Santiam Forest Management Tour: This guided driving tour, lasting about two hours, will stop at several sites to discuss the challenges foresters face in managing the Santiam Forest and the innovative approaches underway.

Plant & Wildflower Discovery Walk: A tremendous variety of plants on the Santiam Forest serve not only as food and shelter for animals, but have many benefits for humans as well. Come along for an easy, guided walk where we will identify many plants and discuss their traditional and contemporary uses.

Trees of the Santiam: Why is a diverse forest important? Explore the Santiam breathtaking forest as interpreters identify native trees and their uses, discuss their adaptations to life near the Cascade Range, and explain how trees grow and change through the seasons.

Lookin' for Lichen: Forests are lush with lichen, but just what do they do? Join an interpreter for a forest walk to identify the most noticeable lichens in our forests. Learn about their successful lifestyle, reproduction and habitat.

Signs of Wildlife: Where are all of the animals? Learn to recognize the clues animals leave behind and you will find that they are all around you. Join interpreters for a forest walk where we will share tips to enhance your chances of spotting of wildlife and increase your awareness of their presence.

Skullduggery: Ever encounter an animal skull in the forest? Skulls give clues to an animal's identity, what it prefers to eat and how it lives. This is an introduction to the diversity and adaptations of mammal skulls and the structure and function of different types of teeth that relate to specific diets.

Fine Feathered Friends: When spring has sprung, birds sport bright colors and sing their hearts out. As summer passes, why does it seem so quiet in the forest? Bring your binoculars and come explore the Santiam Forest as interpreters search for secretive birds by sight and sound.

Birds of Prey: Owls: Take a close-up look at the owls of the Santiam State Forest. Learn to identify these incredible birds of prey and recognize their calls. Find out the adaptations that makes these birds some of the most skilled nocturnal hunters in the forest. Learn the signs to look for to help you find owls in their natural habitat.

Amazing Amphibians: Learn some of the best hiding spots for these slimy and moist creatures as you find out how amphibians are adapted to live in their unique environments. Join naturalist guides to discover how to listen for some of the Santiam State Forest amphibian residents.

Streamside Sensations: Explore the natural functions of wetlands. With the aid of common household objects, find out how wetlands provide shelter, food, and a resting place for migratory birds and other animals. Kids will have a chance to explore the world of aquatic insects and get an up-close look at their adaptations.

Water Wonders: Bring your water sandals and shorts and get wet in the waters of the Santiam Forest. Interpreters will provide the equipment to lead you through the world of aquatic insects and get an up-close look at their adaptations. Learn how their presence or absence is influenced by the quality of their habitat.

Incredible Insects: Take a fascinating trip with us into the world of insects. Kids of all ages will enjoy learning the role of insects in our environment and comparing body structures and adaptations. We will walk to a nearby meadow to capture and examine insect specimens.

Beautiful Butterflies: Have you ever wondered what type of insect that is fluttering around as you walk through the forest? Join naturalists to learn how to identify many of the forest butterflies. Find out more about the habits of these beautiful insects and where to find them in the nearby woods and meadows.

Bashful Bears: In order to become less fearful of these amazing creatures, it is necessary to understand their natural history and be aware of necessary actions and precautions to protect yourself and bears. This program will introduce you to bears' adaptations and their habits. Learn how to recognize their signs in the forest.

Cougars; Our Secretive Neighbors: Most of us will never actually see a cougar in the wild because they are extremely shy and secretive. Even though we don't see them, we can still get to know these powerful predators. Come enjoy interesting pictures, facts, and stories about the largest cat members in Oregon.

Elusive Elk: In the Santiam State Forest, it is always a delight to catch a glimpse of the secretive Roosevelt elk. Come discover how these majestic animals adapt to the ever-changing forest environment. Interpreters will also share ideas on where and how to improve your chances of an elk sighting.

Night Walkers: Are you a night owl? Ever wonder how animals see and hunt at night? Naturalists will answer these questions and others, while exploring a natural history of the senses during a moonlit stroll. Once your eyes have adjusted, and your senses become more acute, a world emerges from the shadows of the forest.

Eco-Pictionary: This is a family/group game where naturalist guides encourage participants to take a closer look at all of the things that live or occur in forests. Similar to the board game, participants draw a series of words and try to figure out how those words are connected to each other. Prizes will be awarded to the lucky winner!

Shellburg Falls: Join us for a hike to the spectacular Shellburg Falls of the Santiam State Forest. This fall is located 30 miles east of Salem near Lyons. We will look at the trees, wildflowers, geology and wildlife that we pass while discussing a bit about the history of the area. The hike is less than one mile and participants should meet at the Santiam Office to carpool to the trailhead.

Butte Creek Falls: Join us for a hike to the spectacular Butte Creek Falls of the Santiam State Forest. These two falls are located near Scott's Mills. We will look at the trees, wildflowers, geology and wildlife that we pass while discussing a bit about the history of the area. The hike is less than one mile and participants should meet at the Butte Creek Falls Trailhead.

Forest Life and Self-defense: Have you ever wondered why bees and nettles sting? Or why rough-skinned newts and some plants are toxic? Various plants and animals of the forest have defense mechanisms to aid in their survival. Come and learn why these things make us say, "ouch".

Timber Harvest Tour: Visit an active logging operation and see how modern equipment and new techniques are used. This program is available by reservation on weekdays as schedules and timber activities permit, only for group tours (8-12 participants). For more information and to register, please call 503-859-4344.