The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
BLM sites, which are simply unincorporated public lands, are excellent places for visitors to get out into nature and to explore the countryside. There are often many hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, or photography opportunities at these sites, and many sites feature Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. To find BLM sites for camping, search for “BLM camping near me.”
Row River Trail is a long stretch of paved trail that follows the Row River and that skirts near the Dorena Reservoir. The trail offers views of the river and the reservoir as well as the surrounding forest and, at peak times of the year, meadows filled with wildflowers. Visitors can also spot several covered bridges, including the Harms Park trestle bridge, which has been used in several famous films.
This trail is easy enough for the entire family, and the scenery and history of the area make it a perfect choice for hikers, photography enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone who simply wants to take in the landscape.
Length: 14 miles
Intensity: Easy
This short trail climbs upward in elevation, offering stunning views of Spencer Butte Park and the surrounding area.
Length: 1.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail in Eugene offers stunning views, and the trail is easy enough for the entire family. Wear boots as the trail can be somewhat muddy.
Length: 2.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
Pre’s Trail, which follows the curve of a lake, is excellent for running or walking. It’s also the perfect location for birdwatching.
Length: 4.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail offers a steady uphill climb that’s great for a workout hike or for enjoying the views from the top of the trail.
Length: 3.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Dorena Reservoir, which can be spotted from Row River Trail, is an excellent spot for largemouth bass fishing. Anglers can also catch bluegills, trout, crappie, yellow perch, and bullheads. The Willamette River, just outside of Eugene, is also excellent for trout fishing. For anglers looking to catch salmon, the McKenzie River sees a chinook run every spring, and the river is great for fly fishing throughout the rest of the year.
Climbing enthusiasts will enjoy Skinner Butte, also known as The Columns, which is located right in Eugene itself. This wall of rock offers several challenging climbs and can be excellent practice. The area can become a bit crowded in the evening and on weekends, so you may want to choose a time earlier on a weekday to visit.
Row River Trail is itself an excellent area to spot local wildlife such as squirrels, gophers, skunks, raccoons, beavers, nutria, and several bird species. Alton Baker Park, which is located on the Willamette River in Eugene, is centrally located but ensures that visitors feel they’re miles from civilization. It’s also a favorite location for bird watchers. The Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is also a great spot to view local wildlife, hike, kayak, or take pictures.
Alton Baker Park offers covered picnic areas as well as restrooms, and picnickers can enjoy views of the Willamette River. Hendricks Park, also located in Eugene, features covered picnic areas, fireplaces, and a rhododendron garden. The Fern Ridge Wildlife Area also offers picnic areas.
There is no RV camping at Row River Trail, but the surrounding area offers plenty of options for RV or BLM RV camping. The Armitage Park Campground offers both tent and RV sites. Deerwood Park RV offers large parking sites, laundry facilities, restrooms and showers, and water, sewer, and electricity hookups.
There isn’t any camping at Row River Trail, but the area still offers plenty of Bureau of Land Management free camping options. Hendricks Park in Eugene, for example, offers free camping sites as well as plenty of trails for walking or hiking. Visitors to the area can also drive a short distance to the Clay Creek Recreation Site, which offers free BLM camping, picnic areas, fire rings, and several recreational areas, including spaces for volleyball and children’s play.
Although there isn’t any Bureau of Land Management camping at Row River Trail, the trail does offer easy access to parking spots every two to three miles. Visitors can hike the entire trail or start in the middle and walk to a particular area. Restroom facilities are also located near the parking areas, and there are general stores within walking distance of the trail.
The area near Row River Trail experiences mild, relatively dry summers, and this is usually considered the best time to visit. The spring, fall, and winter months are quite chilly, and the area sees a good amount of rain although it doesn’t get too much snow. Before heading out, it’s a good idea to check the forecast for storms and dress in layers. It’s also a good idea to call ahead to make camping reservations or, in areas where reservations aren’t accepted, ensure that there’s still space. Most BLM sites allow for a two-week stay within a month’s time. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The Row River Trail and the surrounding area is considered to be some of the most scenic landscape in the state, and it’s up to visitors to help ensure it stays that way. When enjoying the area, try to leave no trace by packing away all of your trash and disposing of it properly. Don’t collect plants or rocks, and try to disturb the native flora and fauna as little as possible.
Take Interstate 5 south from Eugene to exit 174, which is the Cottage Grove exit. Turn east onto Row River Road, and drive for 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Layng Road, and drive another 1.2 miles until you reach the corner of Layng and Mosby Creek Road. You can drive along the trail to find a parking spot near the area you want to hike.
Ready to visit Row River Trail? 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.
