The Oregon Smiley Face: How Timberland Management Created a Seasonal Landmark

A massive, seasonal “smiley face” appears annually on a hillside in Polk County, Oregon, near Highway 18 between Willamina and Grand Ronde. The pattern is composed of western larch trees—which turn golden-yellow in autumn—set against a backdrop of evergreen Douglas firs, creating a temporary, natural image that emerges only once the larches begin their seasonal color change.

Origins of the Reforestation Design

The smiley face was not a spontaneous natural occurrence but a calculated piece of landscape design. According to Hampton Lumber, the company’s timberland manager, Dennis Creel, and co-owner David Hampton conceived the idea during a routine reforestation effort following a timber harvest. The goal was to inject a sense of creativity into the replanting process, demonstrating that working forests can serve as both a commercial resource and a source of public interest.

The team used two distinct conifer species to achieve the contrast necessary for the image. Douglas firs form the background, eyes, and mouth, providing a dark green, year-round canvas. The western larch trees, which were planted in the specific circular and curved shapes of the face, act as the highlight. Because the larch is one of the few deciduous conifers in North America, it sheds its needles annually, undergoing a striking color shift from green to vibrant gold before the needles drop for the winter.

Ecological and Operational Context

The project sits on privately owned timberland, meaning the artwork is subject to the long-term management goals of the forest. The design is temporary by necessity; as these trees mature, they will eventually be harvested as part of the company’s sustainable forestry operations. Hampton Lumber has noted that the smiley face will disappear once the timber reaches the end of its harvest rotation, unless the company chooses to replicate the pattern in future planting cycles.

It is highly valued in the timber industry for its durability and strength, making it a practical choice for commercial reforestation. By selecting a native species that naturally undergoes a seasonal transformation, the foresters avoided the need for artificial materials like paint or non-native landscaping, allowing the artwork to exist in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem.

Public Reception and Visibility

While the smiley face was not originally intended to be a tourist destination, its visibility from the air and nearby roadways led to its rise as a viral internet phenomenon. Aerial imagery captured by passersby and drone operators has solidified its status as a landmark. Despite the attention, the site remains an active work zone, and the company emphasizes that the project serves as a reminder of the intersection between industrial forestry and creative land stewardship.

Key Takeaways

• Location: Situated on private timberland in Polk County, Oregon, between Willamina and Grand Ronde.
• Creation Date: Planted in 2011 as part of a routine reforestation project by Hampton Lumber.
• Tree Species: The design relies on western larch (deciduous) for the yellow color and Douglas fir (evergreen) for the base.
• Longevity: The face is temporary and will be removed when the timber is eventually harvested.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the smiley face visible all year?

No. The face only appears during the autumn months when the western larch needles turn gold. For the rest of the year, the trees blend into the surrounding forest.

Can I visit the site?

The smiley face is located on private timberland. Visitors are generally restricted to viewing the design from public vantage points or aerial perspectives.

Why do the trees change color?

The western larch is a deciduous conifer. Unlike most evergreens, it sheds its needles every winter, but not before they turn a distinct golden yellow in the fall.