I really try hard to make sure that all of my reviews are fair and balanced. The main reason that I write on Yelp is to try and help other people. Normally I would take off stars when things merit that, but because my overall experience here was so good and the joy I felt definitely seems to outweigh all the negatives, I just can't give the Cascades Raptor Center aything less than five stars. Let me go through the negatives with you first though because there are a few: Parking can be ... an adventure . The center sits at the top of the hill with a very small steep road leading up to a tiny parking lot. As many of the other reviews have noted, if you have anything larger than a midsized vehicle, I would not recommend attempting to use their parking lot. We tried originally and realized immediately that was a mistake, then turned around and parked at the trailhead across the street. We had to walk across a busy street and make it up that steep steep hill. I'm not going to lie, I was dying by the time I reached the entrance . But to be fair, I think most people are in better shape than I am :) so hopefully you'll be fine. They also have a very strict no dogs rule which I completely understand based on the venue. However, that means you cannot have even the smallest dog in the car or anywhere on the premises. Even the sight or sound of a dog can be stressful for the birds. So it totally makes sense to me that they're putting the animals first, but as someone who travels with her dog, it's important for you to know before coming . Lastly, I think the price is absolutely worth it. We paid $32 for two adults and I feel I got my money's worth but cost is important to a lot of people so I do feel the need to mention it. Having got all that out of the way, we had an amazing time here! We spent around an hour here at closing time and honestly I could have stayed a lot longer. Staff were very sweet and said that we could keep wandering around even after close if we wanted to because it takes them a while to get everything shut down and many of them are volunteers. There is no way I would have done that because I value people's time, but it is sweet of them to offer and they really seem to love and care for these animals deeply. I enjoyed speaking to many of them and they were all kind and informative. One of the things I appreciated most was learning about each resident and why they are there. These animals aren't on display for entertainment. They are ambassadors helping people understand and appreciate birds of prey. This organization rehabilities injured raprors, cares for many birds that to cannot be in the wild any longer and help utilize themto educate the public. The absolute sweetheart of my visit was Lethe, a turkey vulture who casually walked right up to us like we were old friends. I never expected one of my favorite interactions to be with a turkey vulture, but he absolutely stole my heart. Hans, the Eurasian eagle owl, was breathtaking. His enormous orange eyes were mesmerizing and I could have stood there watching him for hours. He is a stunning bird and to see him up close was incredible. I was also very excited to see Francis the magpie. My husband loves owls and that is why we came here, but magpies are my favorite birds so imagine my surprise when I saw her. Francis is actually not a raptor, she's a corvid, but she is a rescue and as the centers only non-rafter resident ,they also use her as an education ambassador. It was a challenge to try and get any good photos of any of the birds so although I'm attaching photos as always, you should understand that they don't do justice to actually being there. Because it was hard to get good photos and because of all of the other challenges that I have listed, if I was reviewing the raptor center completely objectively, I would probably give it three stars, maybee less honestly, but there is an element of community and learning and magic and hope and beauty here that just cannot be boiled down to an unequivocal rating. I would come here again every time, and all the time, and I highly recommend this stop if you're in the area and at all interested in birds or any kind of animal rescue and rehabilitation. . read more

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My wife and I stopped by during the Eugene Marathon weekend. Being over 30, we understand that birds are cool. There were 31 birds with their own exhibits. Admission was $16/person, but well worth it for the experience. There are informative displays about each species and also each individual bird. read more

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During our August anniversary trip, my husband and I took some time to visit the Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene. As someone who has volunteered at the California Raptor Center in Davis, CA for 3 years (and counting) and is also a primary handler/trainer of two education ambassadors (a Swainson's Hawk and a Peregrine Falcon), as well as an aspiring falconer, I am pretty well-versed in raptors. Therefore, Cascades Raptor Center was a no-brainer stop on our trip. It was a pretty warm day, as OR had just experienced a heat wave. The raptor center overall was very well-kept, with over 30 education ambassadors on display. All the enclosures were very clean and organized. There were various trainers in several enclosures working with their respective birds when we went, and one volunteer even had a peregrine falcon out on glove for the public to enjoy up close and to ask questions about. We actually made it just in time for the last flight show of the season, and boy was it a blast!! Hans the Eurasian-Eagle-Owl was the star of the show, but I thoroughly enjoyed the entire program. As you can see in the photos below, I snapped some lovely shots of the birds with my DSLR. Here I am sharing some of my favorites. The admission fee was worth it, especially as the raptor center mainly functions from donations. We also shopped at the little gift shop after for some mementos to take home. I would love to revisit on our next trip to OR! read more

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If you're in Eugene and you need something to do that isn't affiliated directly with the university, then give the Cascades Raptor Center a good long look. It's interesting to pretty much all ages, affordable, and just plain fun. All of the birds/raptors that are housed here are unlikely to be released back to the wild, so they are known as 'ambassadors'. It would be kind of hard for them to go back into the wild after being hand-fed and trained with human interaction. But these avian beauties that are here to stay do put on quite a show. The exhibits are safe and highly informative. There are eagles with enormous wingspans and falcons capable of reaching speeds in excess of 200 mph. Owls, kestrels, and even a raven are professionally cared for and have their own enclosures. If you're lucky, like we were, then there are periodic interactive demonstrations put on by the handlers, and, of course, the ambassadors. We were fortunate to see a snowy owlet, who still had the cutest fuzz on top of its head, continue on its training path towards learning commands and feeding. The handlers were super knowledgeable and fielded many questions while working with this new raptor, all the while making it entertaining and fun. Parking can be limited, as there are only a handful of spaces near the center, but the spillover lot has several more spaces. There is a discount for students and other groups, but I think we spent about $30 to have a great time between the three of us. Get outside, enjoy Eugene, and learn a little more about the avian world! read more

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Really interesting place to look at different birds/eagles/hawks/raptors/owls etc The price of admission was reasonable as it helps them take care of the birds that are there. There is about 20 something birds there at this time and most are different so you're not seeing the same ones. It's located outside and takes about 30 minutes to an hour to walk through it depending on your speed and how much time you want to look at each bird. Not really a place for most people to come and repeat but, definitely go if you haven't been yet. read more

Our experience was amazing. The staff member fed some of the birds and brought one bird out to talk about it and encouraged questions and for us to get closer. read more

Cascades Raptor Center - Beautiful bird - Zoos Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

What an amazing opportunity to see all these predatory birds. The admission fee is good..,. Not overcharged should be able to view the birds and listen and or read about them. The staff are very knowledgeable of the birds and take great care of the facility There's also a hospital on site in case the road or other birds are needed to be cared for Parking is limited by the building (12 stalls) you can also park across the street They have a gift shop with cute little things. Everyone is really helpful. They have breakout sessions and which day teach you about the birds . Today we learned about the great horned owl. read more

Super cute and fun. Lots of birds to see! Glad I got to experience this place I absolutely love owls. read more

Cascades Raptor Center - Picture of the place - Zoos Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

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Super clean and excellent up close experience with many large raptors. Staff were super friendly and knowledgeable . read more

Cascades Raptor Center - Eurasian Eagle-Owl - Zoos Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

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First off the guy taking the money was rude and condescending (5/24/2026 @ about noon) (so you know who he is) $16 per adult.. it was a sad experience more than anything.. these animals are meant to be flying free, not locked in a cage searching for an escape hole.. took about 15 minutes to see what a joke this is.. money wasted read more

Unique place to see so many birds of prey up close! Very educational, too, with lots of signage. I feel a bit bad that they are stuck in cages, but I think they are all rescues and they seem well cared for. It's fully outdoor and in the hills, so dress warm if it's cold out. read more

Cascades Raptor Center - Zoos Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

My son found this place online. We ventured out, in between showers, on a Sunday. It was a neat experience with plenty of falcons, hawks, owls and a golden and bald eagle. We made it in time for the educational show, this is a must so check show times to have an immersive experience. We spent just under two hours visiting. This is an outdoor experience, dress accordingly. Some packed a lunch and ate at one of several picnic tables. Parking is limited to about dozen cars. The only downside was car alarms going off across the road at a nearby trailhead. Great value, knowledgeable volunteers and staff. Quality educational show. read more

What a wonderful experience with the raptor ambassadors & their trainers. We received quite an education about the birds & it was fun to see their training taking place. We met a screech owl and kestrel outside their cages. Hearing all the bird vocalizations was cool. We were impressed with the care and stimulation the birds receive at this facility. Kudos! read more

Eagles, hawks, and owls - oh my! Seeking to do something unique and fun on my recent visit to Eugene, my mom suggested the Cascades Raptor Center. PROs: ++ At $12 a piece, admission is very minimal and well worth the donation. ++ All the birds of prey located at the center are permanent residents due to a variety of conditions that make them unable to be released to the wild. ++ You can tell that the staff working here really care about the resident birds and have a passion for education. It really makes the experience so special. ++ They offer a variety of educational programs and all signage for their enclosures list, not only information about the particular pieces, but information specific to the bird; including what brought it to the center in the first place. CONs: -- The center is located on a hill that may prove to be treacherous for some, especially if there's any rain or ice on the ground. I could see this being very limiting to those with physical handicaps or mobility issues. I highly recommend that anyone with a passion for birds or seeking a unique experience check out the Cascades Raptor Center. **Pro Tip: Make sure you come prepared. The entire facility is located outside. So you will want to have some solid walking shoes and a warm sweater if the weather is brisk. read more

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This is such a cool place. The organization's goal is to rescue and rehabilitate those not so cuddly birds. The incredibly majestic birds like eagles, owls, and hawks. Really important work, and for that alone I was willing to pay $40 for a special ticket to their after hours event. As someone who isn't too fond of crowds or children, this was the best way to have my first experience at CRC. I got to take my time and really take in each habitat without having to peek over shoulders or duck and weave around little ones. Didn't also hurt that I got to explore while having snacks! I don't know if I would come on a normal day, but I would definitely do this experience again. A couple of notes before visiting: they have a small parking lot that can fill up rather quickly. I guess there is an overflow lot. But that requires a long walk up a pretty steep driveway. Also, their bathrooms are a collection of portable toilets. So keep this in mind and plan accordingly before visiting. All in all this is such an important non-profit and I highly encourage everyone to give them support. read more

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Amazing 11/10! Simply what they do there is that they fix birds & tell people about them. What's not so simple is how they do it; they draw you in & soon your curiosity sneeks up on you. Terrific gift store as well. read more

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Amazing sights and program with accessible admission price with EBT card. Birds you'd never see up close in an ethical setting. I got to see the trainers working with the birds and briefly saw Dimitri outside his cage with a trainer, although I was too shy to ask if I could come closer. I'd love to revisit for the flight program / demonstration and perhaps be lucky enough to see what feeding time looks like. The birds are way more lively when the trainers come around; one of the owls grabbed an adorable little toy upon seeing a trainer. Come here, you won't regret it read more

Cascades Raptor Center - Zoos Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

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We attended an after hours event, which I think they do monthly. The ticket prices were well worth the smaller group and closer interactions with the raptors. Birds aside, this is a lovely place. I enjoyed all the plants, the little trails to walk and the overall feel of the property. You add amazing birds on top of that and I was over the moon. I found all of the trainers to be extremely knowledgeable and passionate. This was a fabulous experience and I can't wait to go again. read more

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This was a super fun place to visit! I recommend getting there early: the center opened at 10:00, we got there at 9:45 and waited across the street until they open the gate. By 10:30 or so I think the parking lot was probably close to full. You can street park but it would be a fairly steep walk so if mobility is an issue thats something to consider. Another advantage of coming in the morning is the birds are a bit more active since it's cooler and it's feeding time. Entrance is a very affordable $12. Everything is self-guided; all the aviaries have a helpful sign telling you about the species housed there and then another sign telling you more specifically about that individual bird and their history. Our favorite resident was Ra, a burrowing owl. I would definitely visit again if I'm in the area. read more

What a fabulous center for raptor education, rehabilitation, and medical care. Clean, lovely environment, clearly staffed by people who care. Loved the show with the birds. Well worth the cost of admission. Steep driveway not for oversized vehicles and walking/viewing on hilly, dirt/gravel terrain. Absolutely worth a visit. read more

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This is a great place to see a number of different birds of prey close up. The birds are in cages, but please remember that they can't live in the wild due to injury. The staff that I interacted with were fantastic. I appreciated the chance to take some close up photos of the birds with a good camera. Posted here are a couple I took with the phone. For anyone a bit squeamish, remember, the diet of these creatures are small animals. As others stated, the drive is narrow and the parking lot is tiny. The paths are fairly steep in places and gravel. This place may not be for everyone, but if you like raptors and want see some up close, this is a great place to go read more

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This was an on a whim visit because I like predatory birds and thought the kids would like it. Knowing this is a sanctuary made it more appealing for me. I loved all the information for every bird including who sponsored each bird. All the birds were out and active and some even vocal. We were able to see one of the handlers feed one of the birds. I wish we would have done the guided tour to get all the info but the birds were plenty. Great place to visit. Son says it was cool and daughter says it was great. read more

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Not a bad little place to visit if you have an afternoon to kill! If I was a local, I'd definitely get a membership so I could go as often as I wanted, since exhibits seem to change fairly often, and they have events as well - definitely take advantage of that! They have a LOT in the gift shop/nature center, especially for its small size, so be sure to allow some time at the end to explore that as well. Be sure to ask questions of the folks feeding the raptors...they are very knowledgeable and love to chat with you and share what they know. They were really friendly and sweet to us. I'll be back next time I'm in town visiting my relatives! Oh - PS...parking lot is small and trails are not wheelchair friendly. Also you should bring water and snacks. read more

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Love taking friends and family here! A wonderful chance to see Raptors up close and learn. Owls and falcons are my favorites. Many of the staff are volunteers and do a wonderful job at caring for them and educating the public. Some were injured and unable to survive in the wild on their own. While others were illegally domesticated then rescued. They have a great little gift shop. Their main parking lot is tiny, but there's a large overflow parking lot across the street where there is also a nature trail/park. read more

A worthy group doing good work and an interesting place to visit and to take your out of town visitors.

Great place to spend an afternoon. Beautiful, fascinating birds in well maintained enclosures, great outreach, passionate and invested staff. read more

We loved our experience!!! So much obvious love and care goes into the program and the care of the animals. Many different species of owls, raptors, falcons, eagles, vultures, and more. Great literature of each species. And bios of the individual birds at each pen. read more

I love this place!! Informative and relaxing. A real asset to Eugene. Thanks to everyone involved.

Cascades Raptors Center provides state of the art emergency and rehab care for a large number of Raptors. All of it is based on known science and care is provided by a group of outstanding professionals and volunteers. The birds offer education and the best sense of fierce and intelligent wildness you can experience without being out in the wilderness. I love this place and its inhabitants immensely. Go visit and offer them a big donation so they can keep on keepin' on - please!!!!! Thanks read more

Found a distressed red tail hawk in my back yard. I didn't know what to do. It allowed me to approach it ands pick it up so obviously something was wrong with it. No obvious physical damage and it appeared to be fairly young because it was just starting to get it's red tail. I called the raptor center on a weekend and got an option to leave a message in an emergency mailbox. They had someone at my house within an hour and I'm in three mucin l junction city area. Very helpful very nice people. read more

Loved our visit to the Raptor Center, it was a highlight of our time in Eugene. The variety and number of birds was soooo much more then I expected. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and kind. We got to a see a few different feedings where the staff answered questions. Really a great place to visit and learn about these incredible birds. Kirby the Kestrel was our favorite little falcon read more

Great center to learn about these amazing birds. So glad all the birds were rescued, the enclosures are clean, there are signs about the birds on each enclosure, and that they have a little gift shop. read more

This place is amazing! We stopped here on a road trip throughout Oregon and this was one of the highlights of our trip. The birds here are very well-cared for and there a large amount of information on the individual birds as well as their species as a whole. I love that this is a rehabilitation center and they are doing great work here. It's a 100% must-stop if you love animals and are traveling through the area; you won't be disappointed and your entrance fee goes to a great cause! read more

Cascades Raptor Center - Beautiful bird! - Zoos Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

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We loved the Raptor Center! It was smaller than I expected but the birds are amazing to see. It was worth going and supporting this center. read more

Cascades Raptor Center - Raptor Center - Zoos Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

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We had so much fun visiting this place! The staff was so friendly and welcoming. I especially liked the bird bio's at every cage. Our favorite birds were Otis who was so sweet! And the turkey vultures, so much personality! And the Eurasian Eagle Owls, so majestic! read more

I have been to this center a few times, and have even traveled TO Eugene from the east coast for their fundraising dinners (where you get to meet a few of the birds!). They do an amazing job with conservation and education. The center is all outside and via uncrowded paths, so it seems like a great spot to visit once the current restrictions are lifted. read more

We've really enjoyed our visits to the raptor center. The birds are so beautiful and their cages are kept clean. The walking area is dirt and some areas are a little steep so I recommend wearing sneakers or hiking boots. They have a small gift shop. I look forward to returning for another visit. read more

What a wonderful place this is! My son and I really enjoyed seeing all the different variety of birds. Some of them seemed really interested in us as we walked up to see them. They also have a gift shop on site. I think its great that they have this. Your purchases go towards helping the birds. I definitely recommend this place! read more

This is an amazing place to support and visit! There are owls, falcons and various raptors. They rehabilitate and release birds that have been injured or rescued, some of the birds are full time residents that are unable to be released. It is a great place to take the family! Pets are not allowed on the premises so plan ahead. read more

I really enjoyed my time visiting the Raptor Center on our way back up from Medford to Northwest Oregon. The center serves as a sanctuary to care for all sort of raptors (rough definition of raptors: birds who use their class to hunt preys) including eagles, owls, etc that are injured/ unfit to be released to wildlife. The. Center is not funded by federal​, state or city funding, so they do rely on volunteers and funding from donation/admissions fee. For $9pp admission fee (cheaper if you are senior/student) and the opportunities to see or perhaps interact with raptors up close, if say, this place is definitely worth the visiting!..especially so if you are traveling with children! We met probably 30+ raptors and learned about each one of them, how they got to the sanctuary, what health problems they have and their hobbies/interests. You get to set your own pace walking thru the center. I'd say the animals seemed all cared for really well. The enclosed cages were spacious, clean and well maintained. We were lucky to get to see a volunteer feed one of the owls too..and you can see...the animals were so cute and did not have fear at all..e.g. They feel at peace even if they were probably stucked at the center for the rest of their lives given their less than ideal physical conditions. Definitely worth a visit...bonus if you identify your favorite raptors that you'd like to adopt by dedicating your donation to that bird, too. My fav bird there? Check out Newton! I said hi to him a few times and he was vocal to respond to my greetings for a few times back, too! :) read more