on Facebook to learn more.
Jackson-Frazier Wetland offers a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk loop about 2/3 of a mile long through beautiful wetlands scenery. Dozens of different kinds of birds make their home at Jackson-Frazier, so it's perfect for bird watchers as well as nature lovers. This park is also dog-friendly (on leash only), although dog-walkers should be aware that the park can be wet and muddy during our rainy seasons.
Jackson-Frazier Wetland is located at 3600 NE Lancaster Street in Corvallis (map). Learn more about it at www.Co.Benton.OR.US.
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