BLM provides outdoor recreation opportunities in Northwest Oregon this summer
Event Description
Eugene, Ore. — The BLM offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities near Eugene and Springfield, in addition to activities further north.
“We encourage visitors to safely enjoy public lands this season,” said Ben Watts, outdoor recreation planner for the BLM’s Northwest Oregon District. “Please plan ahead for any activity—pack water, snacks, and layers of clothing. Check the forecast, particularly when visiting the Cascade and Coast Range mountains.”
Camping: Campgrounds at Whittaker Creek, Sharps Creek, and Clay Creek remain closed for the 2025 season, but nearby Alsea Falls Recreation Site and Old Miners Meadow Group Site provide camping by reservation.
Day trips: Whittaker Creek and Sharps Creek offer day use opportunities, even while their campgrounds remain closed. Other day use opportunities include Carpenter Bypass Trail System and Shotgun Creek.
- Whittaker Creek offers the recently-improved Old Growth Ridge National Recreation Trail (2.5 miles roundtrip) and Armentrout Loop Trail (1.4 miles roundtrip). Local volunteer groups have been instrumental in maintaining these recreation opportunities. Lane County Youth Services recently worked on trail maintenance, including clearing downed trees and debris, repairing tread, and adding a retaining wall. Siuslaw High School and the Siuslaw Watershed Council assisted with trails signs, footbridge repair, and other maintenance at Whittaker Creek.
- Sharps Creek has creekside trails, a swimming hole, and a picnic area, though parking is limited.
- Carpenter Bypass Bike Trail System provides 19 miles of trails featuring significant trail twisting, with narrow turns, steep downhill stretches, and trail features such as rock gardens, jumps and berms. While the most predominant use of the trails is from mountain bikers, equestrian riders, trail runners, and hikers enjoy the trails. The trail system is exclusive to non-motorized traffic.
- Shotgun Creek Recreation Site offers picnic areas, play areas, and fishing.
Closer to Portland and Salem, Nestucca River Recreation Area offers camping by reservation. Wildwood Recreation Site, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, and Sandy Ridge Trail System offer a variety of day use recreation opportunities.
Restroom and water availability varies among the recreation areas. Search other recreation areas for hiking and mountain biking trails, picnic areas, fishing, play areas and more across Northwest Oregon this summer.
Last year, BLM recreation generated nearly $700 million in economic output and supported more than 6,000 jobs in communities across Oregon and Washington.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.