Home | Online Resources | UB Catalog | Campus Libraries | About UB Libraries | Forms | Search | Help
View PDF
Version
Return to Index
Bureau of Land Management
Salem District
BLM: Oregon
Wildwood Recreation Site
[image:]
WELCOME TO WILDWOOD
Wildwood is a day-use recreation site located just east of milepost 39, off U.S. Highway 26. Nearly 600 acres in size, Wildwood is nestled in the forested foothills of the Cascades along the Salmon National Wild and Scenic River. Wildwood is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and offers family and group picnic facilities, ball fields and a play area. The park also features miles of trails, including the accessible Cascade Streamwatch Interpretive Trail and the Wildwood Wetland Boardwalk Trail. Visitors can also access the Salmon Huckleberry Wilderness from the Boulder Ridge Trailhead located in the park.
AREA HISTORY
In the 1840's, weary Barlow Road emigrants passed through the region from the east, on the last leg of their journey along the Oregon Trail. Although trail diary entries do not specifically refer to this area, many pioneers rested in the vicinity after they had traveled more than 1,800 miles and descended the difficult Cascade Mountain Range. Today visitors are still comforted by the tranquil forests and the lulling sounds of the nearby Salmon River.
U.S. Highway 26 was built in 1914, allowing easy access to this richly forested area. On the present site of Wildwood, Bell Lumber Company built a mill, boiler and bunkhouses. Streams were diverted to make holding ponds for the timber. The mill burned down in 1932, was rebuilt and then only operated for another year. The buildings were torn down and the land was later reclaimed. Visitors can still see the remains of the logging mill as they walk along the Old Mill Nature Trail.
[image: bridge over a stream with a mountain in the background]
WILDWOOD
PICNICKING
Single Family Picnic Sites
A paved loop trail system leads to quiet and secluded picnic sites near the Salmon River in the Family Picnic Area (see map). Sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. All sites have picnic tables and most have a barbecue or a fire pit. Many of the sites are accessible.
GROUP RENTAL FACILITIES
Group Picnic Shelters and Kitchens
Group Picnic Shelters: Wildwood has two large picnic shelters (200 person capacity), located in the Group Picnic Area. Each are equipped with picnic tables, hot plate units, barbecues, fireplaces, and sinks. Half shelters are available for groups of less than 100 people.
The smaller Salmon River group shelter (no hot plate units) is available in the Family Picnic Area for groups of 50 people or less. Educational school groups can reserve this shelter free of charge by contacting the Salem District Office, rather than Reservations Northwest.
Group Picnic Kitchens: The two unroofed, patio style picnic kitchens (65 person capacity) are located in the Group Picnic Area and are equipped with picnic tables, electricity, sinks and a hot plate.
Athletic Fields and Playground
Athletic Fields: Groups that have reserved a picnic shelter or kitchen have priority use of softball diamonds, volleyball pits, basketball courts and horseshoe pits. Other visitors may use the athletic fields when they are not reserved by groups.
Playground: Located in the Group Picnic Area, the playground is open to all visitors and offers a play structure, jungle-gym, slides and swings. Children must be supervised by an adult at all
times.
PARK SEASON
The park is open from May to October from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Walk-in visitors are welcome during the closed season.
DAILY VEHICLE FEE
A daily $3.00 vehicle parking fee is required. Annual passes can be obtained from park staff or the Salem District Office for $10.00.
GROUP FACILITY RESERVATIONS
Group facilities can be reserved up to 11 months in advance by contacting:
Reservations Northwest: I-888-242-4256
Note: A daily vehicle parking permit is still required for the vehicles of visitors using group facilities.
NEED HELP: BLM Staff patrol Wildwood regularly and should be notified of an emergency.
Fishing
The Salmon River has several species of anadromous fish (fish that are born in freshwater, go to the ocean to grow, and then return to freshwater to spawn) including wild salmon and steelhead. While the Salmon River has historically been recognized for its outstanding fishery, due to declining anadromous fish populations, the Salmon River is currently closed to all salmon and steelhead angling. Trout angling for resident cutthroat and rainbow trout is open from May 27 to October 31, but is limited to catch-and-release, using only artificial flies and lures. Please consult the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet for further information about handling and releasing live fish and other angling regulations.
[image: drawing of a sportsman netting a caught fish]
Wildlife
Wildwood contains a variety of habitats including marshes, wetlands, beaver ponds, streams, riverbanks and forests. Many visitors come to observe the inhabitants of Wildwood. Waterfowl, birds, beavers, blacktail deer, raccoons, rabbits, snakes and salamanders can often be seen by the careful and quiet observer.
[image: drawing of a beaver]
[image: drawing of a bird perched on a flower]
Photography
Bring your camera! Spring flowers, forest vegetation and wildlife are favorites of photographers and artists alike! Amateurs and professionals are attracted to Wildwood because it offers a unique and beautiful setting among the foothills of Mt. Hood.
[image: map of Wildwood Recreation Site]
Bicycle Riding
[image: drawing of bicyclist]
Bicycle riding is allowed on the paved roads and trails. Bicycles are not allowed on the Cascade Streamwatch Trail, the Wildwood Wetland Trail, or on unpaved forest trails. Please follow the guidelines below:
Wading and Swimming
During the spring and summer months, the river is a refreshing, cool and inviting place to wade or swim.
Be aware that water conditions such as temperature, flow levels, currents and exposed rocks may change daily creating hazards for swimmers. Do not dive from the shore or bridge. There are no designated swimming areas or lifeguards.
Please supervise members of your group, especially children, who choose to swim or wade.
Salmon Wild and Scenic River
The Salmon River is a very special river that has been nationally recognized for its outstanding anadromous fish runs, scenery and recreation opportunities. The 33-mile Salmon River is the only river in the lower 48 states protected as a National Wild and Scenic River for its entire length, from its headwaters on Mt. Hood to its confluence with the Sandy River, near Brightwood.
The Salmon River is cooperatively managed by the Salem District of the BLM and the Mt. Hood National Forest.
TRAILS
Footpaths
Unpaved narrow paths wind through the forest to the Salmon River and along the Old Mill Nature Trail (see map). Trails range from 1/2 to 1 1/2 miles in length. The terrain is easy to moderate, with minimal obstacles along the path, however these trails do not have firm accessible surfaces, grades or bridges.
Wildwood Wetland Trail
The Wildwood Wetland Trail consists of a one-mile loop of gravel and paved foot paths, a bridge crossing the Salmon River and an elevated boardwalk trail system. Observation decks extend out from the boardwalk, into the wetland at several locations. Interpretive signs describe wetland wildlife and habitat.
Cascade Streamwatch Trail
A paved, 3/4-mile loop trail parallels the Salmon River. You will find numerous interpretive displays, signs and models focusing on watershed and fisheries along this trail. The highlight is a stream profile viewing chamber where you can see a "fish eye view" of a stream.
Barrier-Free Accessible Trails
Approximately 2 1/2 miles of paved paths loop around picnic shelters, athletic fields and through the forested picnic sites near the Salmon River. An accessible bridge spans the river and allows access to the interpretive wetland trail on the south side of the river.
Boulder Ridge Trail
Take a day hike into the Salmon Huckleberry Wilderness adjacent to Wildwood Recreation Site. A steep, narrow 4%2-mile switchback scenic trail connects Wildwood to Mt. Hood National Forest's wilderness trail system. The Boulder Ridge trail takes about 3 to 4 hours to hike. Hikers should carry drinking water and dress appropriately.
PLEASE...
For Comments or Questions Contact:
Salem District
Bureau of Land Management
1717 Fabry Road SE
Salem, Oregon 97306
(503) 375-5646
BLM/OR/WA/G1-00/036-4800
View PDF
Version
Return to Index