There’s something about the sight of a giant smile (and I mean giant) that can make anyone’s day, and in Oregon, there's a hillside that does just that every fall. Tucked away between the small towns of Willamina and Grande Ronde, there's a quirky landmark known as Smiley Face Hill, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: a giant grin made of trees, beaming down on passerby traveling Oregon Highway 18.
How To See Smiley Face Hill Near Willamina, Oregon
The story of Smiley Face Hill started back in 2011 when David Hampton of Hampton Lumber, decided to add a playful twist to the usual business of reforestation. Along with then-timberland manager Dennis Creel, Hampton planted larch trees in the shape of a smiley face on one of the company's hillsides. What’s special about larch trees is that, unlike most conifers, they’re deciduous.
This means their needles turn a brilliant yellow in autumn before falling off, creating a stunning contrast against the dark green of the surrounding Douglas firs, which make up the eyes and mouth of the face.
If you’re driving along Oregon Highway 18 in mid-October, keep your eyes peeled for mile marker 25. It's around this spot that the bright yellow smile lights up the hillside, creating a whimsical view that’s hard to miss. There’s even a small pullout nearby where you can safely stop and capture the perfect photo of this fleeting masterpiece.
How big is the smiley face made up of larch trees? The smiley face is around 300 feet across.
While Smiley Face Hill is a seasonal treat, it’s set to stick around for a few more decades. The trees won’t be harvested for another 30 to 50 years, giving plenty of time for visitors to enjoy this cheerful sight. And who knows, with its popularity year after year, Hampton Lumber might just surprise everyone with another creative design in the future.
What's the best time of year to see the smiley face? There's no exact date for when the needles of larch trees start to turn yellow, but the change usually starts in early October. The color of the smiley face should be the best in mid-October.
What kind of trees make up the smiley face on Smiley Face Hill? Douglas fir make up the eyes and mouth, while the rest of the smiley face is comprised of larch trees.
Is the smiley face visible at other times of year when the trees haven't turned yellow yet? The larch trees that make up the smiley face are a slightly lighter shade of green in summer months. It is possible to spot during the summer months, but it's much harder to make out the shape of the smiley face until the larch turn yellow in the fall.
If you've never seen it, it's well worth the drive to catch this one-of-a-kind smile before it fades away with the season. It’s a simple and lovely reminder that even nature has a sense of humor.
