The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area lies along Oregon Route 38, near Reedsport, Oregon, and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, which is a government agency responsible for maintaining and preserving land for public use. The pullouts near the marshes, meadows, and mountains along this highway allow visitors to see Roosevelt elk, weighing up to 1,000 pounds, in their natural habitat. Travelers along the road may also see river otters, beavers, nutria, coyotes, bears, cougars, mallards, wood ducks, Canada geese, swallows, and purple martins. Visitors to this area will want to stop at the two interpretive centers to learn more about these majestic animals. While there is no Bureau of Land Management camping along this stretch of highway, there are beautiful Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in this area that enjoys mild winters. Visitors may also want to explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area. This area is about 150 miles west of Crater Lake National Park.
Follow the John Dellenback Trail's blue-painted posts across the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area dunes until you enter the woods. Then, continue through the woods to see beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. This trail can get very wet, especially in the spring when snow melts. Length: 5.5 miles Intensity: Moderate
Hike across wooden bridges at the start of the Eel Lake Trail at William M. Tugman State Park. This trail is stunning when the trilliums and other wildflowers bloom in the spring. You will love seeing the skunk cabbage in the swamp at this trail's end. Length: 6.1 miles Intensity: Easy
Lake Marie Trail circles the pristine lake at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park. Part of this trail runs through a wooded area, making it a terrific option for those who enjoy birdwatching. Unfortunately, this trail can have some muddy areas after rain. Length: 1 mile Intensity: Easy
The Umpqua River is a terrific place to go fishing, especially from Rock Creek up to Soda Springs Dam. Anglers often fly fish for chinook salmon starting in March before focusing on catching steelhead trout beginning in May. Then, they turn their attention back to salmon in October before returning to trout in the winter.
The O.H. Hinsdale Interpretive Center along the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area is a fantastic spot where you can use viewing scopes to get a closer view of the majestic animals. The elk herd had lived in this area since the 1930s when the salt marshes were drained, and fresh water was allowed to fill the space. The best viewing usually occurs at sunrise and sunset.
Spruce Reach Island Garden is a beautiful place for a picnic, surrounded by magnolias, camellias, and rhododendrons. O.H. Hinsdale planted many of the plants in the 1940s. The gardens usually host three special viewing days in April and May.
While there is no designated Bureau of Land Management RV camping available at Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, there are several fantastic nearby campgrounds. Operated by the National Forest Service, Waxmyrtle Campground in the Siuslaw National Forest offers paved camping spots along the Siltcoos River. Tyee Campground is in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area next to Siltcoos Lake. Lagoon Campground offers easy access to the Lagoon Trail, where you can view wetland wildlife from a boardwalk.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is unavailable along the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, but fantastic options are nearby. The Vincent Creek Campground on the Smith River's shores near the mouth of Vincent Creek has five campsites. Smith River Falls Campground has a boat launch onto the river, and the ten sites are scattered in an old-growth forest. Located at the confluence of the Fawn Creek and Smith River, Fawn Creek Campground offers a boat ramp.
The smallest elk are usually along the highway as you drive through the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area. Therefore, it is a good idea to bring binoculars with you. Look for options that have between eight and twelve X amplification, as they should be ample to see the elk without using a tripod. If you are buying a new pair for your trip, get the option with the largest objective, as they will collect more light allowing you to see better. Unless you want to bring a tripod, avoid buying binoculars with more than 50 mm objective, as they will be too shaky for clear viewing when holding the binoculars in your hand. When searching for "BLM camping near me" when visiting the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, know that the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in this area are fantastic places, and most have nearby hiking and fishing opportunities. Since they are in remote areas, they also make great places for stargazing. So before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area is a protected land, and many animals make it their habitats. Visitors must follow all restrictions put in place and do their best to clean up and make minimal impact on the area. The most respectful travellers are those who leave no trace. Visitors are asked to pack up their trash and dispose of all waste properly. Staying in Afton Canyon and other BLM sites is a privilege and should be treated as such.
It is easy to get to the start of the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area Trail from Interstate 5 by taking the Oregon Route 38 exit. Then, go towards Reedsport, Oregon. Once you reach the town, continue for three miles and enter the viewing area. Address: Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, Oregon Route 38, Reedsport, Oregon 97467 Ready to visit Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area? 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.
