We encourage researchers to visit the collection and work directly with our holdings wherever possible. Not only does this allow researchers to examine our undetermined material and check/confirm identifications for taxa in their expertise, but it often greatly reduces the number of specimens that must be packed and shipped as a loan.
Researchers may visit the collection during operational hours, which are M-F, 9am-5pm, when the university is open and staff are present. Because we have a small staff, we strongly suggest researchers reach out to us with enough advanced notice to ensure we will be staffed while here. This is especially true if you plan to visit during standard academic holidays (e.g., spring, fall and winter breaks).
Another benefit to visiting us, is that we are centrally located with respect to some of the best field sites (and vacations spots) around Oregon, allowing researchers to combine some fieldwork with museum work on their visit should they wish to.
The information below will help you in planning your visit.
Arrival/Departures convenient to Corvallis
- Airports. If you are arriving via airtravel, you'll want to look either into Portland International Airport (PDX), which is about 1-2 hrs away by car/bus depending on traffice; or Eugene (EUG), about 40 minutes away by car. If you plan to fly in/our of Seattle, give yourself between 3.5 and 5 hrs driving time (depending on Seattle/Portlant traffic and congestion along the I-5 corridor.
- Train. If you wish to arrive by train, Amtrack has a station in Albany, Oregon (the town just north of Corvallis). Renting a car may be a bit of a hassle, but there are rental car agencies in Albany and Corvallis.
Parking: There are three ways to park that are conveniently located to Cordley Hall:
- Buy a Day Pass for a lot on campus: Purchase Day Pass. The closest lots are "A" zone, but all of campus is walking distance, so "B" and "C" lots, which are less expensive, can also be used. This pass can be purchased ahead of time, printed, and placed in your window while parked in the lot of your choice.
- Pay in an Hourly Lot. There exist a few pay-by-the-hour lots on campus. Check the Current Parking Map for details on where they are and rates.
- Find Street parking. Street parking can be incredibly challenging to find after 7am, however to the north of campus are a number of streets where parking is permitted. Please carefully review posted signs, as many streets have hourly restrictions, which are enforced by local parking enforcement.