Just a mere twenty miles from the renowned Timberline Lodge while driving via U.S. 26 towards Government Camp, you’ll find the Wildwood Recreation Site, a perfect pit stop on your journey to Mt. Hood’s peak.
This is not just any rest area; Wildwood boasts of activities including hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, picnicking, geocaching, and observing nature. It’s also ADA compliant, making it a friendly destination for families with strollers or those using walkers or wheelchairs.
Our exploration of the Wildwood Recreation Site was during the spring break, capturing that perfect moment post-snow melt and pre-pollen surge.
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Nestled along the southern edge of the Salmon River, the Cascade Streamwatch Trail is an informative 3/4 mile loop path with signs educating visitors about the local history, ecology, and human impact on the river ecosystem. A standout feature of this trail is its Underwater Viewing Area, allowing guests to observe aquatic life in a small stream branching off the Salmon River.
Scattered along the trail are numerous picnic spots, each equipped with wooden tables and charcoal grills. These might be mistaken for camping sites, but overnight stays aren’t allowed. Adjacent to the Underwater Viewing Area is a pebble-strewn shoreline, ideal for leisure activities like stone skipping or wading during warmer months.
Venturing across the Salmon River on a timber bridge, you’ll come across the Wildwood Wetland Trail. This pathway, made up of crushed gravel and wooden planks, delves into the mountain wetland, offering vital observation points. Along this trail, you might come across interesting facts about the local wildlife, such as the average weight of adult beavers.
From the Wetland Trail, one can proceed to the Boulder Ridge Trail, a trek spanning 4.7 miles that takes you up Huckleberry Mountain and into the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. Unfortunately, it was off-limits during our visit due to damage from winter storms.
Under the stewardship of the Bureau of Land Management, our visit was facilitated using our annual National Parks Pass (our time here lasted approximately 90 minutes). Entrance fees depend on the group size, with additional charges for reserving picnic shelters, though annual passes are up for grabs. For a comprehensive overview, including COVID-related information, head over to the Wildwood Recreation Site’s official page: https://www.blm.gov/visit/wildwood-recreation-site
Here’s to your next adventure!
