Nature Guides for Washington, Oregon, British Co

Books Identify Pacific Northwest Plants, Animals

Oct 5, 2009

Field Guides help hikers and outdoor lovers recognize Pacific Northwest forest wildlife, birds, fish, marine mammals, tidepool creatures, trees, wildflowers and geology.

Pacific Northwest wildlife watching and botanizing are made much more enjoyable with guides that help identify exactly what plant or animal, bird or butterfly is likely to be sighted along the trail. The following books provide nature guidance for newcomers to the region’s wild lands and for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

This book covers the region of the two major mountain ranges of the Pacific Northwest. The Olympic and Cascade Range ecological communities, such as forest and wetland, are discussed, as well as the geology and types of rock underlying habitats. Access points for reaching the various communities are included. Color tabs on the front cover mark guide sections to wildflowers, trees, mushrooms, ferns, insects, mammals and just about every living thing in the region, arranged by family. More than 700 pictures, along with brief descriptions aid identification. A map marks the area covered.

Washington and Oregon Nature Guide

This book has entries for forest and field animals from bears to rabbits, sea creatures from whales to jellyfish, plus birds, butterflies, salamanders, tidepool creatures, fish, flowers, trees, ferns, shrubs and seaweed – all the common living things occurring in the natural world of Washington and Oregon. Clear illustrations are given for each entry. Distinct regions, such as the Olympic Peninsula, Klamath and Cascade Mountains, Puget Sound and the Willamette Valley are discussed with their respective habitats. A quick reference in front allows for easy identification in the field.

This hefty guide takes readers month-by-month through the seasonal changes in nature and where to best observe them. James Davis, a naturalist in Portland, Oregon, writes with enthusiasm and humor about when and where migrating birds and whales can be seen in the area, when elk and deer move from the hills into viewing range, when to look for butterflies, the first wildflowers and the first mushrooms. He even reveals the secret of where to see the mating ritual of sage grouse. Each chapter offers “best bets” for viewing spots for each month’s natural events. The comprehensive chapters provide fascinating information on regional natural history and animal behavior. This is a book to read when planning nature trips.

Audubon Society Field Guide to the Pacific Northwest

This traditional field guide provides 1,500 photographs and illustrations with short descriptions for plants and animals, including birds, fishes, tidepool creatures, insects and reptiles, plus overviews of Pacific Northwest topography and geology, habitats, weather and the night sky. Chapter introductions provide an overview of the various divisions of Pacific Northwest flora and fauna. In spite of the number of entries, the book is compact for easy handling on the trail.

With any of these guides, nature lovers can be ready for endless Pacific Northwest outdoor adventures.

The copyright of the article Nature Guides for Washington, Oregon, British Co in NW U.S./Alaska Travel is owned by Linda McDonnell. Permission to republish Nature Guides for Washington, Oregon, British Co in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.