West Oak Forest

West Oak Forest

55877 195th St. Pacific Junction, IA 51561

Official Website
Printable County Checklist

About this Location

West Oak Forest is located in west central Mills County, 2 miles North of Hwy 34 on L31. The 308 acre area of Loess Hills bluffland is adjacent to and overlooking the broad Missouri River floodplain. This is the second largest park within the Mills County Conservation Board’s park system. At 308 acres, it consists of forest, numerous hilltop prairie remnants, 7-acres of restored prairie, and well over 3 miles of hiking trails. On the lower south trail, you will find the "Prairie in the Loess Hills" interpretive panel with information about Iowa’s Loess Hills and native prairie. Work is presently underway to restore part of the park to an Oak Savanna. West Oak Forest is inhabited by many threatened and endangered species of the Loess Hills, including the Yucca Moth, Western Spadefoot Toad, Ottoe Skipper, Northern Grasshopper Mouse and various others.

Features

  • Roadside viewing

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Official Website

Last updated July 11, 2023