Beginning in the Whittaker Creek Campground, the steep Old Growth Ridge Trail
ascends 750 vertical feet over a mile’s length, topping out at a peekaboo
viewpoint over the Siuslaw River. Benches and interpretive panels along the
way allow a moment to catch one’s breath. A short spur trail descends slightly
to a lightning-struck Douglas Fir tree. The unique site and setting of the Old
Growth Ridge Trail and its newer Armantrout Loop segment make it nationally
significant, earning it National Recreation Trail status.

## Know Before You Go

  * The trailhead is located between campsites 23 and 24 on the opposite side of the campground loop road.
  * Visitors can park in the campground day use parking areas. During the winter when the park is closed to access, they can park near the entrance or in the boating area opposite the campground on the river. Please do not block the gate and use caution if parking along the major haul road.
  * Trail boardwalks can be very slick when wet; use caution when traversing them.
  * The day use area and 31-site campground are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This is a first-come, first served campground opportunity.

## Point of Interest

On the return from the top, take the Armantrout Loop Trail at Alden Glen trail
junction. This 1.4-mile alternative has eight switchbacks to maintain a gentle
grade on your way back to the trailhead.

<p>Beginning in the Whittaker Creek Campground, the steep Old Growth Ridge Trail ascends 750 vertical feet over a mile’s length, topping out at a peekaboo viewpoint over the Siuslaw River. Benches and interpretive panels along the way allow a moment to catch one’s breath. A short spur trail descends slightly to a lightning-struck Douglas Fir tree. The unique site and setting of the Old Growth Ridge Trail and its newer Armantrout Loop segment make it nationally significant, earning it National Recreation Trail status.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>The trailhead is located between campsites 23 and 24 on the opposite side of the campground loop road.</li><li>Visitors can park in the campground day use parking areas. During the winter when the park is closed to access, they can park near the entrance or in the boating area opposite the campground on the river. Please do not block the gate and use caution if parking along the major haul road.</li><li>Trail boardwalks can be very slick when wet; use caution when traversing them.</li><li>The day use area and 31-site campground are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This is a first-come, first served campground opportunity.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest</h2><p>On the return from the top, take the Armantrout Loop Trail at Alden Glen trail junction. This 1.4-mile alternative has eight switchbacks to maintain a gentle grade on your way back to the trailhead. </p>

There is no fee for day-use. Camping is $10 per site and $5 for each extra
vehicle.

Verdant scene along the Old Growth Ridge Trail

Trees and ferns abound on the Old Growth Ridge Trail

View up close of a large old growth Douglas Fir tree

Old Growth Ridge National Recreation Trail

We are working towards adding this recreation site to recreation.gov for
electronic payment options with the Recreation.gov Mobile App that you must
download before you reach the site.

We are working towards adding this recreation site to <a href="http://recreation.gov/" rel="nofollow">recreation.gov</a> for electronic payment options with the <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app" rel="nofollow">Recreation.gov Mobile App</a> that you must download before you reach the site.

## Overview

**Overnight camping is closed until further notice. Day-use recreation areas
remain open for public use.**

Reserve a campsite at Clay Creek on recreation.gov or pay when you arrive for
non-reserved campsites using the Recreation.gov Mobile App. You must download
before you reach the site since there is no cell reception in the drainage.

Clay Creek Recreation Site is nestled in the Coast Range of Oregon between
Eugene and the Oregon coast at an elevation of 436-492 feet. Located at the
confluence of Clay Creek and the Siuslaw River, this recreation site offers a
wealth of activities including forest hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing,
picnicking and camping. The Springfield Office of the Northwest Oregon
District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages the Clay Creek
Recreation Site.

## Recreation

This quiet family oriented recreation site is a favorite if you enjoy
riverside camping with an interpretive trail to old-growth timber. Spacious
campsites with paved parking pads, mossy vine-maple tangles, and tall straight
firs make up this camping area. The recreation site also boasts large group
shelters available by reservation for group outings, weddings, or other
events.

The Clay Creek Trail, created in 1991 for hiking, provides access to a stand
of Douglas fir high above the campground and the Siuslaw River. The site’s
Clay Creek Trail ascends a ridge above the campground to a remnant old-growth
stand. From camp, you cross the concrete bridge on Clay Creek Road and river
to begin the hike.

## Facilities

Clay Creek offers 21 individual campsites to accommodate 32 feet of RV, truck
and trailer, or tents. Most sites contain fire ring, barbeque grill, picnic
table, and tent pad. In addition, the site contains vault toilets, a summer
swimming area with dressing rooms nearby, individual picnic sites, a
children’s play area, horseshoe pits, potable water, volleyball area (bring
your net and ball), and a ball field.

## Natural Features

Clay Creek campground and the surrounding area are home to large canopy trees
such as Douglas fir, western hemlock, red cedar, red alder and big leaf maple.
The forest understory features a host of native plants like rhododendron,
salal, various fern species, salmonberry and vine maple. On the forest floor,
oxalis, Calypso orchids and mosses compliment the scenery. A diverse variety
of bird life, from the seldom seen pileated woodpecker, northern spotted owl
and marbled murrelet to the ever-present Oregon junco, frequent this area.
Signs of larger animals, such as raccoon, mink, bear, elk, deer and beaver are
evident.

Clay Creek is part of the Siuslaw River watershed that drains water from the
Coast Range to the Pacific Ocean. The river flows broad, cloudy, and green and
calls to anglers; check current fishing regulations before casting your line.
The Siuslaw River is a salmon watch site that runs fast and cold during the
winter months, where you can observe spawning Coho and Chinook salmon in the
river’s exceptional habitat during the fall and winter.

## Nearby Attractions

Put-ins for the river downstream, along the Siuslaw River Road. No permit
required to paddle the 6.5 mile river, with Class II - III rapids.

Whittaker Creek Recreation Site

(Florence) Alder Dune Campground

(Florence) Archie Knowles Campground

(Florence) B & E Wayside Mobile and RV Park

(Cottage Grove) Baker Bay Campground

(Dorena) Baker Bay County Park

(Westfir) Bedrock Camp

## Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general
information, please call: (541) 683-6600.

## Charges & Cancellations

Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.

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

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><strong>Overnight camping is closed until further notice. Day-use recreation areas remain open for public use.</strong></p><p>Reserve a campsite at Clay Creek on recreation.gov or pay when you arrive for non-reserved campsites using the <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app" rel="nofollow">Recreation.gov Mobile App</a>. You must download before you reach the site since there is no cell reception in the drainage.  </p><p>Clay Creek Recreation Site is nestled in the Coast Range of Oregon between Eugene and the Oregon coast at an elevation of 436-492 feet. Located at the confluence of Clay Creek and the Siuslaw River, this recreation site offers a wealth of activities including forest hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, picnicking and camping. The Springfield Office of the Northwest Oregon District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages the Clay Creek Recreation Site.</p><h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>This quiet family oriented recreation site is a favorite if you enjoy riverside camping with an interpretive trail to old-growth timber.  Spacious campsites with paved parking pads, mossy vine-maple tangles, and tall straight firs make up this camping area.  The recreation site also boasts large group shelters available by reservation for group outings, weddings, or other events.</p>

<p>The Clay Creek Trail, created in 1991 for hiking, provides access to a stand of Douglas fir high above the campground and the Siuslaw River.  The site’s Clay Creek Trail ascends a ridge above the campground to a remnant old-growth stand.  From camp, you cross the concrete bridge on Clay Creek Road and river to begin the hike.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Clay Creek offers 21 individual campsites to accommodate 32 feet of RV, truck and trailer, or tents.  Most sites contain fire ring, barbeque grill, picnic table, and tent pad.  In addition, the site contains vault toilets, a summer swimming area with dressing rooms nearby, individual picnic sites, a children’s play area, horseshoe pits, potable water, volleyball area (bring your net and ball), and a ball field. </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Clay Creek campground and the surrounding area are home to large canopy trees such as Douglas fir, western hemlock, red cedar, red alder and big leaf maple.  The forest understory features a host of native plants like rhododendron, salal, various fern species, salmonberry and vine maple.  On the forest floor, oxalis, Calypso orchids and mosses compliment the scenery.  A diverse variety of bird life, from the seldom seen pileated woodpecker, northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet to the ever-present Oregon junco, frequent this area.  Signs of larger animals, such as raccoon, mink, bear, elk, deer and beaver are evident.</p>

<p>Clay Creek is part of the Siuslaw River watershed that drains water from the Coast Range to the Pacific Ocean.  The river flows broad, cloudy, and green and calls to anglers; check current fishing regulations before casting your line.  The Siuslaw River is a salmon watch site that runs fast and cold during the winter months, where you can observe spawning Coho and Chinook salmon in the river’s exceptional habitat during the fall and winter.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Put-ins for the river downstream, along the Siuslaw River Road. No permit required to paddle the 6.5 mile river, with Class II - III rapids.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273309" rel="nofollow">Whittaker Creek Recreation Site</a></p>
<p>(Florence) Alder Dune Campground</p>
<p>(Florence) Archie Knowles Campground</p>
<p>(Florence) B & E Wayside Mobile and RV Park</p>
<p>(Cottage Grove) Baker Bay Campground</p>
<p>(Dorena) Baker Bay County Park</p>
<p>(Westfir) Bedrock Camp</p>

<h2>Contact Info</h2>
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (541) 683-6600.<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>

**Campsite fee includes one vehicle per site.** Extra camping vehicle fee of
$5 each is collected at the site. Cash or check, made out to Bureau of Land
Management, is accepted. Fee envelope receipt stub must be displayed on the
dash.

a trillium flower found at Clay Creek Recreation Site

Trillium flower

Clay Creek Trail

Clay Creek

Clay Creek Shelter

one of Clay Creek's shelters to rent

Clay Creek Campground Amphitheatre.

rock play structure at Clay Creek in the rain

play structure at Clay Creek

View of dam site on the Siuslaw River

Shelter 2 is a day use shelter for rent at Clay Creek Campground

View of Siuslaw River from Amphitheatre seats.

Towering Maple Trees.

View of shelter 2 from accessibility trail.

Siuslaw River access from campground.

Amphitheatre seats.

Clay Creek Recreation Site

Overnight camping is closed until further notice. Day-use recreation areas
remain open for public use.

## Overview

**Overnight camping is closed until further notice. Day-use recreation areas
remain open for public use.**

Reserve a site at Whittaker Creek on recreation.gov or pay when you arrive for
non-reserved campsites using the Recreation.gov Mobile App. You must download
before you reach the site since there is no cell reception in the drainage.

Whittaker Creek Recreation Site is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
campground and day use area. The campground has 30 sites. Campground amenities
include vault toilets, potable water, picnic areas, a children's play area, an
Old Growth Ridge National Recreation Trail (2.5 miles), and a swimming area.

In the fall, winter, and spring, busloads of middle school students visit the
Whittaker Creek Watchable Wildlife Site to learn about spawning salmon and
trout and to assist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's breeding
program.

## Recreation

Camping, hiking, swimming, fishing in Siuslaw River, photography, hunting,
Salmon Watch, and nature study.

## Facilities

Facilities include: 30 tent only campsites (not recommended for trailers), an
accessible campsite, 2 picnic sites, accessible vault toilets, potable water
available from hand pumps, picnic tables, fire rings, swimming beach area
(June-September), horseshoe pit, Old Growth Ridge National Recreation Trail
(2.5 mile loop trail), and a camp host (June-September). Electricity and
firewood are unavailable.

## Natural Features

Besides the trail to the wildlife viewing area, you can hike the Old Growth
Ridge National Recreation Trail, which climbs 1,000 feet above the river into
the Coast Range. The 2.5-mile trail was designated in 1994 as a National
Recreation Trail due to the exceptional wildlife, geologic features, and old
growth trees that are typical of coast range ecosystems. This moderately
difficult trail winds through a stand of old growth Douglas fir and offers a
look at geologic and botanical features unique to the area.

Chinook and coho salmon, as well as steelhead trout can be observed in the
fall and winter months in the creek next to the campground.

The site also features a paved boat ramp that provides drift boat and canoe
access to the Siuslaw River. No permit required to paddle the 6.5-mile river,
with Class II - III rapids.

## Contact Info

For local information, please call (541) 683-6600 or call (503) 375-5646 for
general information.

## Nearby Attractions

  * Clay Creek Campground, is approximately 16 miles past Whittaker Creek.
  * The Oregon Coast is less than 30 miles from this recreation site.
  * (Florence) Alder Dune Campground
  * (Florence) Archie Knowles Campground
  * (Florence) B & E Wayside Mobile and RV Park
  * (Cottage Grove) Baker Bay Campground
  * (Dorena) Baker Bay County Park
  * (Westfir) Bedrock Camp
  * You can observe Chinook, and Coho salmon, as well as steelhead trout in the fall and winter months in the creek next to the campground during Salmon Watch.

## Charges & Cancellations

Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.

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

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><strong>Overnight camping is closed until further notice. Day-use recreation areas remain open for public use.</strong></p><p>Reserve a site at Whittaker Creek on recreation.gov or pay when you arrive for non-reserved campsites using the <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app" rel="nofollow">Recreation.gov Mobile App</a>. You must download before you reach the site since there is no cell reception in the drainage. </p><p>Whittaker Creek Recreation Site is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campground and day use area. The campground has 30 sites. Campground amenities include vault toilets, potable water, picnic areas, a children's play area, an Old Growth Ridge National Recreation Trail (2.5 miles), and a swimming area. </p><p>In the fall, winter, and spring, busloads of middle school students visit the Whittaker Creek Watchable Wildlife Site to learn about spawning salmon and trout and to assist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's breeding program. </p><h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Camping, hiking, swimming, fishing in Siuslaw River, photography, hunting, Salmon Watch, and nature study.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Facilities include: 30 tent only campsites (not recommended for trailers), an accessible campsite, 2 picnic sites, accessible vault toilets, potable water available from hand pumps, picnic tables, fire rings, swimming beach area (June-September), horseshoe pit, Old Growth Ridge National Recreation Trail (2.5 mile loop trail), and a camp host (June-September). Electricity and firewood are unavailable.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Besides the trail to the wildlife viewing area, you can hike the Old Growth Ridge National Recreation Trail, which climbs 1,000 feet above the river into the Coast Range.  The 2.5-mile trail was designated in 1994 as a National Recreation Trail due to the exceptional wildlife, geologic features, and old growth trees that are typical of coast range ecosystems.  This moderately difficult trail winds through a stand of old growth Douglas fir and offers a look at geologic and botanical features unique to the area.</p>

<p>Chinook and coho salmon, as well as steelhead trout can be observed in the fall and winter months in the creek next to the campground.</p>

<p>The site also features a paved boat ramp that provides drift boat and canoe access to the Siuslaw River.  No permit required to paddle the 6.5-mile river, with Class II - III rapids.</p>

<h2>Contact Info</h2>
For local information, please call (541) 683-6600 or call (503) 375-5646 for general information.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273308" rel="nofollow">Clay Creek Campground</a>, is approximately 16  miles past Whittaker Creek.</li>
<li>The Oregon Coast is less than 30 miles from this recreation site.</li>
<li>(Florence) Alder Dune Campground</li>
<li>(Florence) Archie Knowles Campground</li>
<li>(Florence) B & E Wayside Mobile and RV Park</li>
<li>(Cottage Grove) Baker Bay Campground</li>
<li>(Dorena) Baker Bay County Park</li>
<li>(Westfir) Bedrock Camp</li>
<li>You can observe Chinook, and Coho salmon, as well as steelhead trout in the fall and winter months in the creek next to the campground during Salmon Watch.</li>
</ul>
<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>

Whittaker Creek

Whittaker Creek Area

Siuslaw River 2

Day Use picnic area and gazebo.

Current Whittaker Campground bridge.

Bridge over Whittaker Creek

View from Top of Whittaker Creek dam.

Whittaker Creek Dam

ADA table in day use gazebo.

Whittaker Creek picnic gazebo

Whittaker Creek Campground road.

Siuslaw River

Siuslaw River 3

Whittaker Creek reflection.

View of Whittaker Creek from the vehicle bridge for the campground.

Whittaker Creek bridge near the seasonal dam

Access to Siuslaw River from Whittaker Campground.

Siuslaw River Access.

Foot bridge crossing Whittaker Creek.

Water falling from Whittaker Creek dam.

Day use gazebo.

Old Growth Trailhead in Whittaker Campground.

Whittaker Creek Recreation Site

See individual campground pages for fee information.

View of Siuslaw river from Whittaker Creek Campground.

Siuslaw River SRMA

The natural bedrock slide at Lake Creek Falls is very popular and ideal for a
hot summer day! A series of low cascades carved in the bedrock within a narrow
gorge create this geological wonder that spills into Triangle Lake. This is a
place that you'll want to spend the day, so be sure to take a daypack with
snacks, water, and a towel. From the parking lot, take care as your cross the
road and head down the trail to the slide and swimming area. The trail can be
wet, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes.

## Know Before You Go

  * Open year-round.
  * No alcohol.
  * Pets must be leashed (max. 6 feet).
  * No restrooms and trash bins are at the swimming and slide area.
  * Slide and swimming are about a half mile from the parking area.

## Point of Interest

Another nearby swimming area is Hult Reservoir, a 15 minute drive from Lower
Lake Creek Falls.  
  
Explore Oregon Recreation: Lake Creek Falls Recreation Site video

<p>The natural bedrock slide at Lake Creek Falls is very popular and ideal for a hot summer day! A series of low cascades carved in the bedrock within a narrow gorge create this geological wonder that spills into Triangle Lake. This is a place that you'll want to spend the day, so be sure to take a daypack with snacks, water, and a towel. From the parking lot, take care as your cross the road and head down the trail to the slide and swimming area. The trail can be wet, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Open year-round.</li><li>No alcohol.</li><li>Pets must be leashed (max. 6 feet).</li><li>No restrooms and trash bins are at the swimming and slide area.</li><li>Slide and swimming are about a half mile from the parking area.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest</h2><p>Another nearby swimming area is Hult Reservoir, a 15 minute drive from Lower Lake Creek Falls.<br><br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LofgrGmGbVU" title="Lake Creek Falls Recreation Site video" rel="nofollow">Explore Oregon Recreation: Lake Creek Falls Recreation Site video</a></p>

Contact the field office for more information about fees and permits.

Lake Creek Falls

Lower Lake Creek Falls

Vincent Creek is a small campground located along Smith River at the mouth of
Vincent Creek. Camp or picnic at the site with your family and enjoy a small
swimming hole under towering Douglas-fir trees.

## Know Before You Go

  * Open Memorial Day to September 30.
  * 5 campsites.
  * Vault restroom.
  * No drinking water available.

## Point of Interest

The old Vincent Creek Guard station, used to house wildland firefighters until
the 1990s, still stands near the campground.

<p>Vincent Creek is a small campground located along Smith River at the mouth of Vincent Creek. Camp or picnic at the site with your family and enjoy a small swimming hole under towering Douglas-fir trees.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Open Memorial Day to September 30.</li><li>5 campsites.</li><li>Vault restroom.</li><li>No drinking water available.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest</h2><p>The old Vincent Creek Guard station, used to house wildland firefighters until the 1990s, still stands near the campground.</p>

Vincent Creek Campground

Oregon’s Smith River forms in the Coast Range and flows about 50 miles west,
emptying into the Pacific Ocean just north of Reedsport, Oregon. This site
offers camping right next to the river, just above the falls. This peaceful,
old-growth forest setting provides an ideal place to picnic, wade, fish, and
watch for bald eagles.

## Know Before You Go

  * Open season: Memorial Day to September 30.
  * 10 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings; first come, first serve.
  * Universal access restrooms available.
  * Boat launch available.
  * No drinking water available.
  * No fees.

<p>Oregon’s Smith River forms in the Coast Range and flows about 50 miles west, emptying into the Pacific Ocean just north of Reedsport, Oregon. This site offers camping right next to the river, just above the falls. This peaceful, old-growth forest setting provides an ideal place to picnic, wade, fish, and watch for bald eagles.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Open season: Memorial Day to September 30.</li><li>10 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings; first come, first serve.</li><li>Universal access restrooms available.</li><li>Boat launch available.</li><li>No drinking water available.</li><li>No fees.</li></ul>

Smith River Falls

Smith River Falls Campground

Fawn Creek Campground is a primitive two site campground along the river with
a small boat ramp providing access to the confluence of Fawn Creek and Smith
River.

<p>Fawn Creek Campground is a primitive two site campground along the river with a small boat ramp providing access to the confluence of Fawn Creek and Smith River.</p>

Old Growth Ridge National Recreation Trail

Know Before You Go

Point of Interest

Directions

Stay Limit

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Siuslaw River SRMA

Lower Lake Creek Falls

Vincent Creek Campground

Smith River Falls Campground

Fawn Creek Campground