Peavy Arboretum

Peavy Arboretum is a forest collection dedicated to studying and displaying diverse tree species within McDonald State Forest. Three interconnected trails wind through the property, allowing visitors to move between different forested zones and specimen plantings.

Oregon State University founded this arboretum in the 1920s to support research and forest education. A federal work program camp operated here during the 1930s and early 1940s, contributing labor and expertise to develop the grounds and build facilities.

The grounds contain mapped specimens with clear labels for educational purposes, serving as an outdoor teaching laboratory for generations of students.

The grounds are open to the public with no entrance fee, and visitors can walk the trails any time during daylight hours. The paths remain passable throughout the year and are clearly marked, making navigation straightforward for people of different abilities.

A workshop building constructed during the 1930s still stands on the grounds and continues to produce wooden directional signs for the state forest system. This operational shop demonstrates how structures from the work program era remain useful for forest management today.

Location: Oregon

GPS coordinates: 44.65667,-123.23222

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:25