Enjoy a day of hiking and exploring along the BLM's Quartzville Back Country
Byway, or spend the day fishing, swimming, and gold panning on the serene
Quartzville River. While Yellowbottom Recreation Site is closed to camping,
Yellowbottom's swimming area, Old Miner’s Meadow Group Campground, and
dispersed camping are available within the back country byway.

## Know Before You Go

  * Recreational mining is allowed along the BLM portion of the Quartzville Back Country Byway.
  * Camping is limited to designated campsites. It is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  * Fires are limited to the steel fire rings or grills provided. Firewood collection is NOT allowed at developed campgrounds.
  * Pack it in, pack it out at non-developed campsites.

## Point of Interest:

Old Miner's Meadow offers a large 2 acre gated group reservation camping area.
Old Miner's Meadow is located on a unique stretch of the River.  
  
Quartzville Recreation Corridor and Back Country Byway Brochure

<p>Enjoy a day of hiking and exploring along the BLM's Quartzville Back Country Byway, or spend the day fishing, swimming, and gold panning on the serene Quartzville River. While <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/yellowbottom-recreation-site" title="Yellowbottom Recreation Site" rel="nofollow">Yellowbottom Recreation Site</a> is closed to camping, Yellowbottom's swimming area, <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234177" rel="nofollow">Old Miner’s Meadow Group Campground</a>, and dispersed camping are available within the back country byway.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Recreational mining is allowed along the BLM portion of the Quartzville Back Country Byway.</li><li>Camping is limited to designated campsites. It is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.</li><li>Fires are limited to the steel fire rings or grills provided. Firewood collection is NOT allowed at developed campgrounds.</li><li>Pack it in, pack it out at non-developed campsites.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest:</h2><p>Old Miner's Meadow offers a large 2 acre gated group <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/old-miners-meadow-group-use/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=75016" rel="nofollow">reservation</a> camping area. Old Miner's Meadow is located on a unique stretch of the River.<br><br><a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/nwo_quartzvillecorridor_brochure.pdf" rel="nofollow">Quartzville Recreation Corridor and Back Country Byway Brochure</a></p>

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

Quartzville Back Country Byway

Tranquility and water both flow in the wild and scenic Quartzville Creek,
where one may hike, camp, fish or simply gaze into the mesmerizing, cascading
waters. Quartzville Creek is named for the gemstone that has been mined in the
area and a ghost town that was once the center of two brief gold mining
efforts in the late 1800s.

## Know Before You Go

  * Recreational mining is allowed along the BLM portion of the Quartzville Back Country Byway.
  * Camping is limited to designated campsites. It is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  * Fires are limited to the steel fire rings or grills provided. Firewood collection is NOT allowed at developed campgrounds.
  * Pack it in; pack it out at non-developed campsites.

## Point of Interest

The Quartzville Back Country Byway parallels the winding river, offering views
of old-growth forests and wildlife, and provides easy access to developed and
undeveloped picnic and camping sites.

<p>Tranquility and water both flow in the wild and scenic Quartzville Creek, where one may hike, camp, fish or simply gaze into the mesmerizing, cascading waters. Quartzville Creek is named for the gemstone that has been mined in the area and a ghost town that was once the center of two brief gold mining efforts in the late 1800s.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Recreational mining is allowed along the BLM portion of the Quartzville Back Country Byway.</li><li>Camping is limited to designated campsites. It is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.</li><li>Fires are limited to the steel fire rings or grills provided. Firewood collection is NOT allowed at developed campgrounds.</li><li>Pack it in; pack it out at non-developed campsites.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest</h2><p>The Quartzville Back Country Byway parallels the winding river, offering views of old-growth forests and wildlife, and provides easy access to developed and undeveloped picnic and camping sites.</p>

## Overview

**Yellowbottom Recreation Site is closed to camping indefinitely.** Visitor
safety is our top priority. The nearby Old Miner's Meadow group campsite can
be reserved on **recreation.gov**. Other camping may be available in
surrounding national forest and county areas. Yellowbottom day use area
remains open for use.

## Recreation

Yellowbottom offers a one-mile hiking trail, access to Quartzville Creek Wild
and Scenic River, and a take off point to explore nearby recreation trails.

## Facilities

This small campground contains campsites to accommodate single campsites for
tents or small trailers. Not recommended for large RVs or trailers due to the
one lane site road and tight turning radius.

## Natural Features

Yellowbottom offers a beautiful swimming hole and a one-mile trail that will
lead to old-growth trees. Discover a landscape of old-growth and maturing
forests, accented by rock outcropping, wildflowers and vivid fall colors.

## Nearby Attractions

Multiple Forest Service trails into the Middle Santiam Wilderness

Drive the Quartzville National Back Country Byway, past the emerald depths of
Green Peter Reservoir and along the meandering waters of the Wild and Scenic
Quartzville Creek. Enjoy a day of hiking and exploring, or spend the day
fishing, swimming, and gold panning on the serene Quartzville River.

## 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>Yellowbottom Recreation Site is closed to camping indefinitely.</strong> Visitor safety is our top priority. The nearby Old Miner's Meadow group campsite can be reserved on <a href="http://recreation.gov" rel="nofollow"><strong>recreation.gov</strong></a>. Other camping may be available in surrounding national forest and county areas. Yellowbottom day use area remains open for use.</p><h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Yellowbottom offers a one-mile hiking trail, access to Quartzville Creek Wild and Scenic River, and a take off point to explore nearby recreation trails.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>This small campground contains campsites to accommodate single campsites for tents or small trailers. Not recommended for large RVs or trailers due to the one lane site road and tight turning radius.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Yellowbottom offers a beautiful swimming hole and a one-mile trail that will lead to old-growth trees.  Discover a landscape of old-growth and maturing forests, accented by rock outcropping, wildflowers and vivid fall colors.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Multiple Forest Service trails into the Middle Santiam Wilderness</p>
<p>Drive the Quartzville National Back Country Byway, past the emerald depths of Green Peter Reservoir and along the meandering waters of the Wild and Scenic Quartzville Creek. Enjoy a day of hiking and exploring, or spend the day fishing, swimming, and gold panning on the serene Quartzville River.</p>
<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.

Trail to Quartzville Creek at Yellowbottom Recreation Site

Loop road at Yellowbottom Recreation Site

Campsite at Yellowbottom Recreation Site

campsite 22 in Yellowbottom Campground

Yellowbottom campground vault toilet #2 located near campsite 16

vault toilet #2 located near campsite 16 in Yellowbottom Campground

Yellowbottom Campground wood shed and info sign

woodshed and info sign in Yellowbottom

fee station in Yellowbottom Campground

portal sign at Yellowbottom Campground

Yellowbottom Campground vault toilet #1 located behind fee station

vault toilet #1 located behind fee station in Yellowbottom Campground

camp host site in Yellowbottom Campground

Yellowbottom Recreation Site

Quartzville Creek Wild and Scenic River

Fishing on the Quartzville Creek Wild and Scenic River

Relaxing on the Quartzville Creek Wild and Scenic River

View of Quartzville Creek Wild and Scenic River

Recreational Mining on the Quartzville Creek Wild and Scenic River

Located in the beautiful Willamette Valley on the Middle Santiam River, Green
Peter Lake provides boating, swimming and picnicking opportunities. The Green
Peter Dam and Lake provides flood control, irrigation, power generation,
recreation and improved navigation downstream.

Located in the beautiful Willamette Valley on the Middle Santiam River, Green Peter Lake provides boating, swimming and picnicking opportunities.  The Green Peter Dam and Lake provides flood control, irrigation, power generation, recreation and improved navigation downstream.

Aerial view of Green Peter Dam and Lake

Green Peter aerial view

River channel through treed valley

Green Peter Lake

Recreational opportunities around Lake Celilo include picnicking, boat launch
and mooring, camping, swimming, water skiing, sail boarding, fishing, hiking
and wildlife observation.

Recreational opportunities around Lake Celilo include picnicking, boat launch and mooring, camping, swimming, water skiing, sail boarding, fishing, hiking and wildlife observation.

Detroit Lake dam aerial view

Boats on Detroit Lake with mountain background

boats on the lake in mountain setting

Detroit Lake

## Overview:

Surrounded by the tranquility of the North Santiam River, Fishermen's Bend has
something for everyone. This full-service campground offers hot showers, fire
pits, picnic tables, and water and electricity hook-ups for RV's. Come make
lifelong memories hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, playing basketball,
volleyball, and horseshoes. Fishermen's Bend is a family friendly park!

## Know Before You Go:

  * Camping is by reservations only

<h2>Overview:</h2>

<p>Surrounded by the tranquility of the North Santiam River, Fishermen's Bend has something for everyone. This full-service campground offers hot showers, fire pits, picnic tables, and water and electricity hook-ups for RV's. Come make lifelong memories hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, playing basketball, volleyball, and horseshoes. Fishermen's Bend is a family friendly park!</p>

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

<ul>
	<li>Camping is by reservations only</li>
</ul>

## Overview

**Fishermen's Bend Recreation Site has limited day use open. No camping or
dump station is available.**

$5 passenger vehicle (up to 9), $10 non-commercial vans (10-19 passengers),
$20 non-commercial bus (over 19 passengers), $30 Northwest Oregon District
Annual Day Pass for passengers vehicles only, America the Beautiful
Interagency Passes and Golden passes are also acceptable for day-use fees

Cottonwoods Shelter rental $110 per day, does not include vehicle day-use fees

## Recreation

**Day use only until further notice. Expanded opened area includes River Loop
only.**

  * Group picnic shelter, Cottonwoods, is reservable
  * 7 first come-first serve individual picnic sites
  * some hiking trails around River Loop and to the fishing overlook
  * boat launch
  * river access

## Facilities

porta potties, picnic sites with picnic table, parking, and barbecue grill,
hiking trails, boat ramp, camp host, fishing overlook

## Natural Features

-

## Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (503) 375-5646.

## Nearby Attractions

North Santiam State Park is next door, with more great water and hiking
opportunities.  
  
Scenic John Neal Memorial County Park is less than 15 minutes away.  
  
Silver Falls State Park is 45 minutes from Fishermen's Bend, with 10 majestic
waterfalls, ranging from the grand 177' South Falls, to the delicate 27' Drake
Falls.

## 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>Fishermen's Bend Recreation Site has limited day use open. No camping or dump station is available.</strong> </p>

<p>$5 passenger vehicle (up to 9), $10 non-commercial vans (10-19 passengers), $20 non-commercial bus (over 19 passengers), $30 Northwest Oregon District Annual Day Pass for passengers vehicles only, America the Beautiful Interagency Passes and Golden passes are also acceptable for day-use fees</p>

<p>Cottonwoods Shelter rental $110 per day, does not include vehicle day-use fees</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p><strong>Day use only until further notice. Expanded opened area includes River Loop only.</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Group picnic shelter, Cottonwoods, is reservable</li>
<li>7 first come-first serve individual picnic sites</li>
<li>some hiking trails around River Loop and to the fishing overlook</li>
<li>boat launch</li>
<li>river access</li>
</ul>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>porta potties, picnic sites with picnic table, parking, and barbecue grill, hiking trails, boat ramp, camp host, fishing overlook</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>-</p>

<h2>Contact Info</h2>
For facility specific information, please call (503) 375-5646.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
North Santiam State Park is next door, with more great water and hiking opportunities. <br/><br/>
Scenic John Neal Memorial County Park is less than 15 minutes away. <br/><br/>
Silver Falls State Park is 45 minutes from Fishermen's Bend, with 10 majestic waterfalls, ranging from the grand 177' South Falls, to the delicate 27' Drake Falls. <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>

Day-use fees can be paid onsite, on Recreation.gov's Fishermen's Bend Day Y$5
passenger vehicle (up to 9), $10 non-commercial vans (10-19 passengers), $20
non-commercial bus (over 19 passengers), $30 Northwest Oregon District Annual
Day Pass for passengers vehicles only, America the Beautiful Interagency
Passes and Golden passes are also acceptable for day-use fees

Cottonwoods Shelter rental $110 per day, does not include vehicle day-use fees

North Santiam River at Fishermen's Bend Recreation Site

Entrance sign for Fishermen's Bend Recreation Site

trail at Fishermen's Bend

one of the cabins at Fishermen's Bend

river trail at Fishermen's Bend

activities at Fishermen's Bend

firewood for sale

North Santiam River at Fishermen's Bend

Fishermen's Bend Recreation Site wooden map

Cottonwood shelter BBQ grill

Fishermens Bend

## Overview

Old Miner's Meadow is a two-acre, fenced-in group use area, located in an open
meadow surrounded by forests along the Quartzville Creek National Wild and
Scenic River and upstream from the Green Peter Reservoir. It is available by
reservation only.  
  
The area is popular for gold panning, fishing, scenic touring and kayaking.
Weekends tend to be busy, so campers should book early.  
  
Summer weather is comfortable, but can be cool. Visitors should come prepared
for lower temperatures at night.

## Recreation

The creek is popular for gold panning and kayaking, while the reservoir offers
great fishing, swimming, sailing and water skiing. Within a short drive along
the creek, campers can find deep pools, waterfalls and swimming areas.
Visitors can also drive the Quartzville National Back Country Byway, which
meanders along the creek, two lakes and scenic mountain views. There are
hiking trails in the nearby national forests.

## Facilities

**Maximum of 50 people per reservation.**

This facility consists of one large group area with no designated campsites.
Site amenities include picnic tables, individual campfire rings, a group
campfire ring and grill, trash collection, vault toilets and horseshoe pits.  
  
The toilets for the site are available to campers on private land just outside
the site fence boundary. Groups are required to bring their own drinking water
and firewood.

## Natural Features

The section of Quartzville Creek adjacent to the campground is registered as a
National Wild and Scenic River for its recreation and resource opportunities.
The nearby Green Peter Reservoir has emerald-colored waters, mountain views
and plenty of space for water activities.  
  
Though some areas of the surrounding forests have been logged, groves of old
growth trees are a short drive away from the campground. This facility is in a
meadow dotted with trees, and has both shaded and sunny sites. Though campers
may not see them in the campground, elk frequent the area.

## Nearby Attractions

Campers can visit the East Linn Museum in the town of Sweet Home to learn
about the history of the area. The campground is also adjacent to the
Willamette National Forest, which stretches for 110 miles along the western
slopes of the Cascade Range in western Oregon.  
  
Willamette National Forest

## Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general
information, please call: (503) 375-5646.

## Charges & Cancellations

Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.

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

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Old Miner's Meadow is a two-acre, fenced-in group use area, located in an open meadow surrounded by forests along the Quartzville Creek National Wild and Scenic River and upstream from the Green Peter Reservoir. It is available by reservation only.<br><br>The area is popular for gold panning, fishing, scenic touring and kayaking. Weekends tend to be busy, so campers should book early.<br><br>Summer weather is comfortable, but can be cool. Visitors should come prepared for lower temperatures at night.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
The creek is popular for gold panning and kayaking, while the reservoir offers great fishing, swimming, sailing and water skiing. Within a short drive along the creek, campers can find deep pools, waterfalls and swimming areas. Visitors can also drive the Quartzville National Back Country Byway, which meanders along the creek, two lakes and scenic mountain views. There are hiking trails in the nearby national forests.<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p><strong>Maximum of 50 people per reservation.</strong> </p>
<p>This facility consists of one large group area with no designated campsites. Site amenities include picnic tables, individual campfire rings, a group campfire ring and grill, trash collection, vault toilets and horseshoe pits. <br><br>The toilets for the site are available to campers on private land just outside the site fence boundary. Groups are required to bring their own drinking water and firewood.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The section of Quartzville Creek adjacent to the campground is registered as a National Wild and Scenic River for its recreation and resource opportunities. The nearby Green Peter Reservoir has emerald-colored waters, mountain views and plenty of space for water activities. <br><br>
Though some areas of the surrounding forests have been logged, groves of old growth trees are a short drive away from the campground. This facility is in a meadow dotted with trees, and has both shaded and sunny sites. Though campers may not see them in the campground, elk frequent the area.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Campers can visit the East Linn Museum in the town of Sweet Home to learn about the history of the area. The campground is also adjacent to the Willamette National Forest, which stretches for 110 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade Range in western Oregon. 
<br><br>
<a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette" rel="nofollow">Willamette National Forest</a>
<h2>Contact Info</h2>
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (503) 375-5646.<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>

Campground fee of $100 per night up to 50 people. Each additional person is
$2.00 per night. Additional service fees apply and are non-refundable.

Old Miner's Meadow Group Campground portal sign

portal sign at Old Miner's Meadow Group Campground

gate and driveway at Old Miner's Meadow

Old Miner's Meadow Group Use Area

Fishermen's Bend

Fishermen's Bend Recreation Area

Located in the beautiful Willamette Valley on the South Santiam River, Foster
Lake provides boating, swimming and picnicking opportunities. The Foster Dam
and Lake regulates the flow from the nearby Green Peter dam. The dam provides
flood control, irrigation, power generation, recreation and improved
navigation downstream.

Located in the beautiful Willamette Valley on the South Santiam River, Foster Lake provides boating, swimming and picnicking opportunities.  The Foster Dam and Lake regulates the flow from the nearby Green Peter dam.  The dam provides flood control, irrigation, power generation, recreation and improved navigation downstream.

Aerial view of Foster Lake and Dam

kid holding a newly-caught fish

Foster Lake and dam aerial view

Foster Lake

Elkhorn Creek is a unique, pristine, low-elevation setting, with limited
access, providing a landscape with few signs of human disturbance or activity.
It flows through the heavily forested and rugged foothills of the west side of
the Cascade Range and within the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area, which is
known for its majestic old-growth forests. The "wild" section flows from a
point along the Willamette National Forest to 0.6 mile downstream of its
confluence with Buck Creek.

## Know Before You Go

  * Elkhorn Creek has limited and difficult access. The segment is much valued by the kayaking community, some of whom have been known to lower themselves and their gear down a thousand foot cliff face. Once there, they enjoy a canyon of spectacular beauty and isolation.
  * There are no developed recreation sites along Elkhorn Creek itself; however, Nearby BLM’s seasonally-opened Elkhorn Valley and Canyon Creek recreation sites offer camping and picnicking, respectively. This waterway abuts the Forest Service’s Opal Creek Scenic Area, and is close to the Opal Creek wilderness further up the Little North Santiam River.
  * When recreating on public lands, practice Leave-No-Trace Principles.
  * 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

Elkhorn Creek is home to Pacific giant salamanders which can grow up to 12
inches in length.

<p>Elkhorn Creek is a unique, pristine, low-elevation setting, with limited access, providing a landscape with few signs of human disturbance or activity. It flows through the heavily forested and rugged foothills of the west side of the Cascade Range and within the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area, which is known for its majestic old-growth forests. The "wild" section flows from a point along the Willamette National Forest to 0.6 mile downstream of its confluence with Buck Creek.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Elkhorn Creek has limited and difficult access. The segment is much valued by the kayaking community, some of whom have been known to lower themselves and their gear down a thousand foot cliff face. Once there, they enjoy a canyon of spectacular beauty and isolation.</li><li>There are no developed recreation sites along Elkhorn Creek itself; however, Nearby BLM’s seasonally-opened Elkhorn Valley and Canyon Creek recreation sites offer camping and picnicking, respectively. This waterway abuts the Forest Service’s Opal Creek Scenic Area, and is close to the Opal Creek wilderness further up the Little North Santiam River.</li><li>When recreating on public lands, practice Leave-No-Trace Principles.</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><p>Elkhorn Creek is home to Pacific giant salamanders which can grow up to 12 inches in length.</p>

Quartzville Back Country Byway

Know Before You Go

Point of Interest:

Directions

Stay Limit

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Quartzville Creek Wild and Scenic River

Green Peter Lake

Detroit Lake

Fishermen's Bend Recreation Area

Foster Lake

Elkhorn Creek Wild and Scenic River