A Walk in Brandis Natural Area/City Park, Corvallis

November 16, 2025

by Lucky

It was a fairly warm, dry November day - my light jacket made me a little sweaty.

I hiked through an affluent neighborhood above Winco to the trailhead. When I reached the top I walked around a fence that keeps cars out, but allows hikers in.

Entering the forest I heard faint sounds of birds chirping. I didn't see any wildlife but pondered how cougars sometimes wander into this area, and what I'd do if I saw one.

Towering Douglas firs above me, mixed with bigleaf maples. There was lots of poison oak and blackberry brambles in the understory - a beautiful area yes, but not pristine wilderness - an urban/natural corridor.

The hike took maybe 10-15 minutes and I descended back on the narrow trail into the neighborhood.