Camp Adair

By Matt Crownover, Lebanon Express writer

After riding a bike for only a couple of times in more than eight years, I completely forgot how physically intrusive a bicycle seat can be.

It was a bumpy ride, to say the least.

But it was worth it to explore Camp Adair outside of Corvallis.

Photographer Jeff Smith led the way as we rode the abandoned trails, most of which followed paths of concrete, but we blazed our own way in some spots.

Camp Adair was formerly used as a World War II army cantonment. The site was chosen by the United States War Department as a training site for Triangular Divisions.

Nowadays the base is completely abandoned but open to the public.

Grass, weeds and bushes pop up through cracks in the concrete.

It's a perfect spot to go for a bicycle ride.

Jeff and I spent an hour weaving through trails exploring.

We nearly missed the best part of the experience.

While riding along a concrete trail, Jeff suddenly stopped. He spotted an old, small concrete building peeking out through the trees.

When we went back to take a look, it was quite the experience.

Bushes and trees had nearly covered the entire structure from the bottom up.

There was enough of a gap to climb up into the old building and look around.

Before leaving, we spotted what Jeff and I agreed was the best part: a cherry tree.

After gorging ourselves with fresh cherries and holding various cherry-spit contests, Jeff and I took off.

It was a good way to spend a couple hours.

Directions

From Corvallis, take Highway 99 West for eight miles, turn right on to Camp Adair Road. Park on right or left side of the road.

About

Camp Adair was formerly used as an army cantonment during World War II. It's abandoned now and features concrete paths. The camp is open to the public. The E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area, operated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, now takes up a portion of the land.

History

The camp was named after Henry Rodney Adair, a native of Astoria who became a cavalry lieutenant and was killed during the Pancho Villa Expedition at the Battle of Carrizal on June 21, 1916. From 1944-1946, the camp was used as a prisoner-of-war camp, housing German and Italian POW's.