Set aside for passive recreation only (no motors please), the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park is home to all sorts of wildlife, from beaver to butterflies, herons to hummingbirds. Many other critters, from osprey to otters, also stop by occasionally. We’ve even see a fox darting through the meadow near our office and eagles soaring overhead! Please respect our wild neighbors by keeping your dogs on leash when you visit the park. (Note that we have a wonderful off-leash dog park right across the canal from the Autzen Stadium!)

A variety of tall trees also grace our park with their presence. A lovely corridor of cottonwoods grows along the Willamette River. Stately Douglas firs and grand old oaks thrive on higher ground. Bigleaf maples, incense cedars, and an old filbert orchard grow in other areas.

There are several maps of the Whilamut Natural Area as well as maps of the entire Alton Baker Park area available to visitors. Some are available on line. (See links below.) Kiosks located in Alton Baker Park also include helpful maps and park information. Please feel free to stop by our office or give us a call at 687-9699 if you would like a paper copy of #1 or #2 below. (To find our office, the Park Host Residence, walk east on the closed road that crosses the bike path between Autzen Stadium and the University of Oregon.) Enjoy your visit!

1) Talking Stones Map: Located throughout Alton Baker Park are 11 Kalapuya Talking Stones. Engraved on each on these basalt boulders is a Kalapuya word and its English translation. The Kalapuya people have lived in our area for thousands of years and have a rich and fascinating history. For more information about the Kalapuya people and for a copy of the Talking Stones Map, click the link above.

2) Alton Baker Park Natural Area Map: Nearby Nature has produced a map of the Whilamut Natural Area the highlights places with particularly interesting natural history. For a copy of this map, please stop by our office or call us at 687-9699.

3) Map of Alton Baker Park: For more information about all of Alton Baker Park and a basic map, see the City of Eugene web site (www.eugene-or.gov). Go to City Quick Links, Parks and Maps, Select A Park, Alton Baker Park.