News Release
| Release Number: | 07-064 |
| Dated: | 5/24/2007 |
| Contact: | Jennifer A. Sowell, 503-808-4510 |
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Recreation facilities at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects in western Oregon and southwest Washington soon will open for the summer season; generally between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
The Corps is the nation's largest federal provider of water-based recreation. An average of 10.5 million visitors enjoy Portland District’s recreation areas each year. Camping fees are charged at most Corps-managed campgrounds, but vary at each site depending on available facilities.
Funding for Corps of Engineers missions is severely limited nationwide, requiring reductions in all routine activities. As a result, the Corps prioritized its funding regionally and nationwide.
The Corps’ goal is to provide a safe and healthy recreation environment for the public. Where possible, Corps sites are available with decreased services rather than not opening at all. In some areas the Corps reduced janitorial services, grounds maintenance, and interpretive and water safety programs to allow for the majority of recreation sites to remain open.
State and federal agencies in Washington and Oregon now offer a dual-state day-use recreation pass. This recreation pass can be purchased for $85. It is honored for day-use at all USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sites. The pass provides access to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers day-use fee sites, and covers launch and sewer fees at selected Washington State Parks.
The America the Beautiful pass is a new national pass program that provides access to and use of federal recreation lands. This pass replaces the National Parks Pass, Golden Eagle, Golden Age and Golden Access passes. Although the Corps does not issue the new passes, it honors the Interagency Senior and Interagency Access passes. Previously issued Golden Age or Access Passports are also still honored at Corps recreation sites. For more information about these passes, please visit http://www.recreation.gov.
Visitors may use the National Recreation Reservation Service to make reservations at Corps and National Forest Service campgrounds. Four of the Corps-managed campgrounds in Oregon are included in the NRRS inventory; Pine Meadows at Cottage Grove Lake and Schwarz at Dorena Lake are located in the Willamette Valley, and LePage and Plymouth parks are located upriver of the John Day Dam.
Reservations can be made by calling toll-free (877) 444-6777, or online at http://www.recreation.gov. A limited number of sites are available at each campground and are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
To honor those serving the country, the Portland District will waive all day use and camping fees for active duty personnel on temporary leave from duty in Iraq for the duration of the operation. Camping fees are waived for walk-ups and through the NRRS call center. Fees will not be waived for online reservations made through the NRRS Web site. Military personnel will be required to show identification and leave orders to obtain the waiver.
Park visitors are reminded to obey all posted regulations, wear their life jackets and exercise caution in and around the water. Boaters also should be mindful of any debris that may be in the water. Power boaters, water skiers and wind surfers should be aware of local conditions and water depths. Finally, to reduce litter, all visitors to Corps parks are requested to "pack it in and pack it out."
Boating is a popular activity at Corps lakes and most offer boat ramps for easy launching. There is a $3 fee to use selected boat ramps. Day use fees range from $1 to $4 per vehicle at selected Corps parks. Annual passes may be purchased for $30, and allow use of any Corps-operated day-use facility or lake nationwide for one year from the month of purchase. Passes may be purchased at LePage and Plymouth parks and at Pine Meadows Campground.
Please note: All state marine board rules are enforced at Corps lakes. Oregon and Washington state law requires children age 12 and under to wear personal flotation devices while in boats that are operating; however, the Corps encourages all lake users, regardless of age or swimming ability, to wear PFDs while on the water.
For more information on local Corps recreational opportunities, visit the Portland District Web site at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil. For information about locations, descriptions and recreational activities at Corps recreation sites around the country, visit http://www.recreation.gov.
Corps projects are scattered throughout the area, so information about operating hours, available facilities and a description of each area owned and/or operated by the Portland District is presented in geographically-related segments.
Willamette Valley Projects
Whether anglers are seeking rainbow trout or other warm water fish, or the family is planning to go swimming, water-skiing or pleasure boating, Willamette Valley lakes are just the place to relax and enjoy the summer.
There are day-use areas, campgrounds and boat ramps at all of the lakes listed below except Big Cliff. Boaters on all Willamette Valley lakes should beware of stumps in shallow areas and floating debris on the lakes.
Cottage Grove Lake
Cottage Grove Lake is located 20 miles south of Eugene on the Coast Fork Willamette River. It is a popular vacation spot with plenty of space for camping.
Pine Meadows Campground is open now through Sept. 10. The campground has 85 campsites, paved roads, flush toilets, showers, trailer dump station, picnic tables and campfire rings. It also has a children's play area, a marked but unsupervised swim area, amphitheater and interpretive programs. The camping fee at Pine Meadows is $15 per night, per site. There is also a $5 per day extra vehicle fee.
The primitive campground at Pine Meadows will be open from May 25 through Sept. 3. The area facilities include family campsites, drinking water, gravel roads, vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. The camping fee is $9 per night for family sites, plus $5 per vehicle.
The day-use picnic facilities at Lakeside, Wilson Creek and Shortridge parks are open from 8 a.m. to dusk, now through Sept. 9. These are developed parks with paved roads, picnic tables, flush toilets and fire rings. Entrance to these three areas is free, but there is a $3 daily fee for use of the boat launch ramps at Lakeside and Wilson Creek parks. The developed swim beach at Wilson Creek Park has a $1 per person, per day fee. There is no charge for children under 12 years of age. Annual passes, which cover these day-use fees, can be purchased at the Pine Meadows Campground for $30.
Starting this year, all campsites at Pine Meadows and the primitive campground can be reserved online at http://www.recreation.gov, making it unlikely that any campsites will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis during busy summer weekends. For this reason, campers will need to plan ahead and make reservations to secure campsites at these popular campgrounds this year.
Riverside Park, located downstream of Cottage Grove Dam on the east bank of the river, is open now through Sept. 10. It is a minimally developed park with picnic tables, a vault toilet and a paved path along the river, with pullouts suitable for wheelchairs and bank fishing. No drinking water is available at this location.
For more information about Cottage Grove facilities, call the park office at
(541) 942-5631.
Dorena Lake
Schwarz Campground at Dorena Lake on the Row River, is open now through Sept. 24. Schwarz is a well-developed campground with 72 campsites and six group areas, paved roads, flush toilets, solar-heated showers, fire rings, picnic tables and a dump station. The camping fee at Schwarz is $13 per day, and $5 per day, per extra vehicle. Group campsites may be reserved for $110 per night. The $110 fee includes 20 camping units for overnight use and 20 day-use visitors' passes.
The Corps manages two developed day-use areas at Dorena Lake: Harms and Bake-Stewart parks. Harms Park is open year-round and features a high water boat ramp and an access route to the 13-mile long Row River Trail. Bake-Stewart Park is open now through Sept. 9.
For more information about Dorena facilities, contact the park office at (541) 942-5631. For information about Baker Bay Park in Lane County, contact the Lane County Parks Department at (541) 682-2000.
Fall Creek Lake
The Corps maintains a small hiking trail and two day-use parks downstream of Fall Creek Dam, 25 miles southeast of Eugene on Big Fall Creek. Tufti Park is located along the north side of Fall Creek and features fishing access and a vault toilet. Drinkwater Park is located on the south side of Fall Creek and provides fishing access and picnic tables. Both parks are free areas and are open year-round from 8 a.m. to dusk. Inquiries concerning these Corps-operated parks should be directed to the park office at (541) 942-5631.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department manages all the developed campgrounds and parks along the shoreline. For information about Cascara Campground, Fisherman's Point group area, Winberry Creek Park and the North Shore boat ramp at Fall Creek, call OPRD at (541) 937-1173.
Fern Ridge Lake
Fern Ridge Lake, located 12 miles west of Eugene on the Long Tom River, features several parks accessible by vehicle and several other walk-in recreation areas.
Kirk and Shorelane parks are open now through Oct. 15. There are no day-use fees at these Corps-managed parks. Kirk Park has paved roads, restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings and fishing docks. Shorelane Park offers restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings and lake access.
The Corps also manages a low water boat launch on the west side of Fern Ridge Dam, as well as several day-use areas around the lake. These areas are open year-round and provide opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking, bird watching and sightseeing. Overnight camping is prohibited in Corps-managed areas around Fern Ridge Lake. For more information call the park office, (541) 688-8147.
The Lane County Parks Department also manages several parks at Fern Ridge Lake. They include Perkins Peninsula, Zumwalt, Orchard Point and Richardson parks. Richardson Park provides camping and RV hookups. Perkins Peninsula, Zumwalt and Orchard Point are day-use only and, except for Zumwalt Park, feature boat launch and moorage facilities. For more information, call the Lane County Parks Department, (541) 682-2000.
Green Peter and Foster lakes
Green Peter and Foster lakes, located on the Middle Fork of the Santiam River, are about 30 miles east of Albany, near the town of Sweet Home, Ore., on U.S. Highway 20.
The Corps operates two parks on Foster Lake; Wiley Park and Shea Point. Wiley Park, located below Foster Dam, offers picnic areas and a boat ramp for easy access to the South Santiam River. In addition to the two developed areas, the Corps also manages several open spaces around the lake, which provide dispersed recreation opportunities. The free areas are open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk.
Group tours of either the Green Peter or Foster dam powerhouses are available by calling the Corps at (541) 937-2131. For more information on all other campgrounds, day-use areas and boat ramps on these two lakes, call the Linn County Parks Department, (541) 967-3917.
Blue River and Cougar lakes
Blue River and Cougar lakes are on tributaries of the McKenzie River, about 40 miles east of Eugene on U.S. Highway 126. Most recreation facilities at Cougar and Blue River lakes are managed by the U.S. Forest Service McKenzie River Ranger District.
Blue River Lake, located on Blue River, is a scenic 1,240-acre lake with many miles of forested shoreline and a variety of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The USFS operates the one campground and two boat ramps on the lake.
There are a number of recreation sites and campgrounds managed by the USFS around Cougar Lake, including Slide Creek, Sunnyside, Cougar Crossing, Delta, French Pete, Limberlost, Lookout, McKenzie Bridge, Mona, Ollalie, Paradise and Trail Bridge. Visitors should contact the USFS McKenzie River Ranger District for information, (541) 822-3381.
Detroit and Big Cliff lakes
Detroit and Big Cliff lakes are located on the North Santiam River, about 45 miles southeast of Salem on Oregon Highway 22. There is a gravel boat ramp available at Big Cliff Lake, but there are no other Corps-managed recreational facilities in the area.
Five parks and campgrounds dot the 32 miles of shoreline around Detroit Lake, which is nestled in the picturesque Cascade Mountains. Detroit Lake is a popular Oregon recreation area for camping, fishing and boating. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the U.S. Forest Service manage these locations. For more information, contact OPRD at (503) 854-3406 or the USFS Detroit Ranger Station at (503) 854-3366.
Lookout Point and Dexter lakes
Lookout Point and Dexter lakes, located on the Middle Fork Willamette River, are about 25 miles southeast of Eugene along Oregon Highway 58.
The Corps manages several day-use areas on the north shore of Lookout Point Lake. Signal Point and Meridian parks are open year-round. Signal Point offers a low-level boat ramp, paved parking and vault toilet. Meridian Park has a high-level boat ramp, gravel roads and chemical toilets.
The Corps also manages some open areas downstream of Dexter Dam that offer recreational opportunities such as fishing and picnicking. The Eugene-to-Pacific Crest Trail along the north shore of Lookout Point and Dexter lakes is popular with hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Group tours of Lookout Point Dam and powerhouse are available by calling (541) 942-5631.
Parks managed by the USFS are available for picnicking and overnight camping at the upper end of Lookout Point Lake. For more information, please call the Lowell Ranger Station at (541) 782-2283.
The OPRD manages day-use areas at Dexter Lake. There is no overnight camping. For more information, call (541) 937-1173.
Hills Creek Lake
Hills Creek Lake is set in the rugged mountains of the Willamette National Forest along the Middle Fork of the Willamette River, 45 miles southeast of Eugene on Oregon Highway 58. The Corps operates a 130-acre wildlife and wetland area below Hills Creek Dam that features open fields, small ponds and riverside habitat for wildlife. Public access is limited to foot traffic only.
Two campgrounds and numerous day-use areas managed by the USFS are scattered throughout the 44 miles of forested shoreline, providing many opportunities for the outdoor recreational enthusiast. For more information on these parks, contact the Middle Fork Ranger Station at (541) 782-2283.
Columbia River Projects
Corps projects on the Columbia River at Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day dams include popular recreation areas heavily used for boating, water skiing, boardsailing and fishing. Campsites are available near all the projects. Campsites near Bonneville are not operated by the Corps of Engineers.
The Columbia River, west to Bonneville Lock and Dam is part of the 367-mile Northwest Discovery Water Trail that extends up the Snake River to Orofino, Idaho, on the Clearwater River. Recreational boaters can find excellent information for trip planning at http://www.ndwt.org.
Bonneville Lock and Dam
Bonneville Lock and Dam is a National Historic Landmark located 40 miles east of Portland, at Milepost 40 off Interstate 84. It is consistently among Oregon's top tourist attractions.
Two visitor centers, one in Oregon on Bradford Island and one in Washington adjacent to the second powerhouse, are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Bradford Island Visitor Center is spread over four levels. Elevators are available for visitors. Historic displays and a store featuring books, videos, posters and maps are located on the main level. The upper floor affords an excellent view of the spillway, original powerhouse and surrounding mountains of the Columbia River Gorge. Theaters on the third floor play video presentations describing the dam's history and construction, salmon lifecycle and history, and a variety of other related subjects. For more information and program schedules, visit the Bonneville Web site at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/b.
Viewing windows on the bottom floor of the visitor center provide a fish-eye view of salmon and other fish migrating up a fish ladder. The best time of the year to view these migrating fish is from April through October. Many of the same features are available on the Washington side of the project, including fish viewing windows and displays. Guided group tours of the power house are available by appointment.
The Washington Shore Visitor Complex is located along Washington State Highway 14 and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about visitor facilities and tours on either the Oregon or Washington shore, contact Bonneville Lock and Dam visitor information at (541) 374-8820. The Bridge of the Gods, a toll bridge four miles upstream from Bonneville Dam at Cascade Locks, Ore., provides easy access between the Oregon and Washington visitor areas.
While in the area, be sure to visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife salmon hatchery on the project grounds. Display ponds of rainbow trout and large white sturgeon, juvenile salmon fish runs and Herman the 10-foot sturgeon can be viewed daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. These hours may be extended during the summer months. Contact the Bonneville Fish Hatchery at (541) 374-8393 for current hours.
There are fishing areas on both sides of the river downstream from Bonneville Dam. On the Oregon side, Bradford and Robins islands and Tanner Creek are open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the year.
On the Washington side, the Hamilton Island, Fort Cascades and North Shore day-use areas are open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., March 1 through October 31 and from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 1 through the end of February. The Hamilton Island boat ramp is open 24 hours to provide river access for boaters. Cascades Island will remain closed indefinitely. For additional information call (541) 374-8344.
Boaters are reminded of the Boat Restricted Zone below the dam. The downstream boundary of the BRZ begins at the westernmost tip of Robins Island and extends across the river to the area immediately upstream of the Hamilton Island boat ramp. No boats are allowed in the area upstream of these two points due to public safety concerns.
The Dalles Lock and Dam
The Corps operates several parks along Lake Celilo, the Columbia River reservoir impounded by The Dalles Dam.
Parks in Washington:
On the Washington shore adjacent to the dam, visitors can picnic at Hess Park, or primitive camp and fish for trout at Spearfish Park. Columbia Hills State Park offers camping, boating, trout fishing and swimming. The park also includes Horsethief Park, which has petroglyph viewing by appointment. To make an appointment, call (509) 767-1159.
Maryhill State Park offers modern campground facilities including group camping. It also attracts windsurfers, boaters and swimmers. Call (509) 773-5007 for more information.
Avery Park, The Wall, and Cliffs are less developed sites that offer primitive camping, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing and world-class windsurfing. Call (541) 506-7819 for more information.
Parks in Oregon:
In The Dalles, the Seufert Interpretive Visitor Center will be open during the late spring to early fall season. It is open Wednesday through Sunday, including federal holidays, from May 2 through May 31, and Sept. 1 through Sept. 30. During the peak season, June 1 through August 31, the visitor center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Call (541) 296-9778 for more information. A limited number of tours may be available; however the tour train is not operational this season. Contact the park ranger staff at (541) 506-7819 for information.
Celilo Park is located along the Oregon shoreline about eight miles upstream from The Dalles Dam at Exit 97 off Interstate 84. This is a popular windsurfing and picnic area with facilities that include a parking area, lawn, picnic facilities, boat ramp and flush restrooms. Nearby Deschutes River State Park has campgrounds, boat launching facilities, hiking and excellent steelhead fishing. Call (541) 739-2322 for more information.
Rufus Landing is a less developed site that offers primitive camping, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing and world-class windsurfing. Call (541) 506-7819 for more information.
John Day Lock and Dam
There are several campgrounds and day-use areas located along Lake Umatilla, above the John Day Dam. World-class walleye, sturgeon, salmon, steelhead, catfish, large and small mouth bass and shad fishing is a main attraction in this area.
In Oregon:
Giles French Park is located along the Oregon shoreline just downstream of John Day Dam. Vehicle access at Exit 109 off Interstate 84 will lead into this two-mile-long riverside park. Popular activities include fishing, picnicking, primitive camping and boating. The level terrain extending the length of the park provides a leisurely hiking and biking pathway. Tours of John Day Dam are not available at this time. A Department of Fish and Wildlife northern pike minnow collection station is located at the west end of the park. To learn more about the sport reward program visit http://www.pikeminnow.org/.
LePage Park is located at the confluence of the John Day and Columbia rivers at Exit 114 eastbound off Interstate 84. LePage Park offers a campground with 22 paved sites, a day-use area and a swim beach. RV camping with water and electric hookups provide pull-through/waterfront sites at $18 per night, or backing sites at $17 per night; tent camping and RV camping without hookups are $12. Restrooms and a sanitary dump station are available. Fee collection by a gate attendant occurs from April 1 to November 25. Boat launching is $3. For detailed information, call (541) 506-7819
Phillipi Park, accessible only by boat, offers camping opportunities and is located along the east bank of the John Day River, three miles upriver from LePage Park. Phillipi Park is open now through Oct. 30. Park facilities include a flush restroom, showers and a drinking fountain. There is a $3 boat launch fee per day when launching to access Philippi Park from LePage Park.
Three-Mile Canyon at Exit 117 off Interstate 84 has a boat ramp, fishing access and a vault restroom. Campers are encouraged to bring self-contained cooking devices since open fires are prohibited. Moorage space is limited, therefore boats exceeding 24 feet are prohibited. One- to three-foot swells and high winds on the John Day River are common during the recreation season. Boaters are advised to use caution and always wear their life jackets.
In Washington:
Railroad Island, Rock Creek, Sundale, and Roosevelt parks offer boat ramps, fishing access and vault or chemical restrooms. Roosevelt Park is a popular windsurfing destination and has picnic tables, drinking water and restrooms.
Plymouth Park is located near the Umatilla Bridge and is accessible from Washington State Route 14. There are 32 paved campsites located in the sheltered campground with water, sewer and electrical hookups available. The fee is $12 per night for tent camping, $18 per night for water and electrical hookups and $20 for full hookups. Campground fee collection began April 1 and will continue through October 31. For more information, please call (541) 506-7819
A day-use facility at Plymouth Park, located one-quarter mile west of the campground, includes a protected swim beach, courtesy dock, restrooms and a picnic area with shelter. The park is open now through Sept. 30 and charges a day-use fee. A boat ramp is available for use year-round for a $3 user fee.
A number of sites or portions of sites are managed as shared use sites and may be closed during certain tribal fishing seasons. These sites include the east end of Avery Park, Sundale Park, the East launch ramp at Railroad Island Park and the North launch ramp at LePage Park. Please note there are several other parks managed by local municipal governments not mentioned here.
For more information on these parks, contact The Dalles Dam/John Day park rangers at (541) 506-7819, or visit http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/d/home.asp.
Rogue River Basin Projects
Both Lost Creek and Applegate lakes will have excellent water levels during this recreation season. Fishing, swimming, water-skiing and pleasure boating opportunities in the cool, clear lake waters abound. Lost Creek Lake offers good fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, bass, crappie and catfish. Swim beaches and picnic areas are available at both lakes.
Lost Creek Lake
Lost Creek Lake provides many areas for water-skiing. Visitors should take time to familiarize themselves with the boating regulations posted at designated launch ramps.
Lost Creek Lake also features more than 30 miles of hiking trails, part of the Rogue River National Scenic Trail System. The trails offer hiking and mountain biking opportunities around the lake and surrounding areas. Most of the trails are in passable condition; however, visitors need to be cautious of downed trees. Bicyclists in Stewart State Park are reminded to remain on paved trails; no off road bicycling is permitted.
Mountain bikes will not be allowed on the trail above Peyton. Severe erosion and drop-offs make the trail too dangerous for mountain bikes, as riders may not be able to react to sudden changes in the terrain. The five and one-half-mile-long section of the trail above Peyton remains open to hikers. Mountain bikes are permitted on the rest of the trail system, with the exception of certain trails within Stewart State and McGregor parks.
Lost Creek Lake has many scenic picnic areas at Takelma, Riversedge, Catfish Cove, McGregor and Stewart State parks. Riversedge Park has a large covered picnic shelter, horseshoe pits, volleyball court and an open play area. The group use area in Riversedge Park can be reserved June 1 through August 31 by calling (541) 878-2255.
McGregor Park has two group picnic sites with outdoor electric stoves, a playground and excellent views of the river. All picnic areas have cooking pits or barbecue grills, but visitors must bring their own firewood or charcoal. Day-use facilities in McGregor Park are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The McGregor Park Visitor Center, operated by the Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Land Management, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday, and on holidays, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The Corps operates two small, primitive hike-in/boat-in camping areas at Lost Creek Lake; Fire Glen and Four Corners. Both sites have fire rings, picnic tables and centrally located vault restrooms. Because they are remote areas, no potable water is available.
Self-guided tours of the Cole M. Rivers Fish Hatchery, operated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, are available during daylight hours. Users are encouraged to call the Rogue River Basin Project Office at (541) 878-2255 for more information.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department manages more than 200 overnight camping facilities at Stewart State Park. Campsites have picnic tables, fire rings, potable water and hookups. Restrooms with running water and showers are in the campground. Stewart State Park is open through October. For reservation and fee information call the Oregon State Park Campsite Information Center at (800) 452-5687.
Please note: During the 2006 recreation season there were toxic blue-green algae blooms identified at Lost Creek Lake. For information about blue-green algae and its health effects, visit the Oregon Department of Human Services Web site at http://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/maadvisories.shtml, or contact them at (971) 673-0444.
Applegate Lake
Applegate Lake has several campgrounds operated by the Forest Service. For campground information, contact the Applegate Ranger Office at (541) 899-1812. There is a 10 mile-per-hour speed limit on the lake and boating regulations are posted at designated launch ramps. Visitors should take time to familiarize themselves with these regulations and lake conditions before setting out.
Other projects
Willow Creek Lake
Willow Creek Lake is a flood damage reduction project designed to protect the town of Heppner, in northeastern Oregon. In 1903, Heppner experienced one of the most devastating floods in the history of the United States. The dam was constructed to prevent a recurrence of a similar disaster. The Willow Creek Park District manages a public boat ramp at the lake. The campground is open year-round, and has 16 sites with water and electricity and eight sites with full hookups. For more information, call the Willow Creek Park District at (541) 676-9618.
Willamette Falls Locks
Willamette Falls Locks on the Willamette River was the first water resource development project in West Linn, Ore. It is a National Historic Site and a Historic Engineering Site. The original lockmaster's office displays photographs of the historic locks, which have been in operation since 1873. Tours of the historic office are available by appointment. The locks will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Monday, now through Sept. 30. Lockfest will be celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 22. Call (503) 656-3381 for additional information.
Mount St. Helens Sediment Retention Structure
Built and operated by the Corps, the Sediment Retention Structure controls the sediment flow on the North Fork of the Toutle River. It allows the billions of cubic yards of sediment resulting from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens to drop behind the structure and thus not settle downstream where it could cause flooding and impede navigation. An observation area is located off State Highway 504, near milepost 21. Parking and a picnic area are available. Travelers on Interstate 5 should turn off at exit 49 at Castle Rock, Wash., and follow signs to the Spirit Lake Highway. Visitors also may hike along a one-mile nature trail from the observation area to the SRS.
Oregon Coast
The Corps manages more than 30 jetties and breakwaters along the entire length of the Oregon coast, from Astoria, south to Brookings. Visitors to the coast should avoid fishing from, and walking, driving or climbing on these structures because of their potential hazards.
The Corps began building jetties along Oregon's coast more than 100 years ago to help mariners navigate between the Pacific Ocean and coastal ports. Through the years, additional work has been performed on the jetties to lengthen and strengthen them. Despite these moves to prolong their life and usefulness, the structures are not immune to the effects of nature. Over time, water erodes rock. Waves can remove even the largest boulders from the jetties, and underwater currents - which penetrate the structure - remove smaller rocks and sand from inside the jetty. This creates visible and hidden dangers.
Open crevasses between large boulders create stepping hazards. Sinkholes, caused by drifting sand pushed up against the jetty being eroded by moving water inside the structure, can give way unexpectedly. Caverns within the structure, caused by the erosion of stones and sand, could be hidden below a thin surface and suddenly collapse. Sea spray causes rock surfaces to become slippery. Sudden larger waves, even in calm weather, can knock a person off balance or into the water. Waves and strong currents near the jetty can prevent safe recovery after a fall into the water.
Jetties were constructed to aid ships traveling between rivers and the ocean, and were never intended for recreational purposes. For this reason, jetties should be admired for their complexity and contributions to the region from a distance.