Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area

Overview:

The Bureau of Land Management maintains a series of pastures along Oregon Highway 38 and the Umpqua River that are a year-round residence for a herd of 60-100 Roosevelt elk. Elk are visible almost every day of the year! A main viewing area, with an interpretive kiosk and restrooms, offers visitors the chance to learn about the elk and the site’s history. Several pull-outs along the three miles of Highway 38that border the viewing area offer excellent photo opportunities. Dean Creek is also a popular bird watching area, serving as a stop along the coastal migration route

Know Before You Go:

Open Hours open YEAR ROUND.
Overnight camping is NOT ALLOWED.
Universal Access restrooms: flush and vault restrooms are available.

Point of Interest:

A full-grown bull elk can weigh over 1,000 pounds. They are strong, wild animals. Keep your distance and stay behind the fenced areas. Please do not feed the wildlife.

Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)

Click on the image above to view more photos of accessibility features at this site.

This site has a flat, 1/2-mile-long frontage road and adjacent sidewalk between 2 paved, striped parking lots at either end of the site. Benches without arm rests are scattered along the sidewalk. The main parking area is on the east end of the site, which is to the left as you enter. It has 14 spaces, 3 of which are accessible with access aisles for vehicles with a side lift or ramp for mobility devices. There are also 10 pull-through spaces for oversized vehicles. Visitors can parallel park along the frontage road, but the road is narrow and may not safely accommodate vehicle occupants who use mobility devices.

Next to the parking lot on the east end is a restroom facility with 2 gender-specific flush toilets. There is an accessible parking spot in the parallel parking area adjacent to this restroom facility, along with a wheelchair ramp that leads to the restrooms and the sidewalk along the frontage road. Each restroom in the facility has a sink that is not considered accessible. The only potable water on the site is at these sinks.

An open gazebo at the east end of the main parking lot contains interpretive panels and signs. The gazebo is accessed by the sidewalk that connects to the parking lot and restroom facility. The accessible entrance is on the west side of the gazebo; the east side entrance has a small step. A wrap around bench without arms lines one side of the gazebo. The interpretive panels discuss local wildlife and the area’s agricultural history. They are angled and at a height appropriate for mobility device users.

The 2nd parking area is located at the west end of the site, to the right as you enter. This lot has 9 spaces and 6 pull-through spaces for oversized vehicles. The 1 parking spot marked for accessibility has an access aisle and is next to a viewing platform and across the road from the accessible unisex double vault toilet.

On the west end of the site are 2 viewing platforms for observing the elk. They have wooden decks, wooden benches without arms, and angled interpretive signs. Additional angled interpretive signs and concrete benches with armrests can be found on the sidewalks next to the viewing platforms.

Cellphone coverage is spotty at this site.

NOTE: Descriptions and photos uploaded September 2024. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements. 