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BLM Camping

Salmon 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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Salmon Wild and Scenic River

BLM sites are unincorporated areas of public land set aside for the public to enjoy. Some are popular sites for off-roading or hiking whereas others have a historic significance. Still others offer different camping options and amenities. To find these public sites wherever you go, search for "BLM camping near me."

The Salmon Wild and Scenic River passes through the Cascade Mountain Range and the Columbia Basin, and it also flows through the Wildwood Recreation Site. Visitors to the river and its surrounding area can hike, fish, horseback ride, or camp, and skiing is popular during the winter months. The river passes through several ecosystems, so you can explore wetlands, pine forests, meadows, and even basalt canyons. The Salmon Wild and Scenic River is about 173 miles south of Mount Rainier National Park.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Little Crater Lake Trail

This loop trail offers stunning views of the deep blue Crater Lake and is a perfect place for taking pictures or spotting wildlife.

Length: 0.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Salmon River Trail

Located in the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, this trail is a great choice for hiking and camping.

Length: 25.7

Intensity: Hard

Serene Lake Trail

This trail in Mount Hood National Forest is relatively secluded, so hikers will usually have the area to themselves.

Length: 7.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Salmon Butte Trail

This gorgeous trail offers stunning views of the surrounding area, particularly at the trail's highest point.

Length: 12.2 miles

Intensity: Hard

Cascade Streamwatch Trail

Located right near the Salmon Wild and Scenic River in the Wildwood Recreation Site, this trail offers beautiful views and a peaceful setting.

Length: 0.7 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

The Salmon River is excellent for fishing. Both fly and spin fishing are popular in the area. The nearby Clackamas River and Lost Creek are great for rainbow trout fishing. The Trillium Lake Day Use Area is a popular destination for kayaking.

Climbing

The Salmon River Slab, located not too far from the Salmon Wild and Scenic River, is one of the area's most popular locations for rock climbing. You can also find several climbing options in the nearby Mount Hood National Forest. Bulo Point, for example, offers more than 15 bolted routes, and French's Dome has several bolted-route options as well.

Wildlife Viewing

The Salmon Wild and Scenic River and the area around it, including the Wildwood Recreation Site and Mount Hood National Forest, are fantastic locations for wildlife viewing. Roosevelt elk are common along the river, and the area is also home to a population of sandhill cranes. You might also occasionally see a spotted owl, a black bear, or a mountain lion. Wolves are also making a return to the area.

Picnicking

The Wildwood Recreation Site offers several shaded picnic areas and exceptionally clean bathrooms. The Fish Viewing Center in Welches, the closest town to the Salmon Wild and Scenic River, is also a great spot for a picnic. Shaded tables and barbecues are available. The nearby Larch Mountain Picnic Area and the Trillium Lake Day Use and Picnic Area are perfect spots to stop for a picnic and take in the beautiful scenery.

Skiing

During the winter months, cross-country skiing is a popular sport in the higher elevations around the Salmon Wild and Scenic River. You can ski along most of the hiking trails in the area, and there are several skiing options in the nearby Mount Hood National Forest.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Several great BLM RV camping and non-BLM RV camping options are in the area around the Salmon Wild and Scenic River. Mt. Hood Village RV Resort has more than 300 RV sites, each with full hookups. A swimming pool, laundry facilities, and a picnic area are also available there. Trillium Campground offers spaces for tents and RVs. Each site has a fire ring and a table, and drinking water and restrooms are available.

Free Camping

One of the best places for Bureau of Land Management free camping in the area around the Salmon Wild and Scenic River is the Mount Hood National Forest. The forest offers several places where dispersed camping is allowed, including the Bonney Meadows Campground and land around the Clackamas River.

RV Rentals Near Salmon Wild and Scenic River Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Salmon Wild and Scenic River BLM trip

The Salmon Wild and Scenic River area is home to bears and mountain lions, so make sure to stay alert, and if you spot a large predator, observe it from a distance without bothering it.

The weather at the Salmon Wild and Scenic River and the surrounding area is relatively mild all year, with summer temperatures rarely exceeding 80 degrees and winter temperatures hovering in the 40s during the day. The area gets a good deal of precipitation, so prepare for rain or snow, depending on the season. Before you go, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

If you're visiting Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or natural areas, it's important to leave as little trace of your stay as possible. Remember to dispose of your trash appropriately or take it with you when you leave. Only build a fire in a designated area, such as a fire ring or pit. When you're making a fire, don't bring firewood in from elsewhere or take any wood with you when you go — this can cause the spread of invasive species. Instead, burn firewood that you found in the same area as your burn site.

Salmon Wild and Scenic River Location

From Welches, take US Highway 26 west for 1.3 miles. The Wildwood Recreation Site is on the left, and you can easily reach the Salmon Wild and Scenic River from there.

Ready to visit Salmon 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.