Local spaces for learning & making
The Albany Regional Museum's collections include the evolution of firefighting in Albany, Albany's Specialty Metals history, and more.
The Alsea Hatchery is open from dusk until dawn, 7 days a week. December – March is the best time to visit adult winter steelhead. Visit from November – March for spawning activity. Adult white sturgeon and rainbow trout are present for viewing all year. At this time all state-owned fish hatcheries remain closed to public access and visitors.
Chintimini Wildlife Center has a Youth Education Program which offers camps focusing on wildlife for children ages 5 and up.
The E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area is open year-round. Visit April - August for bird-watching, September - February for hunting, and February - September for fishing. The wildlife area also encompasses the remains of Camp Adair, a former World War II U.S. military base, and abandoned roads and old buildings are waiting to be explored.
The South Santiam Hatchery offers self-guided tours from 7:30 a.m. to dusk and guided tours for groups from 7:30 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Between June and January is recommended as the best time to visit and for viewing adult and juvenile Chinook and Steelhead. At this time, all state-owned fish hatcheries remain closed to public access and visitors.
In 2010, the cities of Albany and Millersburg joined with metals manufacturer ATI to create an engineered water treatment wetland called Talking Water Gardens. Inspired by the environment, the wetland cells mimic the cleansing and cooling processes that occur in nature, returning treated water safely back to the Willamette River.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife invites you to enjoy Oregon's rich diversity of wildlife. Visit the Wildlife Viewing Map so you can check for current wildlife viewing, fishing, and hunting opportunities.
With habitats ranging from wetlands to upland oak savanna, the William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge is a hotspot for a diverse array of birdlife, mammals and plants.
The Willamette Valley Birding Trail is your best resource for birding in the area. Check out Alsea Falls Loop and Santiam Loop for parks, trails, and information for birding in our area.
