Cascades Raptor Center
Cascades Raptor Center
4.5
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Nestled on a wooded hillside in south Eugene, this nature center and wildlife hospital specializes in birds of prey. Some 40 resident birds of 30 native species are on display, including owls, falcons, hawks, to bald and golden eagles. Open Tuesday-Sunday and some major Monday holidays.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
508 reviews
Excellent
376
Very good
110
Average
13
Poor
7
Terrible
2
Linda S
1 contribution
Nov 2020
We were enthusiastic about our adventure on a beautiful autumn morning and were greeted by an inhospitable person in the Visitor Center where we checked-in. She directed us to wear or face masks throughout the outdoor center or we'd be asked to leave. It certainly could have been communicated in a nicer, friendly way; but she was abrupt and threatening. Wow! It wasn't very inviting.
The center was wonderful, the birds were magnificent and the glory of the autumn leaves all around us made our trip worthwhile.
Upon leaving my husband needed a rest room. He headed up the hill to the Visitor Center to ask about accommodations. That crabby old lady said they had no rest room for him. That was it. When we left, we spied an outhouse at a park across the street. Now why couldn't she have said, "I'm sorry we don't have public restrooms but there is a facility at the bottom of the driveway across the road in the park parking lot." Wow! She is not a person I would want as a spokesperson for my non-profit organization.
The center was wonderful, the birds were magnificent and the glory of the autumn leaves all around us made our trip worthwhile.
Upon leaving my husband needed a rest room. He headed up the hill to the Visitor Center to ask about accommodations. That crabby old lady said they had no rest room for him. That was it. When we left, we spied an outhouse at a park across the street. Now why couldn't she have said, "I'm sorry we don't have public restrooms but there is a facility at the bottom of the driveway across the road in the park parking lot." Wow! She is not a person I would want as a spokesperson for my non-profit organization.
Written November 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Expedition601587
11 contributions
Sep 2019
Rescue birds of all kinds. An incredible place to study owls, eagles, ravens, hawks. You can read each birds personal story. Recommend finding an employee, they are very happy to share knowledge.
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NorthStar58492694424
Bessenay29 contributions
May 2022
It was a very rainy day when we visited that Center which is dedicated to take care of all kind of birds of prey found wounded in the ( very large ) region. Birds are in cage of course, some in better shape than others but it was worth the visit . Only few employees were outside but ... it was raining hard!
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cmrchrs
Denver, CO3 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Very rude and unaccommodating woman at the check-in desk. My husband is disabled, so he sat down outside and I went to the visitor center to check us in, with our two, pre-purchased tickets in hand. My husband wanted to avoid any unnecessary walking, to conserve his energy for viewing the birds. She asked me if we were "traveling" and I said we were visiting, which seemed to annoy her. She asked where my husband was, so I told her he was seated outside, disabled, and trying to conserve his energy. She was very condescending and said she needed to go over the map with us.
I said she could explain the layout map to me, and I would then share the information with my husband. Apparently, that was unacceptable. She begrudgingly walked out to where he was seated and ran through the map, quite rudely. The birds were great, but the rude treatment was really inappropriate. We had planned on becoming donors, but decided against it.
I said she could explain the layout map to me, and I would then share the information with my husband. Apparently, that was unacceptable. She begrudgingly walked out to where he was seated and ran through the map, quite rudely. The birds were great, but the rude treatment was really inappropriate. We had planned on becoming donors, but decided against it.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Visitor,
I am so sorry you had this experience, and for the treatment you received. I am afraid we had a greeter that used to volunteer in our Visitor Center who is no longer with us because of this very reason - her sometimes rude treatment of our visitors, like what you experienced. Our greeters are volunteers with us and we sometimes are not totally aware of how they are doing. I know this is no excuse for her behavior, but we would love to invite you back to come visit us again free of charge, if you choose to do so. You can email me directly to request the free passes and I will gladly send them to you.
Again we are so sorry for your treatment and I hope you will give us another chance.
Sincerely,
Laura R,
Administrative Assistant, Cascades Raptor Center
laurar@cascadesraptorcenter.org
Written May 19, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Frank P
Eugene, OR1,216 contributions
Dec 2019
Had no idea how great this was going to be. It is a self directed tour. The Center does great work. One of the nice things is you move along at your own pace. So when you connect emotionally with a bird you can stand there as long as you like. Maps help you get around and the placard are well done. Keepers/volunteers are very informative and helpful. The center is on the side of a hill so there is walking downhill and up. We were there on a beautiful day. I would assume it is a bit tougher on a rainy day.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MkTrekker
Olympia, WA298 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
This is a great spot to visit, up in the hills above town. It's a rehabilitation center and sanctuary for raptos who cannot be released. They have some two dozen residents and they all look well cared for. The site is on a hill and is gravely and steep in places, so not very accessible for the mobility-impaired.
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Justin L
Lompoc2 contributions
Nov 2013
like others... we had a "bad employee" I guess. We pulled in to park (in a stall someone just pulled out of) to have a lady run up and yell at me that I was not allowed to park there as it was an employee spot (though it was marked). She then proceeded to tell me three locations where I could park. 1st was on a dirt pile, 2nd double park behind a volunteer car or 3rd accross the road in the trail parking lot. These options were not offered but demanded. Being we had two kids with us we were not going to make the hike... So I left with a bad feeling that employees are more important than visitors.
By the way, I am a rescue transporter and volunteer from CA and this is disappointing on how we were treated. Instead of fighting someone who was willing to yell at a guest, we just left. Never to return.
By the way, I am a rescue transporter and volunteer from CA and this is disappointing on how we were treated. Instead of fighting someone who was willing to yell at a guest, we just left. Never to return.
Written November 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
My sincere apologies for this. You are right, there are no marked 'employee only' slots; I suspect that the volunteer who did this was feeling protective of the slot that I typically use, as I also live on-site as the caretaker and on-call responder. I also apologize for the fact that you felt yelled at, which is certainly not our normal way of engaging visitors! Our parking is, unfortunately, limited by our small site and its steepness, and on busy days we can get full. Our volunteers double-up in one part (marked) of the parking lot. Sometimes visitors don't park close together, which can compound the problem. But none of that excuses how you were treated and I am sorry you had such a poor experience. I will make sure it does not happen again. If you can get past this and are ever in the area again, I would be happy to comp your visit.
Written November 30, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pinkfifi
Junction City, OR79 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
We stop at the raptor center every time we're in the area. I love it! You can get pretty close to most of the birds and their stories are quite fascinating. It's an extra special treat if you can be there during feeding time. We love to take all of our out of town visitors there.
Written May 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
OregonRockette
Oregon10 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
A small, but well-tended bird rehabilitation and education center. One can view the birds quite close up. The trails and surroundings are easy to navigate, fun for children and often, quite solitary.
Written May 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnniegirl64
Portland, OR17 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
We completely enjoyed touring the raptor center! The two employees we spoke to today (04/05/14) were friendly, informative and very helpful. The tour is self-guided, which we loved, since you can go at your own pace. The enclosures were very well with the information regarding each of the raptors, how they were acquired and why they cannot be released. There are also signs at each pen which explains the general information as far as where they are usually found geographically, migration, food, size, weight, etc. At one point the handlers brought out a Peregrine Falcon and an Osprey. it was amazing to see them up close and we were able to ask questions and gain a whole new appreciation for these beautiful creatures. Such a wonderful place! The fee is minimal and certainly goes toward supporting a wonderful sanctuary. I also would like to add, the feel of the center is peaceful, It flows nicely and since it is built among trees in the hills and away from cities or towns it feels quite peaceful. Just a heads up, not sure about other restrooms on site, but something like the "Honeybucket" is what you will notice (just in case this matters to you). Again, we were very happy with our visit here, and this is including my 9 year old! We will most definitely be back!
Written April 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kathy T
Longview, WA15 contributions
How do I get there using public transportation?
Louise A S
2 contributions
Lane Transit District routes 24 and 73 take you to Donald and Fox Hollow; walk back to Fox Hollow, turn right, and walk or bike about ¾ mile. (One caution: the first ¼ mile has no sidewalk, shoulders or bike lane. Not recommended for groups with small children.)
LTD route 28 takes you out W Amazon Drive to Martin Street, and a nice hike up the new portion of the Ridgeline Trail via the Amazon Creek headwaters brings you out at the trailhead directly across from the Raptor Center.
BobbyBluewaters
Maryland Heights, MO201 contributions
Is the center good for taking pictures or are all the birds caged making photos impossible?
The cages are large. Photos are possible. Sometimes the staff have a bird out for show and tell. You should check their web site for 'show times'. The center is well worth the vidit.
christinabobina10
Eugene, OR
How much does it cost per person??
SolarShield
Las Vegas, NV86 contributions
Check out the website, $8 adults, slightly cheaper for seniors and children.
Do you know of a place to take a pigeon? It showed up and appears in good health. There are three cats here, not a good mix.
Louise A S
2 contributions
If it's a regular city pigeon (and you are here in Eugene or Springfield OR), call us at 541-485-1320 for the name/contact number of a local pigeon rehabilitator. If it's a Band-tailed Pigeon, it needs to go to Willamette Wildlife - you can leave a message for them at 541-870-7031.
Sfollmer
Maturin, Venezuela1 contribution
Are you open December 26th?
Louise A S
2 contributions
Yes. We are only closed for the holiday itself on the 25th, otherwise all our regular hours. Hope to see you then!
LARRY R
Mount Vernon, WA
do I need a reservation for four for a late lunch, or can we just show up (2 adults, 2 teens)?
Louise A S
2 contributions
We don't have a restaurant on the premises - but you are welcome to bring a lunch and eat in our picnic area! You do not need a reservation to come see the birds - we are open every day except Mondays: 10am-6pm from April-November, and 10am-4pm during the winter.
Cascades Raptor Center (Eugene) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Cascades Raptor Center
- Cascades Raptor Center is open:
- Tue - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Cascades Raptor Center:
- (4.70 mi) Inn at the 5th
- (5.54 mi) Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center
- (4.68 mi) The Gordon Hotel
- (4.17 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Eugene Downtown - University, an IHG Hotel
- (5.49 mi) Hampton Inn Eugene
- Restaurants near Cascades Raptor Center:
- (3.67 mi) Prince Puckler's Gourmet Ice Cream
- (4.67 mi) Sweet Life Patisserie
- (5.50 mi) Sabai Cafe & Bar
- (3.66 mi) Beppe & Gianni's Trattoria
- (4.71 mi) Fisherman's Market