Mount Pisgah Arboretum

One of the shining jewels of Lane County, Mount Pisgah Arboretum is a 209-acre living tree museum. Its riverside trails, quiet paths through evergreen forests, water garden teeming with life, bright wildflower meadows, and open views across oak savannas delight all ages. Located within Lane County's Howard Buford Recreation Area, the Arboretum lies between the Coast Fork of the Willamette River and the slopes of Mount Pisgah. Open dawn through dusk, every day of the year.

Mount Pisgah Arboretum's most valuable asset is its 209 acres of diverse terrain and natural ecosystems. Habitats within MPA include a river meadow and riparian forest along the Coast Fork of the Willamette River; Oregon white oak savanna; wet forests and a water garden; low elevation valleys and slopes; and Douglas-fir and incense cedar forests on the hillsides, representing many native southern Willamette Valley ecosystems. These habitats are home to many species of native mosses, lichens, ferns, shrubs, and wildflowers. There are also several species of introduced tree species. In total, 67 families, 231 genera, and 339 species are identified on our published plant list.

Wildlife also abounds within the Arboretum's borders. This very special place has healthy populations of deer, coyote, foxes, and many other small mammals. Bats are especially noticable hunting over the river and in other open areas. Our water garden is home to a population of endangered Western Pond Turtles, as well as other sensitive species such as the Red-legged Frog. Gopher and garter snakes, tree frogs, and lizards are all abundant. A stroll through the fields or water garden in the summer shows off the diversity of insect life as well-dragonflies, damselflies, cicada, grasshoppers, butterflies, and other beautiful bugs are everywhere. The Arboretum is one of the most popular birding sites in the area, playing host to a huge variety of migratory and resident song birds, raptors, and fowl.

Mount Pisgah Arboretum is a non-profit organization dedicated to a mission of maintaining Pacific Northwest plant communities, offering environmental education programs for all ages, and providing facilities for the public enjoyment of its carefully restored and maintained site. The Arboretum is a 209-acre, living tree museum that lies between the Coast Fork of the Willamette River and the slopes of Mount Pisgah.

Mount Pisgah Arboretum is dependent upon memberships, donations, and volunteers for its support and survival. You are welcome to visit and enjoy the Arboretum any day from dawn to dusk. Admission is free, but we hope you feel moved to join our family of supporters by making a donation or becoming a member. (Please note that Lane County Parks charges a $3 parking fee per vehicle.) Our administrative office is open from 10 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday.

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