Willamette National Forest McKenzie/Blue River District

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 









 THE MCKENZIE River RANGER DISTRICT extends from just east of Blue River on Hwy. 126 to the top of the Santiam Pass off Hwy. 20. The Forest Service office for this area is located a couple miles east of the town of McKenzie Bridge a about a 1,800 foot altitude. It includes three distinct sections and different types of camping. The first section is called the South Fork Area and includes campgrounds on the Blue River Reservoir, the Cougar Reservoir, and on the south fork of the McKenzie River just above the Cougar Reservoir. The reservoirs provide good boating and fishing opportunities and the river sites are quieter and more secluded. These campgrounds are at the lowest altitude and on an average are about an hour away from the Eugene/Springfield area. Hoodoo's Patio RV Park is located between this area the those campgrounds a little higher up. Patio is available for showers, laundry, and an RV dump.

           The next area is at a slightly higher altitude as you travel to the summit of the Cascades on Hwy. 126. These campgrounds are located in the McKenzie River Area and offer beautiful scenery, a championship golf course (Tokatee located near McKenzie Bridge), and a trail that hikers and bikers follow along the river. Those who take either the long trip or short side trips are likely to see gorgeous water falls, rapids, and rafters and kayakers as they go by. 

           Finally, as you head to the top of the Cascade Mountains from the Willamette Valley, you come to the Santiam Pass Area grouping of campgrounds. Two of the campgrounds in this area are extremely popular and are located on pristine lakes. This area often opens later than the others due to snow levels. Normal opening dates range from late May to mid July. Be sure to check this season's opening and closing dates for the camp area. We will try to update the web page if these dates change for some reason. Showers and clean bathrooms are available 24 x 7 at Hoodoo ski lodge near the Cascade Summit off Hwy 20. Enter at the main door. A campers store will be open the week before Memorial Day weekend and will remain open from 9 to 4 7 days a week through Labor Day. 

         The McKenzie Bridge/Blue River District is classic Oregon Cascades, towering Douglas Fir trees mixed with Big Leaf Maples, Vine Maples and Oregon Grape. Plus a lot more. The area receives a lot of rain during the spring, fall and winter, but the summers (July through September) are normally dry. The trees provide relief from the summer heat and the nearby rivers and lakes are a fisherman's delight. There are great hikes to take everywhere, but if your hike is long take a compass and a map because the woods are thick. After a while it is hard to get your bearings. There are, however, easy marked trails close to many of the campgrounds.