CuteCamper
Salmon Wild and Scenic River
Overview:
Only an hour's drive from Portland, Oregon, the clear water of the Salmon River cascades over numerous waterfalls in the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness before reaching its lower forested canyons. From its headwaters to the confluence with the Sandy River approximately 33.5 miles (53.9 km) downstream, the river's proximity makes it easy for a great number of people to enjoy its diverse recreational opportunities. The Salmon River incorporates portions of two major physiographic zones—the Cascade Mountain Range and the Columbia Basin. As a result, the river corridor contains great natural diversity, from alpine environments and narrow basalt canyons to wide floodplains with their associated wetlands.Know Before You Go:
- One of the best ways to visit the Salmon Wild and Scenic river is to visit the Wildwood Recreation Site on the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway (US Highway 26) near the town of Welches, Oregon.
- Upriver from the BLM-managed segment, the nearby Mount Hood National Forest offers many recreational activities, including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, camping, backpacking, and skiing, among others.
- Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your location of burning.
Point of Interest:
Two important species found in the Salmon Wild and Scenic River corridor include Roosevelt elk and greater Sandhill cranes. The small population of greater Sandhill cranes is the northernmost breeding population of this species in Oregon.
RecAreaDirections
From Welches, Oregon: Drive 1.3 miles west on US highway 26. Wildwood Recreation Site will be on the left.
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| Stay Limit | 14 Days |
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Permits info
Facilities
WILDWOOD RECREATION SITE Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
The Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District, will temporarily close the lower portion of Wildwood Recreation Site to all public access on Friday, September 30, 2022 for a permitted event. This includes all access to the Salmon Wild and Scenic River, the Wetlands Boardwalk Trail, Trailhead and Family Picnic Areas and parking. While this temporary closure is in place, the upper section, Group Picnic Area, will remain open for the public's enjoyment. The site will fully reopen no later than the following morning, Saturday, October 1, 2022.
Wildwood Recreation Site is open year-round but may close due to vehicle access during severe weather. Check status during severe weather events by calling 503-375-5646.
Park passes are only available for purchase online for printing (Wildwood Recreation Site Day Pass) or onsite at the automated fee machine (AFM), located next to the park’s entrance station. Credit cards only; no cash or checks. Visitors may purchase either a daily or a Northwest Oregon District Passenger Vehicle Day Use annual pass at the AFM. Visitors with an annual pass receipt should bring it to the park office for transfer to a static cling Northwest Oregon District Passenger Vehicle Day Use Pass. Wildwood staff is limited so please be patient and hold onto your paper receipt until able to contact a park employee. Wildwood is open from 8 AM until 1/2 hour before sunset 7 days a week. Please stay aware of the closure times posted on roadside signs throughout the park. The gate will close at the posted time so make sure that you exit the park at or before the closing time.
Wildwood Recreation Site is located along the Mount Hood Scenic Byway near the town of Welches, Oregon. Mount Hood, Oregon's tallest mountain, beckons travelers through a forested corridor to wade the waters of the Wild and Scenic Salmon River.
This year round day-use area is home to a wide range of recreation facilities and the Cascade Streamwatch Trail. Visitors have a chance to explore natural stream and wetland ecosystems along accessible interpretive trails and boardwalks and observe native fish in a unique, underwater fish viewing chamber.
Recreation
Hiking and wandering the boardwalks at Wildwood is the best way to experience the park.The Cascade Streamwatch Trail is an accessible, 3/4-mile paved loop that features quality educational displays, picturesque views of the Salmon River and a fish viewing window below stream level.
The Wetlands Trail is an accessible, 3/4-mile loop trail leading to the challenging Boulder Ridge Trail, which is a 4.7-mile hike up the steep slopes of Huckleberry Mountain into the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness.
Visitors also enjoy swimming and fishing in the cool, clear waters of the Salmon River.
Facilities
Wildwood is an excellent place for large groups, company picnics or special events. The site offers family picnic units, several group shelters, outdoor picnic kitchens, athletic fields, volleyball and basketball courts and fully accessible trails.Picnic tables, fire rings and grills are available at each site. Flush toilets and drinking water are also provided.
Natural Features
Nestled in a bend of the spectacular Wild and Scenic Salmon River, Wildwood Recreation Site encompasses 550 acres of beautiful land forested with old-growth Douglas fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar. Dense vegetation provides nice privacy between sites.Nearby Attractions
Mount Hood National Forest offers many recreational activities, including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, camping, backpacking, and skiing, among others. Sandy Ridge Mountain Bike Trails.contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (503) 622-3696.Charges & Cancellations
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.
Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
