Alsea Falls Recreation Site

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Alsea Falls Recreation Site

Alsea Falls Recreation Site is in the Oregon Coast Range, which is renowned for its dense forests, scenic rivers, and cascading waterfalls. The Alsea Falls campground is accessed from a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) backcountry byway. The BLM manages Alsea Falls and other public lands for multiple uses, including public recreation. They employ botanists, fish and wildlife biologists, civil engineers and more. The Alsea Falls Recreation site is open year-round for day use, and you can camp there from May through September. The 30-foot Alsea Falls defines the area, which is laced with hiking and biking trails. Crater Lake National Park is about 200 miles southeast of this BLM site.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Side Winder Trail

Prepare for an invigorating hike on this Alsea Falls trail, named for its winding path with a series of switchbacks. This relatively short hiking-only trail has an elevation gain of 317 feet, so get ready to feel your muscles burn. Length: .48 miles Intensity: Moderate

Big Fir Trail

This scenic route meanders along a gently sloping old logging road through a mature Douglas fir forest. This trail is popular for hiking and biking. Length: 0.51 miles Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

In the winter, the Alsea River’s South Fork transforms into an angler's paradise, offering fantastic opportunities for salmon and steelhead fishing. For boating, you can take to the water at Mill Creek Boat Landing, just one of multiple places in the area with boat ramps.

Climbing

Marys Peak, the pinnacle of the Oregon Coast Range, stands at an impressive 4,097 feet. It is not only the highest point in the Coast Range, but it is also the most prominent peak to the west of Corvallis. On a clear day, you'll be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Willamette Valley.

Wildlife Viewing

The Alsea Falls area is filled with evergreen Douglas fir and coniferous Sitka spruce and western hemlock. Roosevelt elk, the largest subspecies of elk in North America, are often spotted grazing in this area. While elusive, you might glimpse black bears and cougars. Look to the sky for majestic bald eagles, and you may cross paths with bright-yellow banana slugs on the forest floor.

Picnicking

Even if you aren't camping at Alsea Falls, you can enjoy the day-use picnic area that's easy to access from the day-use parking area. Choose among the 15 picnic tables set along the South Fork of the Alsea River. Restrooms and drinking water are available.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Alsea Falls Recreation Site has a campground featuring 16 sites. Several of these Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are spacious enough for RV camping, with room for vehicles up to 32 feet long. You'll find amenities like drinking water and vault toilets. Make sure to reserve your site in advance because they are typically not available on a first-come, first-served basis. There's a fee of $20 to $40 per day to camp here. You can find other campgrounds by searching for "BLM camping near me." Set alongside the picturesque Alsea River, Salmonberry Park & Campground offers a serene and secluded retreat with 28 campsites, including 13 RV sites with electricity and one ADA-accessible site. The campground has a welcoming family atmosphere and a helpful camp host. Amenities include showers, a boat ramp, and a lovely picnic area.

Free Camping

Most established BLM campgrounds require a fee. However, Bureau of Land Management free camping is permitted on public lands away from developed recreation facilities. This is also known as dispersed camping. You can set up a campsite on BLM lands as long as it doesn't interfere with authorized uses, isn't in areas designated as "closed to camping," and doesn't harm wildlife or natural resources. Typically, you can camp on public land for up to 14 days within a consecutive 28-day period. Dispersed camp areas along secondary roads may not have explicit markings for camping. Look for flat disturbed areas that have been used as campsites in the past. Whenever possible, use existing sites to minimize the creation of new disturbances.

RV Rentals Near Alsea Falls Recreation Site Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Alsea Falls Recreation Site BLM trip

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the peacefulness of Alsea Falls' forests and the soothing sound of its river and waterfalls? Alsea Falls Recreation Site experiences a temperate climate with mild, wet winters and warm, relatively dry summers. Rainfall is common throughout the year, so be sure to check the weather conditions and pack accordingly. In the winter, most mountain roads in the area are not maintained and don't have through-access, so it's best to visit in the spring, summer, and fall. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Millions of people visit public lands each year. All that traffic can start to leave a mark. The BLM asks all visitors to public land to follow a set of outdoor ethics called "Leave No Trace" to help keep these lands magical for generations to come. Make sure you're well-prepared for your outdoor escapades. Know the lay of the land, pack smart, and have all the essential supplies. Treat Mother Earth kindly by sticking to designated paths and campsites. Dispose of your waste responsibly. When you discover treasures like beautiful rocks or flowers, take a picture or draw a doodle, but leave them where they belong. Observe wildlife from a respectful distance, and be friendly, courteous, and understanding toward fellow explorers.

Alsea Falls Recreation Site Location

From Corvallis, hop onto Highway 99 W and head south for about 15 miles. Then, take a turn to the west on Alpine Road, and continue driving for 5 miles until you reach Alpine Junction. Keep going for another 9 miles, and you'll spot the entrance to the Alsea Falls campground on your right. If you're starting from Alsea, head south on Alsea-Deadwood Highway for approximately 1 mile. Take a left turn onto the South Fork Road, and continue along the paved road for roughly 8.5 miles. You'll reach the Alsea Falls day-use entrance. Keep driving for another half mile, and you'll find the entrance to the Alsea Falls campground. GPS coordinates: 44.3205611, -123.4878222 Ready to visit Alsea Falls Recreation Site? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.