Elkhorn Creek Wild and Scenic River

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

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Elkhorn Creek Wild and Scenic River

Bureau of Land Management sites are protected areas in nature that aren't developed or only have minimal development. You can search "BLM camping near me" to find locations close to you. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are either free or cheap to stay at. Elkhorn Creek Wild and Scenic River is a place for the adventurous because it's challenging to access. Some kayakers travel down a thousand-foot cliff face to access a canyon in the area. Fishing, hunting and hiking are other popular activities at Elkhorn Creek Wild and Scenic River.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Rooster Rock to Trout Creek

This point-to-point trail takes you to Rooster Rock, then downhill on Trout Creek Trail. At the end of the trail, you could get a ride back to the starting point or walk along the road.

Length: 5.3 miles

Intensity: Hard

Iron Mountain Trail

View the beautiful lava and rock formations when you take the Iron Mountain Trail hike. Along the route, you'll also enjoy high meadows and vista views. You will be able to see Mount Jefferson, Mount Hood and Mount Washington.

Length: 3.2 miles

Intensity: Hard

Cone Peak Trail

Cone Peak Trail is perfect for enjoying your lunch at the peak because there is a deck. You'll have a stunning view of the surrounding Cascade Range.

Length: 6.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Lower Soda Creek Falls Trail

Soda Creek Falls, located at the end of the trail, is 150 feet tall. Along this hike, you may see wildflowers, ferns, cedar trees, maple trees and Douglas fir trees.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

An abundance of native cutthroat and rainbow trout reside in Elkhorn Creek Wild and Scenic River. Other nearby areas where you could go fishing are Santiam River and Detroit Lake. Freshwater sockeye salmon is a species you may want to target at Detroit Lake. Santiam River features salmon, trout and steelhead. Boating is also allowed at all of these bodies of water.

Climbing

Cascade Range offers plenty of climbing opportunities with some of the popular locations including Smith Rock State Park, Three Fingered Jack, Mount Jefferson and Mount Washington.The towering rock walls at Smith Rock State Park are up to 500 feet tall. If you're seeking a challenge, try Three Sisters, which is considered the most difficult climb in the area.

Wildlife Viewing

You might see an Oregon slender salamander, which is an endemic species to Oregon, at Elkhorn Creek Wild and Scenic River. This salamander likes hiding under rocks, wood chips and wood and inside decomposing logs. You could see bats in the area, particularly around cliffs, bridges, mines and caves. In Willamette National forest, you may spot Roosevelt elk, mule deer, Northern bald eagles, bobcats or black bears.

Picnicking

Elkhorn Valley Recreation Site offers picnicking sites in a majestic forested setting. There are emerald pools and waterfalls that you'll want to view at the recreation site too.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

You could go RV camping at Elkhorn Valley Recreation Site if your RV isn't over 25 feet long. Another option for RV camping in the area is Drakes Forest RV Campsites. It features 30-amp hookups, sewer hookups, water hookups, picnic tables and drinking water.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping isn't available at Elkhorn Creek Wild and Scenic River. You can find free camping in the area at Breitenbush Lake Campground, Quartzville Recreation Corridor and Tumble Lake. Pets and fires are welcome at these campgrounds, but there are sometimes local fire restrictions in place due to wildfires.

RV Rentals Near Elkhorn Creek Wild and Scenic River Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Elkhorn Creek Wild and Scenic River BLM trip

Elkhorn Creek Wild and Scenic River aren't easy to access. Kayaking is an option for enjoying the beauty of the river and the dense forests surrounding it. Come prepared with drinking water, a meal, a trash bag and basic hiking emergency supplies because there aren't any recreation sites on the river. The closest recreation sites are Elkhorn Valley and Opal Creek. Parts of the river pass by Willamette National Forest, Opal Creek Scenic Area and Buck Creek.

Elkhorn Creek Wild and Scenic River is an untouched part of nature that you'll love visiting. Stand in awe at the bedrock landforms, talus slopes and rock outcroppings. The old-growth and new-growth forests are full of conifers, red alder and western red cedar. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

It's important to practice" Leave No Trace" when you are visiting any Bureau of Land Management site, especially for Elkhorn Creek Wild and Scenic River. The goal is to leave the river wild and unaffected by human impacts for the enjoyment of those who want to admire natural beauty. You should dig a cathole for disposing of human waste, including urine. Avoid carving on logs, trees and any other structures. Only use local firewood to prevent the introduction of invasive species to the land.

Elkhorn Creek Wild and Scenic River Location

Elkhorn Creek Wild and Scenic River is located at RJ95+3R6, Lyons, Ore. From Elkhorn, Ore., travel west on N. Fork Road toward Fawn Creek Road. Turn left onto N. Fork Lane, and after about 0.9 miles, you'll have to turn left again to stay on N. Fork Lane. You'll arrive at the river about 0.8 miles down.

Ready to visit Elkhorn Creek Wild and Scenic River? 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.