West Eugene Wetlands

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

The West Eugene Wetlands is a patchwork of parks, natural areas, and wildlife viewing spots managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It covers 2,500-acres and is located within Eugene's city limits. It offers unique opportunities to experience preserved and restored wild areas within a few minutes of downtown. You'll find walkways, bicycle paths, and picnic tables within the boundaries. It also features an 18-hole disc golf course. The wetlands is open year-round, and dogs are allowed on a leash.

One in every ten acres in the US is managed by the BLM. The BLM oversees everything from managing wild horses and burros to dealing with resources and grazing rights to maintaining parks and camping areas. Camping on unimproved BLM land for free is allowed except where prohibited. The BLM also has a number of improved campgrounds that do charge a fee. You can find the improved campgrounds by searching “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Tsanchiifin Walk

This is a half-mile loop that traverses sensitive wetlands. The path is well manicured and includes boardwalks to protect the delicate ecosystem. Interpretive signs along the way provide information about the West Eugene Wetlands.

Length: 0.5-mile loop

Intensity: Easy

Fern Ridge Bike Path

The Fern Ridge Path is a nearly seven-mile, multi-use, paved path that winds through the West Eugene Wetlands. Besides walking, jogging, and bicycling, it is great for birding. The primary trailhead is at Meadowlark Prairie, where you'll find restrooms and picnic tables. The trailhead includes a viewing area with interpretive signs. The path has several access points and wildlife viewing areas along its route.

Length: 6.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Delta Ponds Loop

This trail is located right next to the Valley River Center Mall in Eugene, making it a great escape in the middle of town. The Delta Ponds is a 150-acre protected wetland and riparian area. If you're looking for a longer stroll, this path connects with other trails in the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Trail System.

Length: 2 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing & Boating

Because of the sensitive nature of wetlands, fishing and boating are currently not allowed. However, there are tentative plans to create a fishing area along Amazon Creek. In the meantime, boating and fishing are allowed at the Fern Ridge Reservoir, which is connected to these wetlands. Warmwater fishing includes an abundance of crappie and largemouth bass.

Wildlife Viewing

While you won't find any big game, the West Eugene Wetlands is home to 200 wildlife species. You might see raptors, herons, ducks, and other water birds. Four-legged creatures include beaver, river otter, and Pacific chorus frogs.

Picnicking

Several areas throughout the West Eugene Wetlands offer places to stop, eat, use the restroom, take pictures, and take in the restored native habitat. Meadowlark Prairie offers the most services with covered picnic tables, restrooms, and interpretive signs.

Disc Golf

The Stewart Pond Disc Golf Course is located beside the Bertelsen Nature Park off of Bertelsen Road. Built in 2015, it is the first 18-hole disc golf course on BLM land. During the winter, which is the rainy season, the course converts to a 12-hole course.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

As wetlands are fragile environments, there is no camping of any kind in the West Eugene Wetlands. But much of the surrounding area is part of the Siuslaw National Forest or BLM-managed land, where you will find plenty of RV camping spots. Close to the wetlands area, you'll find two developed campgrounds around Fern Lake Reservoir. Richardson Park Campground offers power hookups, a dump station, and a boat marina. Fern Ridge Shores RV Park does not have hookups but is a beautiful location for smaller RVs.

Free Camping

Much of the BLM land offers free dispersed camping. However, camping is not allowed in the West Eugene Wetlands. Much of the land surrounding these wetlands is BLM-managed land, so you can find Bureau of Land Management free camping nearby.

RV Rentals Near West Eugene Wetlands Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your West Eugene Wetlands BLM trip

Access to the West Eugene Wetlands is available all year round. There are no fees for visiting. When visiting this area, be prepared for rain. The wet season lasts from late October through late May but be prepared for drizzle any time of year. You are allowed to bring your dog, but it must be on a leash no longer than six feet.

Visiting and using Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are great ways to enjoy what our land has to offer. It's also budget-friendly because many sites are free or charge a nominal fee. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace is an outdoor ethics program that the BLM has embraced. It includes research, education, and initiatives to help restore, preserve, and protect this land we call home. While leaving no trace is important on all BLM land, it is especially important in sensitive areas such as wetlands. Be sure to stay on the paths and boardwalks when visiting. Respect all wildlife and do not remove any plants, animals, or other materials. Be sure to take all of your trash with you when you leave.

West Eugene Wetlands Location

There are multiple ways to access the West Eugene Wetlands. Stuart Ponds and the disc golf course is located on Stuart Road on the west side of 11th Avenue. From downtown Eugene, travel west on 11th Avenue, turn right on Bertelsen Road, then turn right on Stewart Road. Travel one mile to the parking area. For the trailhead for Tsanchiifin Walk, travel west from downtown Eugene on 11th Avenue. Turn right on Willow Creek Road. You can park at the Red House.

Ready to visit West Eugene Wetlands? 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.