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BLM Camping

Wildwood Recreation Site

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

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Wildwood Recreation Site

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) camping is an extremely popular activity for outdoor adventurers and explorers throughout the United States. The BLM is a federal agency responsible for protecting many of the country's public sites, which range from campgrounds and hiking trails to wilderness areas and national monuments. Many of these peaceful locations feature well-maintained camping areas and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. You can find the nearest BLM sites to your location by searching online for "BLM camping near me." The Wildwood Recreation Site, located in northwestern Oregon, is one BLM site to consider visiting. Situated only about 30 minutes east of Portland, the site is a year-round day-use area offering some wonderful recreational opportunities. Visitors to the site can partake in activities like hiking, fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, mountain biking, and many more. Additionally, the site offers spectacular views of the nearby Mt. Hood, which towers majestically above the region.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Cascade Streamwatch Trail

This short, peaceful trail is located within the Wildwood Recreation Site and is one of the more popular attractions for visitors. The paved trail offers educational displays and picturesque views of the nearby Salmon River. Hikers can also stop by the route's fish viewing window below stream level. The trail is wheelchair-friendly and kid-friendly, and dogs are permitted as long as they stay leashed. Length: 0.7 miles Intensity: Easy

The Wetlands Trail to the Boulder Ridge Trail

The Wetlands Trail is another scenic trail close to the Wildwood Recreation Site. The loop trail leads to the more challenging Boulder Ridge Trail, which takes hikers up the slopes of Huckleberry Mountain and into the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. Length: 5.5 miles Intensity: Hard

Mirror Lake Loop Trail

Located in Mt. Hood National Forest, this loop trail is an extremely popular destination for hiking, backpacking, and camping. The family-friendly hike takes visitors to the beautiful Mirror Lake, a great spot to swim during the summer. The ideal times to visit the route are between May and October. Length: 4.2 miles Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The Wild and Scenic Salmon River flows only a short distance from the Wildwood Recreation Site. Visitors to the river can wade in the gentle areas of the stream or take boats out on the water for a day of paddling. The river is also a wonderful spot to reel in several fish species, including summer steelhead, coho salmon, spring Chinook salmon, cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout.

Climbing

If you make your way to the outskirts of nearby Portland, there are several great options for rock climbing. One example is the Broughton Bluffs, a basalt crag offering popular routes like the Hanging Gardens, Red Wall, and Bat Wall. The area is known for its hard grades, but there are also a few more moderate sports routes to navigate.

Wildlife Viewing

One of the best areas for wildlife viewing near the Wildwood Recreation Site is Mt. Hood National Forest. While you explore the forest's peaceful trails, you may spot cougars, elk, spotted owls, mountain beavers, coyotes, gray and red foxes, black bears, wolverines, skunks, mountain lions, and many other interesting creatures. If you're a birdwatching enthusiast, you should watch for great blue herons, turkey vultures, Canada geese, bald eagles, and other unique bird species.

Picnicking

The Wildwood Recreation Site is an excellent place for a picnic. The day-use area features several family picnic units, group picnic shelters, and outdoor kitchens. Picnic tables, fire rings, and grills are also available at the site.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is not technically possible at the Wildwood Recreation Site as it's strictly a day-use area. Although there aren't any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the site, you shouldn't have to travel too far to find RV camping options. For example, you could head west from the BLM site and stay at the Ark RV Park in the nearby town of Brightwood.

Free Camping

If you're looking to partake in Bureau of Land Management free camping, you'll need to set up your own dispersed campsite outside of the day-use area. The peaceful forested area should provide plenty of secluded places where you can stake out your campsite.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Wildwood Recreation Site BLM trip

If you're planning a trip to the Wildwood Recreation Site, remember that the day-use area is open between 8 a.m. and 30 minutes before sunset each day. There are also several restrictions to be aware of before you visit. For example, no amplified music or skateboarding is allowed in the park. You also cannot bring horses to the site. If you wish to reserve one of the family or group picnic shelters, there are fees ranging from $5 to $20 depending on the number of people. There is an electronic fee machine on-site that accepts credit card payments. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

During your time at the Wildwood Recreation Site, please follow the "Leave No Trace" guidelines. If you decide to build campfires while you're at the site, they must be limited to the steel fire rings or BBQ grills provided.