American Ecological Engineering Society Annual Meeting

Mary's Peak (30 minute drive from Corvallis): The highest peak in the Coast Range Mountains offers a panoramic view from the summit and the coast's only alpine meadow. Day use and overnight facilities are available via the US Forest Service. Driving Instructions: Take Hwy 20 west to Philomath. Approximately 1 mile west of Philomath turn southwest on Hwy 34. Mary's Peak road is approximately ten miles on right.

The Oregon Coast (1 hour drive from Corvallis): Crabbing, clamming, whale watching, beach combing, sight-seeing, shopping, swimming, and much more! Newport is just one hour from Corvallis and is one of the most popular destination sites on the Oregon Coast. While in Newport, don't forget to visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium, with its new "Passages of the Deep" Shark exhibit. For more information on lodging and activities in Newport, contact the Newport Chamber of Commerce at (800) 262-7844.

Columbia Gorge including Multnomah Falls and Mt. Hood (2 hour drive from Corvallis): Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the nation. The water of the Falls drops 620 feet from its origin on Larch Mountain. Hike the trails for a closer look at the falls or a walk in the woods. Follow the Larch Mountain trail 1/4-mile to the historic Benson arch bridge. From there, the top of the falls is just one-mile further (this is fairly steep, though!). The truly hardy may want to continue on the Larch Mountain trail to the top (six miles), where you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River Gorge. Free trail maps are available at the Visitors center. Also, after a fun day of hiking the numerous paths located at and around Multnomah Falls, you can relax and dine at the Lodge. For more information, please contact the Multnomah Falls Visitor Center at (503) 695-2372.

Oregon's High Desert (2 hour drive from Corvallis): With 300 days of sunshine a year (as many as Arizona!) and oodles of fresh powder come winter, the high desert country of Central Oregon is an idyllic playground for sports lovers. Rekindle your spirit with a gamut of possibilities such as world famous golf at more than 25 unique courses, coveted fly-fishing at over 150 rivers and lakes, and outdoor adventures including hiking, rock climbing at Smith Rock and an abundance of snow sports atop Mt. Bachelor. And what’s more, the region boasts an equally impressive selection of restaurants and breweries, a vibrant nightlife, unique lodging and a growing arts scene.

Crater Lake National Park (4 hour drive from Corvallis): When Mount Mazama erupted 7,700 years ago, it left behind what would become one of Oregon’s most beautiful attractions, Crater Lake. If you are looking for some of the most diverse land in Oregon, a trip to Crater Lake National Park will not disappoint. Crater Lake is widely known for its intense blue color and spectacular views. This park is a hiker's delight with trails ranging from the 0.3 miles Park Headquarters Historic Trail to the 2.5 mile Mt. Scott trail. There are over half a dozen trails in the National Park, and one is sure to offer you a breath taking view of Crater Lake. During summer, visitors may navigate the Rim Drive around the lake, enjoy boat tours on the lake surface, stay in the historic Crater Lake Lodge, camp at Mazama Village, or hike some of the park's various trails including Mt. Scott at 8,929 ft. Diverse interpretive programs enhance visitors' knowledge and appreciation of this national park, 90% of which is managed as wilderness. For visitor information, please contact (541) 594-3100.

Mount St. Helens (4 hour drive from Corvallis): On your trip to Mount St. Helens, explore three unique areas of the monument. West Side - Visitor centers reveal tremendous views of Mount St. Helens, including the crater, lava dome, and blast zone. Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center , and Johnston Ridge Observatory are open daily during the summer months. Interpretive talks, walks, and theater programs are offered at each site. East Side - Forest Roads provide access Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center to the vast blown down forest and views of the legendary Spirit Lake. Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station is open to visitors daily during the summer season. South Side - Forest Road 83 passes through lava flows and mudflows from earlier eruptions and provides access to the Climber's Bivouac. Pine Creek Information Station is open for visitor inquiries. Guided lantern walks are conducted daily at Ape Cave. Food, lodging, gas and other services are available in nearby communities. For more information, please contact the Mount St. Helens Visitors Center at (360) 274-2100.

Winery Tours: There are over 80 different wineries scattered throughout the Willamette Valley. A winery tour could make the perfect post-conference trip. If you would like more information on Oregon wineries, contact the Oregon Wine Advisory Board at 503-228-8336. You can also find them on the web at: http://www.oregonwine.org.