Bradford Island Visitors Center

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours of Powerhouse 1 are offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and daily from June 16 to Sept. 3, 2012. The tour schedule is subject to change. In addition to views of migrating fish moving through underwater fishways, visitors will find a five-level facility with an observation deck, air conditioned interior with exhibits, restrooms, a large theater, and all-glass exterior walls which allow a panoramic view of the Columbia River Gorge. A short walk leads to a viewing area inside the first powerhouse.
Contact information: (541) 374-8820
Directions: The Bradford Island Visitor Center is located at exit 40, Interstate 84, 4 miles west of Cascade Locks, Ore. At the flag pole intersection, bear right. Follow signs for approximately 1 mile along park roads.

Hamilton Island

Open daily 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fishing is available below the Fort Cascades historic trail and continuing west to the tip of the island. The access road ends at a gravel parking lot and the trailhead for the Hamilton Island trail. Available nearby are the Fort Cascades and Hamilton Island trails.

The Hamilton Island boat ramp allows access to the river for motorized and non-motorized vessels. There is no fee to use the boat ramp.
Directions: Take Washington State Hwy 14 East to Milepost 37. Turn left onto the Dam Access road. (This is about 1/2 mile from North Bonneville and 7 miles from Stevenson, Wash.). At the stop sign, turn right. Travel about a mile and turn left (toward the river). Go thru parking lot--the ramp is at far end.

Columbia River Gorge Historic Highway

The historic Columbia River Highway Trail is the nation's first scenic highway, constructed between 1913 and 1922. The area is cooperatively managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the Oregon Parks and Transportation departments. This trail has reserved areas for pedestrian and bicycle use only, such as the section between Tanner Creek, Eagle Creek and Cascade Locks.For more information on the trail, you can use these links to Oregon State Parks, the Oregon Department of Transportation and the U.S. Forest Service websites.
Directions: Take Exit 40 off Interstate 84 (Bonneville Dam Exit) & turn south off the exit. At the T-intersection, turn left (east) uphill to the paved parking lot.

Navigation Lock, Oregon

Open daily, Memorial Day to Labor Day, 1 to 4 p.m.Visitors can watch the navigation lock in operation when commercial or recreational boats are traveling up- or downstream. The visitor center offers exhibits and videos explaining the value to Oregon and Washington economy of river commerce.
Directions: Take Interstate 84 to Exit 40 (This exit is 4 miles west of Cascade Locks, Ore.)
At the flag pole intersection, bear right. Follow the signs for the visitor center for approximately 1 mile along park roads.

Washington shore visitors complex

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This complex offers a very accessible view of a powerhouse. Generators can be viewed from an area 85 feet above the powerhouse floor. Guided tours of Powerhouse 2 are offered at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and daily from June 16 to Sept. 3, 2012. The tour schedule is subject to change. Inside the fish-viewing building and adjacent Visitor Orientation building are exhibits on the history of fish in the area and how a modern hydropower plant works.
Contact information: (509) 427-4281
Directions: From the Vancouver, Wash. area, take Washington State Hwy 14 East to Milepost 39 (approximately 6 miles west of Stevenson, Wash.) Turn south on Dam Access Rd. by the large Bonneville Lock and Dam entrance sign. At the stop sign turn left. Continue along road one mile to the entrance gate and visitor facilities. The Visitor Center Building is the glass building at the end of the powerhouse.

Bonneville Fish Hatchery

This is a chinook and coho salmon hatchery operated by the Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife. Display ponds also offer a relaxing place to feed large rainbow trout and view adult white sturgeon measuring more than six feet long. There is a gift shop open during summer months. Interpretive displays are inside and out, including a viewing area to watch fall spawning activities. Outside-accessible restrooms are available here.
Directions: Take 84 to Exit 40 (This exit is 4 miles west of Cascade Locks, Oregon) At the flag pole intersection, bear left. Follow the road around to the large parking lot on the left. Plenty of room for RV parking here.

Click here for more information about Bonneville Lock and Dam

The Dalles Dam Visitor Center, Ore.

The Dalles Dam Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center is open Friday through Sunday from May 1 through Memorial Day weekend, then 7 days a week through Labor Day weekend, then back to Friday through Sunday through the end of September. No fees are charged at this location. Call to inquire about tour availability.

Amenities & activities:

• Bathrooms
• Children's activities
• Exhibits
• Fish viewing
• Picnic area
• Water

Contact information: (541) 506-7819 / 296-9778
Directions: From I84, take exit 87 and go east on Brett Clodfelter Way.  Also at the junction of Hwy 197 & I84.

The Dalles Dam Navigation Lock, Wash.

No fees; day use only; no public access from shore; limited visibility from the north shore boat launch. Overlook and river access only.
Amenities & activities:

• Boat ramp access on north shore only
• Vault toilets

First-come, first-serve availability; no reservations.
Contact information: (541) 506-7819
Directions: From Hwy197 north, cross the Columbia River bridge & turn right.

Avery Park, Wash.

No fees; 14-day use limit.
Amenities & activities:

• Boat ramp open to the public except
  during commercial treaty fishing seasons.
• Camping (primitive)
• Picnic area
• Vault toilets

First-come, first-serve availability; no reservations.
Contact information: (541) 506-7819
Directions: Milepost 93 off Hwy14.

Celilo Park, Ore.

No fees; 14-day use limit.
Amenities & activities:

• Bathrooms
• Boat ramp
• Camping (primitive)
• Historic site
• Picnic area
• Shore access

First-come, first-serve availability; no reservations.
Contact information: (541) 506-7819
Directions: From I84, take exit 97.

Columbia Hills State Park, Horsethief, Wash.

Operated by Washington State Parks. Contact information: (509) 767-1159
Directions: Milepost 85 off Washington State Road 4

Heritage Landing State Park, Ore.

Operated by the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department. Contact information: (541) 739-2322
Directions: 17 miles east from The Dalles off I84. From I84, take the Celilo Park exit and continue east on Hwy30.

Hess Park, Wash.

No fees; day use only.
Amenities & activities:

• Pond
• Vault toilets

First-come, first-serve availability; no reservations.
Contact information: (541) 506-7819
Directions: Hwy197 north, cross the Columbia River Bridge, go 1 mile & turn right. Sign visible.

Maryhill, Wash.

Operated by Washington State Parks. Contact information: (509) 773-5007
Directions: From I84, take exit 104,
turn north on Hwy 97, cross bridge & turn right.

Seufert Park, Ore.

Day use only; available year-round, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Amenities & activities:

• Covered picnic area
• Rose garden
• Scenic views
• Trails

First-come, first-serve availability. No bathrooms or water are available if the Visitors Center is closed.
Contact information: (541) 506-7819 / 296-9778
Directions: On I84, take exit 87; also at the junction of Hwy 197 & I84.

Rufus Landing, Ore.

No fees; 14-day use limit.
Amenities & activities:

• Camping (primitive)
• Shore access to the river
• Vault toilets

First-come, first-serve availability; no reservations.
Contact information: (541) 506-7819
Directions: From I84, exit at Rufus.

Spearfish, Wash.

No fees; day-use only.
Amenities & activities:

• Boat ramp (small;
  provides access to Spearfish Lake only)
• Hiking trail
• Trout fishing
• Vault toilets

First-come, first-serve availability; no reservations.
Contact information: (541) 506-7819
Directions: On Hwy 197 north, cross the Columbia River Bridge, go 1 mile & turn right. Sign visible.

Arlington, Ore.

This site is operated by the City of Arlington.
Contact information: (541) 454-2868
Directions: From I84, take exit 137

Boardman, Ore.

This site is operated by the Boardman Park & Recreation District Contact information: (541) 481-7217
Directions: From I84, take exit 165

Crow Butte, Wash.

Operated by the Port of Benton County since August 1, 2007
Contact information: (509) 948-6069
Directions: Milepost 155 off Hwy14.

Giles French / John Day Dam Park

No fees, 14-day use limit.
Amenities & activities:

• Bathrooms
• Boat ramp & dock
• Camping (primitive)
• Trail

First-come, first-serve availability; no reservations.
Contact information: (541) 506-7819
Directions: From I84, take Rufus exit 109, north toward river and turn right.

Irrigon, Ore.

Operated by the Irrigon Park & Recreation District Directions: From I84, take exit 168

John Day Dam Visitors Center, Ore.

CURRENTLY CLOSED
Contact information: (541) 506-7819
Directions: From I84, take Rufus exit 109, north toward river and turn right.

Lepage Park, Ore.

Dates available: Apr. 1 – Oct. 31

1. River campsite: $22.00 per night
2. Back-in campsite: $20.00 per night
3. Gazebo tent sites (Sites T9 & T19): $16.00
4. Tent campsite: $14.00 per night
5. Overflow campsite: $12.00 per night
6. Day use fee: $1.00 per person;
   maximum $4.00 per car
7. Boat ramp & tie-up dock fee: $3.00 per day
8. Dump station fee: $5.00 per dump
   (free to paid campers)

Amenities & activities:

• Bathrooms
• Beach
• Courtesy docks
• Dump station (free to paid campers)
• Electricity
• Fishing
• Warm showers

Availability is first-come, first-serve unless reserved via www.reserveusa.com or 1-877-444-6777.Contact information: (541) 506-7819 / 739-2713
Directions: From I84, take exit 114
  (approximately 3 miles from John Day Dam)

Paradise Park, Wash.

Dates available: May 13 – Sept. 13
No fees; 7-day use limit.
Amenities & activities:

• Boat ramp
• Camping (primitive)
• Vault toilets

First-come, first-serve availability; no reservations.
Contact information: (541) 506-7819
Directions:Take Hwy 14 to Plymouth, Wash.  Paradise Park is west of Plymouth on Christie Rd.

Paterson Park, Ore.

No fees; 7-day use limit.
Amenities & activities:

• Boat ramp
• Camping (primitive)
• Vault toilets

First-come, first-serve availability; no reservations.
Contact information: (541) 506-7819
Directions: From I-84, take US-730 East / Columbia River Hwy. and go north on Paterson Ferry Rd. approximately 1.5 miles to the park.

Philippi, Ore.

Boat-in access only for 24-ft. boats or less (must anchor in river);
Amenities & activities:

• Boat ramp
• Courtesy docks
• Camping (primitive, 14-day limit)
• Fishing
• Picnic area
• Showers
• vehicle parking: $3.00 per day (at Lepage Park)
• Water
• Water-skiing

Contact information: (541) 506-7819 / 739-2713
Directions: On I84, take exit 114 (approximately 3 miles from John Day Dam.)

Plymouth Park, Wash.

Dates available: Apr. 1 – Oct. 31

1. Full hook-up campsite: $24.00 per night
2. Partial hook-up campsite: $22.00 per night
3. Tent campsite: $14.00 per night
4. Day use fee: $1.00 per person; $4.00 max per car
5. Boat dock & ramp fee: $3.00 per day
6. Dump station fee: $5.00 per dump

Amenities & activities:

• Bathrooms
• Beach
• Courtesy docks
• Dump station (free to paid campers)
• Electricity
• Fishing
• Showers

Availability is first-come, first-serve unless reserved via www.reserveusa.com, or 1-877-444-6777.
Contact information: (541) 506-7819 / 783-1270
  Day use: (509) 735-9721
Directions: On Hwy 14, between exits 179 & 180.

Rock Creek, Wash.

No fees; 14-day use limit.
Amenities & activities:

• Boat ramp
• Camping (primitive)
• Portable toilets (April - Sept. only)

First-come, first-serve availability; no reservations.
Contact information: (541) 506-7819
Directions: 35 miles east of The Dalles from Hwy14.

Roosevelt, Wash.

No fees; 14-day use limit.
Amenities & activities:

• Bathrooms
• Boat ramp
• Camping (primitive)
• Fishing
• Picnic shelters
• Shore access to the river
• Showers
• Water
• Windsurfing

Contact information: (541) 506-7819
Directions: 50 miles east of The Dalles from Hwy14.

Sundale, Wash.

No fees, 14-day use limit.
Amenities & activities:

• Boat ramp open to the public except
  during commercial treaty fishing seasons.
• Camping (primitive)
• Picnic area
• Vault toilets

Contact information: (541) 506-7819
Directions: Off Highway 14, about 5 miles west of Roosevelt.

Three Mile Park / Quesnel, Ore.

No fees, 14-day use limit.
Amenities & activities:

• Camping (primitive)
• Fishing
• Gravel boat ramp
• Vault toilets
• Windsurfing

First-come, first-serve availability; no reservations.
Contact information: (541) 506-7819
Directions: Take exit 151 from I84.

Umatilla, Ore.
Operated by the Port of Umatilla. Contact information: (541) 922-3939 or 567-6151
Directions: From I82, take exit 1

Willow Creek Dam & Park, Ore.

Dam contact information: (541) 676-9009
Park contact information: (541) 676-5576

Applegate Lake extends to the California border and a hiking trail follows the 18-mile shoreline. Motorcycles are permitted only on the trail leading to Stein Butte. Horses are permitted on the Stein Butte, Collings Mountain and Da-Ku-Be-Te-De trails.

Development at most of the recreation sites is minimal and most of the lakeshore is maintained in a natural state.

Paved trails and other barrier-free facilities are provided at the day use areas so that they may be enjoyed by all visitors.

Applegate Lake is 988 acres in size.  Its average depth is 85 feet, with a maximum depth of 225 feet. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie and rainbow trout can be caught.

To help preserve its rustic nature, a 10-mph speed limit for all boats is in effect. There is one year-round boat ramp at Copper, near Watkins Campground on the southwest shore. A ramp east of the dam near French Gulch Campground is usually used when the water is low.

Directions: Take OR-238 West from Medford for about 10 miles. Turn left at Upper Applegate Rd. and follow it for about 20 miles.

Recreation facilities at Applegate are operated by the U.S. Forest Service. For more information about these locations, contact the Star Ranger Station, 6914 Upper Applegate Rd., Jacksonville, Ore. 97530, (541) 899-3800, or click on the links below:

Carberry Campground
Located along Carberry Creek, the campground features hiking and fishing. Parking for self-contained RVs is available. Facilities include vault toilets, well water and 10 tent sites.
Please remember to pack your drinking water in and to pack your garbage out.

Directions: From Jacksonville, go seven miles south on OR 238, then 20 miles south on Upper Applegate Rd.

Collings Mountain Trail
The Collings Mountain Trail features views of the Siskiyou Crest and Applegate Lake. Beginning at the Hart-Tish Park picnic area, the trail crosses Upper Applegate Road and drops down to Grouse Creek. An abandoned miner's cabin and inactive Sasquatch trap are about 3/4 mile up the trail.
Please do not enter any of the mine adits along the trail. Leaving Grouse Creek, the trail climbs steeply for one mile to the ridgetop, gaining 1,000 feet in elevation before it begins a long traverse of the western slope of Collings Mountain. After traversing below the ridgeline for two miles, the trail then descends steadily for three miles to Watkins Campground. This last half mile of trail passes through the 62-acre Watkins fire that burned in 1981. Beware of poison oak, ticks and snakes along this trail.

Directions: West of Jacksonville, Oregon, turn off Hwy. 238 onto Upper Applegate Rd. and proceed to Applegate Lake. The trail begins at the Hart-Tish Park picnic area.

Da-Ku-Be-Te-De Trail
This trail is a beautiful, easy day hike that traverses the western shore of Applegate Lake. Beginning at Swayne Viewpoint, the trail passes the Hart-Tish boat ramp in a half-mile. Proceed through the parking lot and rejoin the trail on a paved walkway along the lake, passing an interpretive viewpoint. The paved trail ends at the lawn above the swimming area and resumes directly across the lawn, where pavement is replaced by gravel surfacing. The trail then follows the lakeshore, crossing the Copper Boat Ramp and continues along the high-water line before reaching Watkins Campground. Just before reaching the campground, the trail passes over a footbridge and intersects a quarter mile loop trail that circles the campground. Follow the trail to the right in order to reach the parking area. Be aware of poison oak, ticks and snakes along this trail.

Directions: From Ruch, travel south on County Rd. 859 eight miles past the Star Ranger Station to the Swayne Viewpoint parking area. The trailhead is located at the south end of the parking lot near the restrooms.

French Gulch Campground & Boat Ramp
French Gulch activities include hiking, mountain biking and boating.
The boat ramp is closed until the lake level drops below 1,940 feet (above sea-level) in the fall. Facilities include well water, vault toilets, and nine tent sites.

Directions: From Ruch, travel south on County Rd. 859, Upper Applegate Rd. Continue 15 miles to Applegate Lake and turn left on County Rd. 959 (traveling across the dam). Continue along Rd. 959 about one mile to the campground.

Grouse Loop Trail
The Grouse Loop Trail offers a pleasant hike with good views of the mountains surrounding Applegate Lake. Beginning at Upper Applegate Road across from Hart-Tish Park, the trail travels 300 feet to a loop junction. The left fork of the trail begins a gentle one mile uphill grade, gaining 700 feet in elevation. This gentle climb features a shallow basin of old growth Douglas fir and Sugar and Ponderosa pine. From the ridgeline, there are good views of Elliott Creek ridge and Red Buttes. Leaving the ridgeline, the trail begins a moderate descent back to Hart-Tish Park.
Directions: Travel south from Jacksonville on Hwy 238 to Ruch and turn left on to Upper Applegate Rd. Continue 16 miles to Hart-tish Park; the trail begins across Upper Applegate Rd. from Hart-Tish Park.

Harr Point Campground
The Harr Point Campground is on the east shore of Applegate Lake and accessible by boat and trail only. This is a semi-primitive site with five tent sites and no drinking water or garbage service. Please remember to pack your drinking water in and to pack your garbage out.
The site remains open with reduced maintenance from November through mid-May.

Directions: From Ruch, travel south on County Rd. 859, Upper Applegate Rd., for about 15 miles to Applegate Lake and turn left on County Rd. 959 (traveling across the dam). Continue along Rd. 959 about 3 miles and turn right on to Forest Service Rd. 100. Continue about a half-mile along Rd. 100 to Squaw Arm Parking Area. Hike about a quarter mile west along Payette Trail to the campground.

Hart-tish Park
Hart-Tish is a well-developed and popular recreation area with an extensive day use area, a boat ramp and a small campground. The camping area has three walk-in tent sites and a parking area for self-contained RVs. Hart-Tish Park is one of the few Forest Service parks with several acres of groomed lawn sloping down to the water's edge. Facilities include piped water, flush toilets, three tent sites, seven RV sites, and three picnic sites.
The boat ramp is usable until the lake drops below 1,928 feet (above sea-level) or when the facility is closed for winter.

Directions: From Ruch, travel south on County Rd. 859, Upper Applegate Rd., for 16 miles to the campground.

Latgawa Campground
Located on the east shore of Applegate Lake, the Latgawa Cove Campground is accessible only by boat and trail (about one half mile hike). Latwaga Cove is a semi-primitive camping area with no drinking water or garbage service. Please remember to pack your drinking water in and to pack your garbage out.

Directions:From Ruch, travel south on County Rd. 859, Upper Applegate Rd., about 15 miles to Applegate Lake. Turn left onto County Rd. 959 and continue two miles to trailhead. It is about a half-mile hike to the campground.

Payette Trail
Payette Trail passes through a mixed conifer and hardwood forest. The trail continues along the shoreline for 3.5 miles to the parking area at Squaw Arm. The trail intersects a fire road. Options for following either the road or trail exist for approximately 2 miles before arriving at the Squaw Arm parking area. This section of trail offers good views of Applegate Lake, and the Kinney and Collings mountains. This would be a good section of trail to view autumn colors!

Directions: From Star Ranger Station, drive south on Upper Applegate Rd. 8 miles to the Applegate Dam and Squaw Lake turnoff. Turn left, crossing the dam and continue 1 mile to French Gulch Campground.

Stringtown Trailhead & Campground
Located on a small stream, the Stringtown Campground offers hiking, fishing and a horse camp. Facilities include vault toilets, four tent sites and two RV sites. A hiking and mountain biking trail follows the eastern shoreline of the reservoir, connecting to other trails for several interesting loop hikes. There are horse facilities at the campground and the trailhead.

Directions: From Jacksonville, go about 7 miles south on OR 238, 15 miles south on Upper Applegate Rd., 3 miles east on County Rd. 959, then about a half-mile south on Forest Rd. 100.

Tipsu Tyee Campground
The Tipsu Tyee Campground can be reached only by boat or trail. Facilities include vault toilets and five tent sites. There is no drinking water available.

Directions: From Ruch, travel south on County Rd. 859, Upper Applegate Rd., about 15 miles to Applegate Lake and turn left on County Rd. 959 (traveling across the dam). Continue along Rd. 959 about 3 miles and turn right on to Forest Service Rd. 100. Continue about a half-mile along Rd. 100 to Squaw Arm Parking Area. Hike about 1.25 miles west along Payette Trail #970 to the campground.

Watkins Campground
Located on Applegate Lake, the Watkins Campground features hiking and mountain biking. Facilities include well water, vault toilets, and 14 tent sites.
The site is open during the off-season with no fee required, but there will be no drinking water or garbage service. Please remember to pack your drinking water in and to pack your garbage out.

Directions: From Ruch, travel south for 19 miles on County Rd. 859, Upper Applegate Rd., to the campground.

Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, hiking, biking and hunting in the more than nine miles of open lands that are Elk Creek.

There are no developed recreation facilities at Elk Creek and the area is closed to motorized vehicles. Visitors can use the old county road to relax near deep pools, hike through the grass fields, or sit under a giant Ponderosa Pine and watch for the variety of wildlife known to reside on Elk Creek.

Operating hours: Dawn to dusk

Directions: From Medford, take OR-62 East for about 25 miles. Turn left on Elk Creek Road. The project will be on right after 2 miles.

Lost Creek Lake is located about 30 miles northeast of Medford in a beautiful timbered canyon on the Rogue River, and features public access areas, parks, boat ramps and 30 miles of scenic trails with beautiful views.

McGregor Park and Visitor Center
The park is located on State Highway 62, the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, near Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery.  , Dedicated in July 1977, McGregor Park was specifically designed for the convenience of visitors with disabilities. The visitor center displays information about local plants, wildlife, geology, and cultural history, with interactive exhibits that provide fun, hands-on exploration for kids and adults.
An interpretive trail is a short walk from the visitor center, with information about local river ecology and all the wildlife, insects, birds and plants that rely on the waterway.

Operating hours
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
(Memorial Day through Labor Day)

Directions: From Medford, take OR-62 East for about 30 miles. Turn left on Takelma Drive. Visitor center will be on the right.

For more information, call the Bureau of Land Management at (541) 618-2468 or visit http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/mcgregor/

To reserve a nature walk or powerhouse tour, call (541) 878-2255 or use our contact form.

Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area
Overlooking Lost Creek Reservoir and surrounded by wildlife, large conifer trees and mountains. Hike or bike the 11-mile trail system through the forest with year-round streams and wildlife viewing. Take a swim in cool mountain water, rent a boat from the marina, or troll the 10-mile lake for trout and bass. If you prefer, bring your own boat and water skis.

Operating hours
Open March 1 through Oct. 31

Directions: From Medford, take OR-62 East towards Crater Lake/Klamath Falls for 33 miles. Park will be on the left.

For more information, call the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's general information line at (800) 551-6949 or see http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_30.php

River's Edge Park
Just downriver from William L. Jess Dam, River’s Edge Park is a perfect place to host a family get-together, summer picnic or birthday party.  The park also features a group pavilion available by reservation from Memorial Day to Labor Day; reservations for each year are accepted starting Jan. 1. Availability is first-come, first-served; no weddings are allowed.

Directions:From Medford, take Oregon State Highway 62 east for about 30 miles. Turn left on Takelma Drive and follow the signs for the project office. The park will be on the left.

To reserve a nature walk or powerhouse tour, call (541) 878-2255 or use our contact form.

William L. Jess Dam Powerhouse Tours
The Rogue River Basin Project offers tours of our working powerhouse at Jess Dam. Feel the Rogue River thunder over your head while standing on a generator creating electricity for your home. Tours are available by reservation only.

Operating hours
Available by reservation, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday

Directions:From Medford, take Oregon State Highway 62 east for about 30 miles. Turn left on Takelma Drive and follow the signs for the project office.

To reserve a powerhouse tour or nature walk, call (541) 878-2255 or use our contact form.

The boat ramp at Big Cliff Reservoir is currently closed due to low water levels.  The water level in the reservoir will be restricted until the spillway gates on the dam are repaired.  At this time, a repair schedule has not been identified.  The ramp can be used to launch small boats if they can be carried to the water.

Attention boaters: The North Santiam River is closed to all boating from Niagara Park to Packsaddle Park until about Summer 2013, due to construction of the Corps' Minto Adult Fish Collection Facility.
Do not attempt to navigate this section of the river.

Recreation facilities at Blue River are operated by the U.S. Forest Service. For more information about these locations, call the McKenzie River Ranger District Office at (541) 822-3381, or click on the links below:

Mona Campground (http://go.usa.gov/gwp)
Lookout Creek Boat Ramp and Park (http://go.usa.gov/gwd)
Saddle Dam Boat Launch (http://go.usa.gov/gww)

Update: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers implemented an alcohol ban at Cottage Grove and Dorena lakes to improve recreation quality, public and employee safety, and resource allocation and protection.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates all parks at Cottage Grove Lake.

Pine Meadows Campground:
Open: May 18 - September 10, 2012*
Developed, with 85 campsites, paved roads, flush toilets, showers, dump station, campfire rings, picnic tables, gate attendants, children's play area and a marked but unsupervised swim area. (No hookups)
Fees:

• $16 per night per site
• $6 per day, per extra vehicle

*(last night to camp is September 9, 2012)

Primitive Campground:
Open: May 25 - September 3, 2012**
Minimally-developed campground with 15 individual campsites, vault toilets, drinking water, gravel roads, picnic tables, fire rings, no hookups and no showers.
Fees:

• $12 per night, per site
• $6 per day, per extra vehicle

  (Primitive sites are reserved as Pine Meadows Campground sites A-O.)

**(last night to camp is September 2, 2012)

Day-Use Parks:
No fee for day-use areas. Cottage Grove Lake has four day-use only parks, three on the lakeshore and one on the river immediately below the dam.  All are open May 11-September 9, 2012, and are closed daily from dusk until 8:00 a.m. There are no reservable group picnic areas or shelters.

Lakeside Park is located on London Road just past the dam.  The park has paved roads and parking lots, flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.  There is a boat launch ramp with a courtesy dock located near the entrance to the park.  The boat ramp is open year-round.  There is a $3.00 fee to use the boat ramp from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Wilson Creek Park is on Reservoir Road at the southwest end of the lake, and has paved roads and parking lots, flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, a children's play area and an unsupervised swim area.  A boat launch ramp with a courtesy dock is near the park's entrance. There is a $3.00 fee to use the boat ramp from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

A $30 annual pass may be purchased at Pine Meadows Campground to cover boat ramp fees at Lakeside Park or Wilson Creek Park.

Riverside Park is on the east bank of the river, downstream from the dam. This minimally developed park has a gravel road and parking area, two picnic tables and a vault toilet.  A paved path with pull-outs suitable for wheelchairs is close enough to the river for fishing.  No drinking water available.

To make reservations, call the National Reservation Service at 1-877-444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov.
For more information, call the Willamette Valley Project Park Ranger Office at (541) 942-5631.

Recreation facilities at Cougar are operated by the U.S. Forest Service. For more information about these locations, please contact the McKenzie River Ranger office at (541) 882-3381, or click on the links below:

• Echo Day-Use Area (http://go.usa.gov/gw7)
• Slide Creek Campground (http://go.usa.gov/gwA)
• Sunnyside Campground (http://go.usa.gov/gwo)
• French Pete Campground (http://go.usa.gov/gwH)
• Delta Campground (http://go.usa.gov/gw6)

There are no Corps-operated parks at Detroit Lake, but the U.S. Forest Service and Oregon State Parks operate several recreation areas around the lake.

Forest Service Areas:
Four parks on Detroit Lake are operated by the U.S. Forest Service. For more information about these parks, please contact the Detroit Ranger Station at (503) 854-3366 or click on the links below:

• Cove Creek Campground (http://go.usa.gov/gwF)
• Hoover Campground (http://go.usa.gov/gwL)
• Piety Island Campground (http://go.usa.gov/gwM)
• South Shore Campground (http://go.usa.gov/gwz)

Oregon State Parks:
Detroit Lake State Park and Mongold day use area are operated by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. For questions, call the park office at (503) 854-3406, or the State Parks Information Center at 800-551-6949 or visit the Oregon State Parks web page at http://www.oregonstateparks.org/

Corps-operated park:
Orchard Park (day-use only):
No fees. Open May 11-Sept. 9, 2012, and closed daily from dusk until 8:00 a.m. This minimally developed park is located on the northeast end of the lake and includes a vault toilet and picnic tables. There are no reservable group picnic areas or shelters.

For more information, call the Willamette Valley Project Park Ranger Office at (541) 942-5631.

Oregon State Parks:

Dexter Park

Lowell Park

For more information, call the Oregon State Parks office at (541) 937-1173 or visit the Oregon State Parks web page at http://www.oregonstateparks.org/.

Update: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers implemented an alcohol ban at Cottage Grove and Dorena lakes to improve recreation quality, public and employee safety, and resource allocation and protection.

Notice: A private company plans to construct a powerhouse at Dorena Dam.  This project may involve heavy construction activity throughout 2012, including work at night and on weekends.  Campers at Schwarz Campground may experience light and noise disturbances. For more information, visit http://riverbankpower.com/dorena.html.

Schwarz Campground:
Open: April 27 - September 24, 2012*
Fees:

• $14 per night per site
• $6 per day, per extra vehicle
• $28 for double sites

There are also 15 group campsites available, with vault toilets, drinking water, gravel roads, picnic tables, fire rings, no hookups and no showers
Group campsite fees:

• $140 per night
• Up to 25 vehicles per group at any one time.
• Up to 15 vehicles can be camper units.

*(last night to camp is September 23, 2012)

Day-Use Parks:
No fee for day-use areas. All are open May 11-Sept. 9, 2012, and are closed daily from dusk until 8:00 a.m. There are no reservable group picnic areas or shelters.

To make reservations, call the National Reservation Service at 1-877-444-6777, or go to http://www.recreation.gov
For more information, call the Willamette Valley Project Park Ranger Office at (541) 942-5631.

Harms Park: Open year-round. This park is a minimally developed day-use area which includes a boat ramp, paved parking area, vault toilet, picnic tables and access to the Row River Trail. There is no fee for use of the boat ramp, but ramp access is limited by seasonal water levels.

Baker Bay-Stewart Park: Open May 11 - September 9, 2012. This park is located at the southeast end of the lake where the Row River enters the reservoir. It is a minimally developed day use area with gravel roads, vault toilets, and picnic tables. This park closes daily from dusk until 8 am during the recreation season.

Questions about Corps-operated parks should be directed to the Willamette Valley Park Ranger Office at 541-942-5631.

Lane County parks:
Baker Bay Park (camping and day use)
Questions about Baker Bay Park should be directed to the Lane County Parks Department Office at 541-682-2000 (located in Eugene). The Baker Bay concessionaire may be reached at 541-942-7669.

Bureau of Land Management-operated recreation:
Row River Trail
More than five miles of the Row River Trail borders Dorena Lake. The trail can be accessed near the lake at Dorena Dam, Row Point and Harms Park Trailheads. The trail begins in Cottage Grove and continues for 14 miles, with several trailheads providing multiple opportunities for short trips and shuttling options. The trail is open to hiking, biking and horseback riding. For more information, contact Eugene District Bureau of Land Management at 541-683-6600.

Corps-operated parks:
Tufti Day-Use Area: Open all year, closed daily from dusk to 8:00 a.m., no fee.
This minimally developed area includes:

• Fall Creek access
• gravel parking lot
• hiking trail
• vault toilet

For more information about this day-use area, call the Corps at (541) 942-5631.

Oregon State Parks:
There are seven parks managed by the State of Oregon. For more information, call (541) 937-1173 or visit the Oregon State Parks web page at http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_241.php.

• Cascara Campground
• Fisherman's Point Campground
• Winberry Creek Park
• North Shore Park
• Free Meadows
• Lakeside One
• Lakeside Two

Privately operated:
Sky Camp is a private resident camp for educational purposes. The caretaker can be reached at (541) 937-3355.

Corps-operated park:
Kirk Park (day-use only):
No fee for day-use area. Open May 11-Sept. 9, 2012, and closed daily from dusk until 8:00 a.m. Located below the Fern Ridge Dam off Clear Lake Road, Kirk Park provides access to the Long Tom River and ponds full of fish and wildlife. Amenities include vault toilets, paved roads, picnic tables, fire rings, trails, and a fishing dock. There are no reservable group picnic areas or shelters.

Birding:
The Fern Ridge area is an excellent location for birding. For a complete checklist of Fern Ridge birds, click here.

Lane County parks:
There are four parks on Fern Ridge Lake that are operated by Lane County:

• Richardson Park
• Orchard Point Park
• Perkins Peninsula Park
• Zumwalt Park

For more information about these parks, please contact the Linn County Parks Department at (541) 967-3917 or visit the Lane County Parks web page at http://www.lanecounty.org/departments/PW/Parks/Pages/default.aspx?p=1.

Private areas:
Several private organizations lease Corps lands for recreation purposes:

• Fern Ridge Shores (541) 935-2335
• Eugene Yacht Club
• Tri-Pass Ski Club(541) 935-1495

Corps-operated parks:
Andrew S. Wiley Park: This day-use park provides access to the South Santiam River below Foster Dam.  The park is open year-round and includes flush and chemical toilets, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and a paved boat ramp.  There is no fee for the use of this area. 

For more information, call the Willamette Valley Project Park Ranger Office at (541) 942-5631.

Linn County Parks at Foster Lake:

• Gedney Creek Park - boat ramp
• Lewis Creek Park - day-use area
• Sunnyside Park - campground and day-use area
• Calkins Ramp - boat ramp

For more information about these parks, contact the Linn County Parks Department at (541) 967-3917.

Privately-operated facilities at Foster Lake:
Shea Point: This viewpoint and day-use area is located off Highway 20 on the south side of Foster Lake.  The area includes flush toilets, interpretive displays, and a paved shoreline trail.  For more about this area, call the Edgewater RV Resort and Marina at (541) 818-0431 or see http://www.edgewateroregon.com/.

Linn County Parks at Green Peter Lake:

• Thistle Creek Boat Ramp - year-round, low-water boat ramp
• Whitcomb Creek Park - seasonal campground and boat ramp

For more about these parks, contact the Linn County Parks Department at (541) 967-3917.

Click here for the Green Peter Lake Recreation Plan.

All parks on Hills Creek Lake are operated by the U.S. Forest Service:

• Bingham Boat Ramp
• Sand Prairie Campground (http://go.usa.gov/gwJ)
• Cline - Clark Picnic Area (http://go.usa.gov/gwS)
• C.T. Beach Picnic Area (http://go.usa.gov/gfl)
• Packard Creek Campground (http://go.usa.gov/gf3)

Questions about these parks should be directed to the Middle Fork Ranger District Office in West Fir, Oregon at (541) 782-2283.

Ivan Oakes Campground:
Open: May 25 - Sept. 3, 2012*
First-come, first-serve availability.
*(last night to camp is September 2, 2012)
Fees:

• $12 per night per site
• $6 per day, per extra vehicle

Signal Point boat ramp (day-use only):
Open year-round, there is no fee to use this boat ramp, located on West Boundary Road, 4.9 miles upstream from the dam and 6.3 miles from Lowell. This area includes a paved parking lot, a vault toilet and a low-water-level paved boat ramp with a courtesy dock.

Meridian Park (day-use only):
Open daily from dusk until 8:00 a.m. This park is located at the north side of the dam on West Boundary Road. The park includes a gravel road and parking area, vault toilet, picnic tables and a boat ramp with a new courtesy dock.This ramp may be unusable in late summer depending on water levels. There are no reservable group picnic areas or shelters. There is no fee for the day-use area.

For more information, call the Willamette Valley Project Park Ranger Office at (541) 942-5631.

To make reservations, call the National Reservation Service at 1-877-444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov.