The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Located about 30 minutes from the coast, Whittaker Creek Recreation Site, near Walton, Oregon, is on the short of Whittaker Creek. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government agency under the United States Department of the Interior manages this site, along with millions of acres of public land in Oregon. Whittaker Creek Recreation site has 30 campsites for tents. It is home to the Old Growth Ridge National Recreation Trail, a fantastic place to hike under old-growth Douglas fir trees. In the fall and winter, busloads of school children visit this site to watch chinook and coho salmon spawning and see rainbow trout. There is a boat ramp, which is a perfect place to start a paddling adventure on the creek and the Siuslaw River. This site is about 200 miles north of Crater Lake National Park. More than 53% of Oregon is BLM land, so search "BLM camping near me," and you're sure to find outdoor adventure nearby.
Start this trail between campsites 23 and 24 at Whittaker Creek Recreation Site. It loses over 700 feet in elevation over the course of a mile and offers views of the Siuslaw River. At the end, there are benches and informational panels to teach about the local ecosystem. If the recreation site is closed in the winter, you can access this site by parking near the gate. Length: 2.3 miles Intensity: Moderate
While this trail can get muddy, the Enchanted Valley Trail is magnificent in the spring. After you cross a short boardwalk along this trail running through an abandoned dairy farm in Siuslaw National Forest, it passes a cedar grove and a cattail marsh. Then, the hike runs beside a creek before reaching the Dowell Arm of Mercer Lake. Length: 3.5 miles Intensity: Moderate
This trail starts at the Oregon Dunes Overlook, where you will need to walk down the wooden stairs. Then, it passes through a Douglas fir grove before reaching a sandy slope. Continue until you reach Tahkenitch Creek Overlook. Finally, walk across the sand back to the starting point. Length: 4.8 miles Intensity: Moderate
While it is against the law to go salmon fishing on the Siuslaw River, anglers will find terrific steelhead trout fishing at many locations along this 110-mile-long river. The best time to fish for them is from December through March. The state releases steelhead trout into Whittaker Creek annually, and they move into the river quickly.
This area of Oregon does not offer many climbing locations. Therefore, consider heading north along the coast to Cannon Beach. You will find triad climbs on the boulders that are on the beach.
The Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area is a terrific place to see elk, which can weigh up to 1,000 pounds. Learn more about them by reading the informational kiosks at this site near Reedsport. This spot is also a terrific place to go birdwatching, especially during the coastal migration season.
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a terrific place to see seabirds, sea lions, and gray whales offshore. You may even see a Roosevelt elk coming in to get a drink. Further from the coast, watch for bald eagles and osprey within the dunes. Choose a spot on the constantly shifting sand and enjoy a picnic.
Whittaker Creek Recreation Site is a terrific place along the Whittaker Creek to go RV camping. Fishing, swimming, and biking are popular activities at this campground. Walls of shrubbery create individual camping sites at Alder Dune Campground, which is in Siuslaw National Forest. Archie Knowles Campground sits under tall pine trees near Walton. Baker Bay Campground is an alcohol-free campground on the north end of Dorena Lake.
Anglers love camping at Hult Dam and Reservoir. While there are five paid campgrounds at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, free camping is allowed at Siltcoos Lake Trail #1333.
Many salmon spawn in Whittaker Creek each year. Coho salmon spawn in late November and early December while chinook salmon spawn from late October to mid-December. It is best to bring binoculars so that you can view them from the water's edge because getting in the cold water means you may step on an egg nest. Wearing polarized sunglasses can help you see the fish better. Staying at a Bureau of Land Management free camping and low-cost campgrounds is a fabulous experience. You can reconnect with nature, observe wildlife and participate in your favorite outdoor activities. The activity that many people enjoy the most is spending time with their friends and family. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Follow the principles of "Leave No Trace" when visiting this BLM site and be sure you don't leave any trash behind anywhere. Fish can get caught in trash and die. Additionally, they can see trash as food and die after eating it. Therefore, you must clean up after yourself very carefully when staying at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. Even a little piece of trash can cause significant issues.
It is easy to reach this site from Mapleton, Oregon. Start by going southeast on Oregon 36. Turn left on Oregon 126 East. Go 12.1 miles and turn right onto Siuslaw Road. Almost immediately, turn left on Ausie Road. Go about two miles, and you will see the site. Address: Whittaker Creek Recreation Site, Ausie Road, Walton, Oregon 97490 Ready to visit Whittaker Creek Recreation Site? 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.
