Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge is the largest and most intact wapato and
rush marsh remaining on the lower Columbia River and was established in 1990
to preserve biodiversity. Franz and Arthur lakes provide critical habitat for
wintering tundra swans and other waterfowl. Several springs and seeps on the
refuge have been identified as important brood and rearing areas for juvenile
salmon.

Staff and partners work to maintain and monitor these rare wetland and
forested habitats. Knowledge gained through this research will contribute to
the understanding to how the lower Columbia River floodplain can be managed.
In keeping with this research and monitoring emphasis, human disturbance is
kept to a minimum.

<p>Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge is the largest and most intact wapato and rush marsh remaining on the lower Columbia River and was established in 1990 to preserve biodiversity. Franz and Arthur lakes provide critical habitat for wintering tundra swans and other waterfowl. Several springs and seeps on the refuge have been identified as important brood and rearing areas for juvenile salmon. </p><p>Staff and partners work to maintain and monitor these rare wetland and forested habitats. Knowledge gained through this research will contribute to the understanding to how the lower Columbia River floodplain can be managed. In keeping with this research and monitoring emphasis, human disturbance is kept to a minimum. </p>

Bird's eye view of the park

Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Pierce NWR was established in 1983 to provide habitat for waterfowl,
particularly Canada geese. The habitats of the Refuge include wetlands,
grasslands, forests and streams.

Staff and partners strive to study, restore and monitor these habitats and
species to ensure their long term success. In keeping with this research and
monitoring emphasis, human disturbance is kept to a minimum.

<p>Pierce NWR was established in 1983 to provide habitat for waterfowl, particularly Canada geese. The habitats of the Refuge include wetlands, grasslands, forests and streams.</p><p>Staff and partners strive to study, restore and monitor these habitats and species to ensure their long term success. In keeping with this research and monitoring emphasis, human disturbance is kept to a minimum. </p>

Pierce National Wildlife Refuge

Located in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area 40 miles east of Portland,
Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, Bonneville Lock and Dam spans the Columbia
and links the two states. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates and
maintains Bonneville Lock and Dam for hydropower production, fish and wildlife
protection, recreation and navigation. Since 1938, Bonneville Dam has supplied
the region with inexpensive electrical power. Visitors can experience first-
hand the operation of two hydroelectric powerhouses and watch migrating fish
traveling upstream at the underwater viewing rooms next to the fish ladders.

Located in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area 40 miles east of Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, Bonneville Lock and Dam spans the Columbia and links the two states.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains Bonneville Lock and Dam for hydropower production, fish and wildlife protection, recreation and navigation. Since 1938, Bonneville Dam has supplied the region with inexpensive electrical power. Visitors can experience first-hand the operation of two hydroelectric powerhouses and watch migrating fish traveling upstream at the underwater viewing rooms next to the fish ladders.

Bonneville Lock and Dam

Steigerwald Lake NWR was established in 1987 to offset lowland habitat loss
caused by construction at the Bonneville dam. These lands were established to
reduce the impact of this loss and provide more habitat for migrating and
resident wildlife. Since then smaller pieces of land have been added to create
what is now Steigerwald Lake NWR.

Staff and partners strive to work with the community to restore and conserve
Oregon oak woodlands, pastures and wetland habitats. These lands support
salmonids, wintering geese, ducks and other wildlife that thrive in tandem
with the River and the communities that surround them.

<p>Steigerwald Lake NWR was established in 1987 to offset lowland habitat loss caused by construction at the Bonneville dam. These lands were established to reduce the impact of this loss and provide more habitat for migrating and resident wildlife. Since then smaller pieces of land have been added to create what is now Steigerwald Lake NWR. </p><p>Staff and partners strive to work with the community to restore and conserve Oregon oak woodlands, pastures and wetland habitats. These lands support salmonids, wintering geese, ducks and other wildlife that thrive in tandem with the River and the communities that surround them. </p>

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge

## Overview:

The Sandy River originates in the high glaciers of Mt. Hood, the most
prominent peak in Oregon's Cascade Mountains. Riverside trails offer
spectacular scenery, easily observed geologic features, unique plant
communities and a variety of recreational opportunities. Just outside
Portland, the lower reaches of the Sandy River flows through a deep, winding,
forested gorge known for its anadromous fish runs, botanical diversity,
recreational boating and beautiful parks.  
The U.S. Forest Service administers the initial 12.4-mile segment, and the
Bureau of Land Management manages the lower 12.5-mile section between Dodge
Park and Dabney Park.

## Know Before You Go:

  * See the Wild and Scenic Sandy River from Oxbow Park near Gresham, Oregon. On land leased from the Bureau of Land Management, the park offers a wide array of water and land-based recreation opportunities. 
  * The Sandy Ridge Trail System provides new trail opportunities specifically designed for mountain bikers in the foothills of the Cascade Range. Located on a ridge just west of Mount Hood and above the Sandy River, the trail system winds through a typical Western Oregon forest of Douglas-fir, western hemlock, western red cedar, and various hardwood species. 
  * 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 camping destination. 

## Point of Interest:

The lower Sandy River provides an outstanding sport fishery and exceptional
recreation opportunities for nature study, day-use activities and non-
motorized boating or floating. Its proximity to Portland and its near-pristine
condition combine to make it a unique recreational resource within the region.

<h2>Overview:</h2>The Sandy River originates in the high glaciers of Mt. Hood, the most prominent peak in Oregon's Cascade Mountains. Riverside trails offer spectacular scenery, easily observed geologic features, unique plant communities and a variety of recreational opportunities. Just outside Portland, the lower reaches of the Sandy River flows through a deep, winding, forested gorge known for its anadromous fish runs, botanical diversity, recreational boating and beautiful parks.<br>
The U.S. Forest Service administers the initial 12.4-mile segment, and the Bureau of Land Management manages the lower 12.5-mile section between Dodge Park and Dabney Park.



<h2>Know Before You Go:</h2>
<ul><li> 
See the Wild and Scenic Sandy River from Oxbow Park near Gresham, Oregon. On land leased from the Bureau of Land Management, the park offers a wide array of water and land-based recreation opportunities.


</li><li>
The Sandy Ridge Trail System provides new trail opportunities specifically designed for mountain bikers in the foothills of the Cascade Range. Located on a ridge just west of Mount Hood and above the Sandy River, the trail system winds through a typical Western Oregon forest of Douglas-fir, western hemlock, western red cedar, and various hardwood species.
</li><li>
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 camping destination.
</li></ul>

<h2>Point of Interest:</h2>
The lower Sandy River provides an outstanding sport fishery and exceptional recreation opportunities for nature study, day-use activities and non-motorized boating or floating. Its proximity to Portland and its near-pristine condition combine to make it a unique recreational resource within the region.

Sandy 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.

<h2>Overview:</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>Know Before You Go:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>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.</li>
	<li>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.</li>
	<li>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.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Point of Interest:</h2>

<p>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.<br/>
 </p>

## Overview

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, or 8 PM whichever is closer, 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

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.

## 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.

## contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (503) 622-3696.

## 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.

## Charges & Cancellations

Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.

Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more
information.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>Park passes are only available for purchase online for printing (<a href="https://www.recreation.gov/activitypass/76480a65-dd8d-11ea-9a16-669b13170d67" rel="nofollow"><strong>Wildwood Recreation Site Day Pass</strong></a>) or onsite at the automated fee machine (AFM), located next to the park’s entrance station. <strong>Credit cards only</strong>; 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, or 8 PM whichever is closer, 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.  </p>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>This <strong>year round day-use area</strong> 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.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
Hiking and wandering the boardwalks at Wildwood is the best way to experience the park. <br><br>
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.<br><br>
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. <br><br>
Visitors also enjoy swimming and fishing in the cool, clear waters of the Salmon River. <h2>Facilities</h2>
Hiking and wandering the boardwalks at Wildwood is the best way to experience the park. <br><br>
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.<br><br>
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. <br><br>
Visitors also enjoy swimming and fishing in the cool, clear waters of the Salmon River. <h2>Natural Features</h2>
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.
<h2>contact_info</h2>
For facility specific information, please call (503) 622-3696.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Mount Hood National Forest offers many recreational activities, including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, camping, backpacking, and skiing, among others.

Sandy Ridge Mountain Bike Trails.<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
<p>Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.</p>
<p>Visit <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies" rel="nofollow">https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies</a> for more information.</p>

* A daily vehicle fee is not included with shelter reservations. Fees vary from $5 (under 9 people), $10 van (over 10 people) and $20 bus (over 20 people). An electronic fee machine is onsite to accept credit card payments. or you can purchase before you leave your house at Wildwood Recreation Site Day Pass.
  * Alternatively, you may use the BLM Northwest Oregon District Annual Pass, Interagency Passes, and Golden Passes in place of the daily vehicle fee. Display those passes on the dash or hang from the rearview mirror.

Direction signage for Wildwood Recreation Site

Wildwood Recreation Site directions

Snow bear at Wildwood Recreation Site 2022

Wildwood snow bear

one of the trails at Wildwood Recreation Site

Snow person at Wildwood Recreation Site 2022

Wildwood snow play

sculpture of salmon at Wildwood Recreation Site

Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Pierce National Wildlife Refuge

Bonneville Lock and Dam

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Sandy Wild and Scenic River

Salmon Wild and Scenic River