ELLMAKER STATE PARK
On the highway between Newport and Corvallis, this land works equally well as a highway rest stop and tree preserve. Fruit trees are still found on the south side. Four picnic tables border a spacious, grassy meadow. A small stream flows from the northeast through the fir forest to join the Tumtum River.
The Ellmaker State Park in Oregon, established as a public recreation area in 1954 and named after Amos N. Ellmaker, spans over two acres along Highway 20 between Corvallis and Newport. The park was donated by the descendants of Mr.Ellmaker who served on the Supreme Court of Oregon from 1853 to 1857. It offers picnic tables under old-growth Douglas fir trees with access to fishing spots at Yaquina River but plans for camping facilities never materialized due to budget constraints among other reasons. Over time improvements have been made including adding restrooms and parking areas making it more accessible for day-use activities such as picnicking or nature walks while also providing opportunities for wildlife viewing especially bird watching which has become quite popular here given diverse species found inhabiting this region throughout different seasons each year.