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Elk

A word for the beginner: Elk are not deer. Elk are much bigger -- more like horses, in fact -- and considerably less common than the deer you see almost everywhere.

The best place to see elk up close and personal is at the official Elk Viewing Station on Highway 38 just inland from the coastal town of Reedsport. There a semi-domesticated herd camps out most of the time right next to the road, where Oregon has thoughtfully built a parking lot and viewing area, complete with restroom, for people.

Occasionally an elk here -- and elsewhere -- wanders out in the highway. Go slowly past here and anywhere else there might be an elk on the road. They're harder on cars than deer.

all text and images © 2005-06 by Bob Keefer
no reproduction allowed in any form without written permission