News Release
| Release Number: | 00-082 |
| Dated: | 5/17/2000 |
| Contact: | Matt Rabe, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore. -- Recreational facilities are opening at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects in western Oregon and southwest Washington.
The Corps is the nation’s second largest federal provider of recreation. More than 10.7 million recreation visits were made to the Corps projects in Oregon and southwest Washington during 1999. Corps projects are scattered throughout the area; so the information below is presented in geographically related segments.
Campgrounds will continue to use the new reservation system for selected lakeside locations. The National Recreation Reservation System (NRRS) began taking reservations at Corps and U.S. Forest Service campgrounds in 1999. Four Corps-managed campgrounds in Oregon and Washington are included in this inventory – Pine Meadows at Cottage Grove Lake, Schwarz at Dorena Lake, and LePage and Plymouth, both upstream of John Day Dam. Reservations at these sites can be made by calling toll-free (877) 444-6777 and Internet reservations are available at http://www.reserveusa.com. A limited number of sites will be available at each campground on a first-come, first-serve walk-up basis.
Park visitors are reminded to obey all posted regulations so everyone can enjoy themselves. Visitors at Corps recreation areas are encouraged to exercise caution in and around the lakes.
Boating is a popular activity at Corps lakes and most offer boat ramps for easy launching. Boaters should be ever-mindful of any materials that may be in the water. Woody debris is common through early June as spring rains and snowmelt runoff carries the materials out of the forests and into the lakes. Power boaters, water skiers and wind surfers should make themselves aware of local conditions and water depths. Please note: Oregon state law requires children age 12 and under to wear life jackets while in boats that are underway, however, the Corps encourages the use of life jackets for all lake users regardless of age or swimming abilities. All state marine board rules are enforced at Corps lakes. To best reduce litter, all visitors to Corps parks are requested to "pack it in and pack it out."
A $2 fee will be charged to use selected Corps-managed boat ramps. An annual pass may be purchased for $25, which allows use of any Corps-operated day-use facility at any Corps of Engineer lake nationwide for that calendar year. A duplicate pass may be purchased for a second family vehicle for $5. Locally, passes can be purchased at Plymouth and LePage parks, The Dalles Dam and at Pine Meadows Campground on Cottage Grove Lake.
Camping fees will be charged at most Corps-managed campgrounds. Fees vary at each site depending on available facilities. Golden Age and Golden Access card holders will receive a 50 percent discount on these fees at most sites, however, these discounts do not apply to group sites. Golden Age Cards are available for persons 62 years of age and older at a cost of $10. Golden Access Cards are available to visitors with disabilities at no cost. Each can be obtained at most federally-operated campgrounds, parks or visitor centers.
The Corps has posted recreational information on the World Wide Web. To look at these web pages, type the following URL address using any Internet browser: https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil.
WILLAMETTE VALLEY PROJECTS:
Boaters on all of the Willamette Valley lakes detailed below should be aware of stumps in the shallow areas and floating debris on the lakes. Removal of floating debris has begun, but will not be completed for several weeks.
Rainbow trout are sought by most anglers, but warm water fish also are caught.
There are day-use areas or campgrounds and boat ramps at all these lakes except Big Cliff. Water recreation activities – swimming, water skiing, pleasure boating and fishing – are the big draw at the lakes.
For more information on the recreational opportunities at these 13 lakes, please also visit these websites:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/v/parks.htm
U.S. Forest Service: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/>
Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation: http://www.prd.state.or.us/
Lane County Parks: http://www.co.lane.or.us/parks/
Linn County Parks: http://www.co.linn.or.us/
Cottage Grove Lake
Cottage Grove Lake, located 20 miles south of Eugene on the Coast Fork Willamette River, is a popular vacation spot with plenty of space for camping.
Pine Meadows Campground with 92 campsites, opens May 19 and will close on Sept. 11, 2000. The camping fee at Pine Meadows will be $12 per night, per site, and a $4 per day visitor's vehicle fee will be charged. Pine Meadows is a developed campground with paved roads, flush toilets, hot water 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. Questions may be directed to the gate attendants at (541) 942-8657 (after May 19). Before May 19, information is available by calling (541) 942-5631. Campsite reservations can only be made by calling toll-free (877) 444-6777 or by visiting the ReserveAmerica website at http://www.reserveusa.com.
The Primitive Campground with family campsites will open May 26 and will close Sept. 5, 2000. The camping fee is $6 per night for family sites, plus $4 per vehicle. This area has, minimum facilities, including drinking water, gravel roads, chemical toilets, picnic tables and fire rings.
The day-use picnic facilities at Lakeside, Wilson Creek and Shortridge parks open May 12 and will close Sept. 11, 2000. These are developed parks with paved roads, picnic tables, flush toilets and fire rings. They are closed daily from dusk until 8 a.m. Entrance to these three areas is free, but there is a $2 daily fee for use of the boat launch ramps at Lakeside and Wilson Creek parks. The developed swimming beach at Wilson Creek Park has a $1 per person per day-use fee. Annual passes, which cover these day-use fees, can be purchased at the Pine Meadows Campground for $25. There is no charge for children under 12 years old.
Riverside Park is located downstream from the dam, on the east bank of the river. The park opens May 12 and will close Sept. 11, 2000. It is a minimally developed park with picnic tables and a paved path along the river with pull outs suitable for wheelchairs and close enough to the river for fishing. Chemical toilets are available, however, no drinking water is available.
Dorena Lake
At nearby Dorena Lake on the Row River, Schwarz Campground, with 72 campsites and six group areas, opened April 21 and will close Sept. 25, 2000. The camping fee at Schwarz will be $10 per night, and a $4 per day visitor's vehicle fee will be charged. Group campsites can be reserved for $90 per night. Schwarz is a well developed campground with paved roads, flush toilets, solar-heated showers, fire rings, picnic tables and a dump station. There also are three campsites available that are designed to be universally accessible to all visitors. Reservations can only be made by calling toll-free (877) 444-6777 or by visiting the ReserveAmerica website at www.reserveusa.com.
The Corps also manages two minimally-developed day-use areas at Dorena Lake, Harms and Bake-Stewart parks. These two sites are open from May 12 to Sept. 11.
For more information on Baker Bay Park, contact the Lane County Parks Department at (541) 682-2000, or the park concessionaire at (541) 942-7669.
Fall Creek Lake
At Fall Creek Lake, 25 miles southeast of Eugene on Big Fall Creek, all the developed campgrounds and parks are managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. For information about Cascara Campground, Fisherman's Point group area, Winberry Creek Park and the North Shore Boat Ramp, please call the OPRD at (541) 937-1173.
Fern Ridge Lake
Fern Ridge Lake, on the Long Tom River 12 miles west of Eugene, features several parks.
Contrary to earlier projections, Fern Ridge Lake is at its summertime operating level and will be at its normal levels through October.
Kirk Park, a day-use area, opened April 14 and will close on Oct. 16, 2000. This is a free area and has paved roads, chemical toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and a fishing dock.
The Corps also manages several small areas around the lake that provide lake access and opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking, bird watching, sight seeing and limited picnicking. These areas are open year-round. For additional information about Corps-managed facilities at Fern Ridge Lake, please call (541) 688-8147.
Lane County Parks Department also manages several parks, including Perkins Peninsula, Orchard Point and Richardson, at Fern Ridge Lake. For more information, please call (541) 682-2000.
Green Peter and Foster lakes
Green Peter and Foster lakes, located at the confluence of the Middle and South Santiam rivers, are about 30 miles east of Albany near the town of Sweet Home, Ore., on U.S. Highway 20.
Foster Lake should fill to its normal summertime operating level by June 1. Green Peter Lake will not fill until the end of June. This spring, low amounts of rainfall and increased water releases to aid migrating juvenile salmon have contributed to this situation.
Also, large amounts of woody debris are on these two lakes. Corps officials are working to contain the debris by early June, but removal of the material will continue through the summer. Boaters should use extra caution when using these lakes.
The Corps operates two parks on Foster Lake, Wiley Park and Shea Point. Wiley Park, located below the 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. They are free, but will be closed from dusk to 8 a.m. daily.
Group tours of the Foster powerhouse are available by calling (541) 367-5127.
All other campgrounds, day-use areas and boat ramps on these two lakes are operated by the Linn County Parks Department. For more information, call (541) 967-3917.
Blue River and Cougar lakes
Blue River and Cougar lakes, located on tributaries of the McKenzie River, are about 40 miles east of Eugene on U.S. Highway 126.
Blue River Lake, located on the Blue River, is a scenic 1,240 acre lake with many miles of forested shoreline offering varied opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The one campground and two boat ramps are operated by the U.S. Forest Service.
Blue River Lake will not fill this summer. Reservoir regulators expect the lake to fill to within 15 feet of full by July, which will effect the usability of the boat ramps.
Cougar Lake is on the South Fork of the McKenzie River. As with Blue River Lake, recreational facilities at Cougar Lake are operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The lake offers campgrounds, picnic areas, viewpoints and boat ramps. For more information on recreational facilities at these two lakes, call the Blue River Ranger District at (541) 822-3317.
Guided tours of the Cougar Dam powerhouse are available by calling the Corps’ Cougar Dam Project Office at (541) 822-3344.
Detroit and Big Cliff lakes
Detroit and Big Cliff lakes on the North Fork of the Santiam River are about 45 miles southeast of Salem on Oregon Highway 22.
Detroit Lake, nestled in the picturesque Cascade Mountains and under the watchful eye of nearby Mount Jefferson, is a popular recreation area in Oregon for camping, fishing and boating. Five parks and campgrounds dot the 32 miles of shoreline which surrounds the lake. All these locations are managed by either the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department or the U.S. Forest Service. For more information, contact OPRD at (503) 854-3406 or the Detroit Ranger Station at (503) 854-3366.
There are no recreational facilities or boat ramps available at Big Cliff Lake.
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 two day-use areas on the north shore of Lookout Point Lake – Signal Point and Meridian parks, which are open year-round. Signal Point offers a year-round, low-level boat ramp, paved parking and chemical toilets. Meridian Park has a high-level boat ramp, gravel roads and chemical toilets. Ivan Oakes Park is under renovation and will not be open during the 2000 recreation season.
Parks managed by the U.S. Forest Service, 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) 937-2129.
The Corps manages some open space areas downstream of Dexter Dam that offer recreational opportunities such as fishing and picnicking. There is no overnight camping at Dexter Lake. Day-use areas are managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, (541) 937-1173.
Also, the Eugene-to-Pacific Crest Trail, which runs along the north shore of Lookout Point and Dexter Lakes, offers popular outings for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.
Tours of Lookout Point Dam are available by calling (541) 937-2131.
Hills Creek Lake
Along the Middle Fork Willamette River, 45 miles southeast of Eugene on Oregon Highway 58, Hills Creek Lake is set in the rugged mountains of the Willamette National Forest. Two campgrounds and numerous day-use areas are scattered around the 44 miles of forested shoreline, providing many opportunities for the outdoor recreationist. The Corps manages a 130-acre wildlife and wetland area below Hills Creek Dam, with open fields, small ponds and riverside habitat for wildlife.
All parks are managed by the U.S. Forest Service. For more information, contact the Middle Fork Ranger Station, (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.
Bonneville Lock and Dam
Bonneville Lock and Dam is a National Historic Landmark located 40 miles east of Portland, along Interstate 84. It is consistently among Oregon’s top tourist attractions. You can also visit the dam on the Internet at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/B/.
Three visitor centers, two in Oregon – Bradford Island and at the navigation lock – and one in Washington, adjacent to the second powerhouse, are open year-round. All centers are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Bridge of the Gods, a toll bridge four miles upstream from the project at Cascade Locks, Ore., provides easy access between the Oregon and Washington visitor areas.
The main visitor center, 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 are the setting for scheduled talks, plus audio and video presentations describing the dam’s history and construction, salmon lifecycle and history, and a variety of other related subjects. Viewing windows on the bottom floor 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. A path to the original powerhouse is accessed from this level.
Special tours of the powerhouse or visitor center may be arranged by calling the Bradford Island Visitor Center at (541) 374-8820.
The Bonneville navigation lock, completed in 1993, helps speed river traffic around the dam. A small visitor center at the lock tells the story of the lock and the 465-mile-long Columbia-Snake River Inland Waterway. Visitors may be able to see one of the more than 3,000 lockages conducted at the lock annually.
A visit to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife salmon hatchery on the project grounds is always popular. Display ponds of rainbow trout and large white sturgeon, as well as fish runs with juvenile salmon, are available for viewing daily from dawn to dusk. The Bonneville Fish Hatchery is the current home of Herman the Sturgeon. A new underwater viewing area provides an excellent view of this 8-foot-long sturgeon.
A Washington shore visit is about a six-mile, 10-minute detour from the Oregon shore. From the Portland area, a round-trip up one side of the gorge and down the other is interesting. Many of the same features are available on the Washington side of the project, including fish viewing windows, displays and close-up views of the power generators in one of the most accessible powerhouses in the United States. The Washington Shore Visitor Complex is located along Washington State Highway 14 and is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There are fishing areas on both sides of the river downstream from Bonneville Dam. On the Oregon side, Bradford and Robins islands are currently open 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tanner Creek is open 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Starting May 21, the hours will be extended. Bradford and Robins islands and Tanner Creek will be open until 9 p.m. These later hours will be in effect through Labor Day.
On the Washington side, the Hamilton Island, Fort Cascades, and North Shore day-use areas are open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Hamilton Island boat ramp is open 24 hours to provide river access for boaters. Cascades Island will open starting May 21, and will remain open through Labor Day from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Boaters are reminded of the permanent change to the Boat Restricted Zone
below the dam. The downstream boundary of the zone now 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. The area was closed for public safety. If a boat were to be traveling within the BRZ and were to lose power, it could drift into the area of the outfall structures, putting the boat occupants in a very dangerous situation.
The Dalles Lock and Dam
Through June 9, The Dalles Lock and Dam Visitor Center and tour train at Seufert Park are open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. The center and train will extend operations on June 10 to seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Following Labor Day, the center will return to its 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, schedule through Oct. 29. The Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation District operates the visitor facilities and tour train through a cooperative agreement with the Corps of Engineers.
To reach The Dalles Lock and Dam Visitor Center, take exit 87 from Interstate 84.
A free tour train departs from the visitor center every 30 minutes. The tour train is one of Oregon's shortest rail systems. A 45-ton switch engine pulls a passenger car originally owned by the Union Pacific Railroad. The caboose, built in 1912, was originally owned by the Portland Traction Company. The tour train takes visitors to Patterson Park where the entrance to the former The Dalles-Celilo Canal and sturgeon pool are located. The train also stops at the east fish ladder where Native American petroglyphs are displayed. Visitors are given guided tours of the fish ladder and powerhouse.
The Corps operates several parks along Lake Celilo, the Columbia River reservoir impounded by The Dalles Dam. On the Washington shore, adjacent to the dam, visitors can picnic at Hess Park, a primitive camping site, and fish for trout at Spearfish Park. Nearby Horsethief State Park, (509) 767-1159, has petroglyph viewing by appointment, camping, boating, trout fishing and swimming. Primitive camping and windsurfing are available at Avery Park as well as primitive camping and fishing for sturgeon, steelhead, salmon or walleye at the Cliffs Park.
Maryhill State Park, (509) 773-5007, offers modern campground facilities including group camping, windsurfing, boating and swimming.
Celilo Park is located along the Oregon shoreline about eight miles upstream from The Dalles Dam and about three miles downstream from Deschutes State Park near the mouth of the Deschutes River. Celilo Park can be reached by taking exit 97 off Interstate 84. Facilities include a parking area, irrigated lawn, picnic facilities, boat ramp and flush restrooms. The park is very popular with the windsurfers. The Deschutes River State Park, (541) 739-2322, has campgrounds, boat launching facilities and excellent steelhead fishing.
Three miles west of John Day Dam, the Rufus Landing Area offers excellent windsurfing opportunities.
Guided group tours of The Dalles Dam may be arranged by calling the Recreation Hot Line, (541) 298-7650 or (541) 506-7816. For additional information about The Dalles Lock and Dam and the recreational opportunities available, please visit out website at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/D/standard/td/td.htm.
John Dam Lock and Dam
The John Day Lock and Dam visitor area provides access to the fish viewing window and powerhouse mezzanine floor and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The visitor area is accessible by taking exit 109 from Interstate 84. Follow the signs through Giles French Park to the dam.
There are several campgrounds and day-use areas located along Lake Umatilla, the Columbia River reservoir impounded by John Day Dam.
Giles French Park is located along the Oregon shoreline below John Day Dam. Vehicle access off Interstate 84 at exit 109 will lead you into this two-mile-long riverside park and direct you to the John Day Visitor Area. Popular activities include fishing, picnicking, camping and boating. The level terrain provides a leisurely hiking and biking pathway extending the length of the park. Giles French Park is one of the most popular angling areas for those interested in the northern pike minnow reward program. An Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife northern pike minnow collection station is located in the park. A boat ramp provides easy access for walleye fishing enthusiasts. The area also provides year-round sturgeon and seasonal shad bank fishing. Available facilities include flush restrooms, tent camping and RV camping without hookups.
LePage Park is located at the confluence of the John Day and Columbia rivers. Vehicle access to the park is provided by taking exit 114 off Interstate 84. LePage offers a campground and day-use area separated by a swim beach. RV camping with water and electric hookups is $16 per night, RV camping without hookups and tent camping is $10. Restrooms and a sanitary dump station are available. Fee collection by a gate attendant occurs from April 1 to Oct. 31. Boat launching is $2 per day for use of the ramp. For detailed information you may call the gate attendant at (541) 739-2713 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily during the recreational fee collection season. Reservations can only be made by calling toll-free (877) 444-6777 or by visiting the ReserveAmerica website at http://www.reserveusa.com.
Phillipi Park is located along the east bank of the John Day River, three miles upriver from LePage Park. Free campsites are available here. The park is accessible only by boat. Phillipi offers a swim beach that is available from April 1 to Oct. 31. Park facilities include a flush restroom, including non-heated showers, and a drinking fountain. Campers are encouraged to bring self-contained cooking devices since open fires are prohibited. Moorage space is limited; boats exceeding 24-feet are prohibited. One- to three-foot swells on the John Day River and high winds are not uncommon during the recreation season. Tent campers are cautioned not to place rocks or restrict sprinkler operation, which will damage the irrigation system.
Plymouth Park is located on the Washington Shore near the Interstate-84 Umatilla Bridge and accessed from Washington State Route 14. Thirty-two paved campsites are located in the sheltered campground. Water, sewer and electrical hookups are available. The fee varies from $10 a night in the overflow area, to $14 for water and electrical hookups, and $16 for full hookup. Campground fee collection starts April 1 and continues to Oct. 31. For further details regarding camping, contact the gate attendant, (509) 783-1270, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily during the recreation fee collection season. Reservations can only be made by calling toll-free (877) 444-6777 or by visiting the ReserveAmerica website at http://www.reserveusa.com.
Day-use facilities at Plymouth Park, located 1/4 mile west of the campground, include a protected swim beach, boat launch ramp, courtesy dock, restrooms and picnic area with shelter. Day-use fee collection began May 1 and continues to Sept. 30. A boat ramp is available for use year-round; a $2 user fee is required. In addition to these areas, the Corps also manages Railroad Island, Rock Creek, Sundale and Roosevelt parks in Washington, and Quesnel Park in Oregon. Several other parks are managed by the two state parks agencies and local municipal governments.
For more information on which agencies operate these parks, contact the Resource Management Office at The Dalles Dam, (541) 298-7542, or the Recreation Hot Line, (541) 298-7650.
For additional information about John Day Lock and Dam and the recreational opportunities available, please visit out website at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/D/standard/jd/jd.htm.
ROGUE RIVER BASIN PROJECTS
Both Lost Creek and Applegate lakes will have excellent water levels to begin the recreation season. Fishing, swimming, waterskiing 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. McGregor Park, downstream of the dam, provide access to the river for people with disabilities.
Swimming beaches and picnic areas are available at both Applegate and Lost Creek lakes. Boaters should be cautious of floating debris as well as submerged stumps, logs and rocks.
For more information on Lost Creek and Applegate lakes, you may also visit our website at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/r/.
Lost Creek Lake
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. Riversedge Picnic Shelter can be reserved June through August, excluding the Fourth of July weekend, by calling the Rogue River Basin Project Office at (541) 878-2255; ask to speak to a park ranger. McGregor Park has two group picnic sites with outdoor electric stoves, excellent views of the river and a playground. Areas within McGregor Park may be reserved for special events by calling (541) 878-3800. All picnic areas have cooking pits or barbecue grills, but visitors must bring their own firewood or charcoal.
All facilities are free except for overnight camping at Stewart State Park, operated by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The park has more than 200 campsites and is the largest campground on the lake. Campsites have picnic tables, fire rings, potable water and hookups. Restrooms with running water and showers are in the campground. Stewart State Park will be open through October. For reservation and fee information call the Oregon State Park Campsite Information Center at (800) 452-5687.
The Corps operates two small primitive camping areas at Lost Creek Lake; Fire Glen and Four Corners sites have fire rings, picnic tables and centrally located vault restrooms. No potable water is available at these sites, which are hike-in/boat-in only.
Lost Creek provides many areas for waterskiing. Boating regulations are posted at designated launch ramps. Visitors should take time to familiarize themselves with these regulations.
The Spirit of the Rogue Nature Center at McGregor Park will be open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. A unique partnership has been formed between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Spirit of the Rogue Nature Center to provide visitor services with plans for expanded nature-based activities, interpretive stream walks and hands-on environmental education. The visitor center will conduct powerhouse tours daily at 1 p.m. During the rest of the year, visitor services will be available on request to school and group tours. For more information on group tours or visitor center operations call (541) 878-3800.
Self-guided tours of the Cole M. Rivers Fish Hatchery, operated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, can be taken during daylight hours.
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 bike opportunities around the lake and surrounding areas. Most of the trails are in passable condition, but be cautious of downed trees.
Mountain bikes will not be allowed on the trail above Peyton Bridge. Severe erosion and drop-offs make the trail too dangerous for mountain bikes, which move at a faster pace than hikers, and bikers may not be able to react to sudden changes in the terrain. This 5.5-mile-long section of the trail remains open to hikers. Mountain bikes are permitted on the rest of the trail system, with the exception of certain trails within Stewart State Park and McGregor Park.
Users are encouraged to call the Rogue River Basin Project Office, (541) 878-2255, for current information.
Applegate Lake
Applegate Lake has eight campgrounds operated by the U.S. Forest Service. For campground information, contact the Applegate Ranger Office at (541) 899-1812.
There is a 10 mph speed limit on Applegate Lake. 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, Heppner, Ore.
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 boat ramp at Willow Creek Lake is managed by the Willow Creek Parks District. The ramp is open to the public. The campground is open year-round and has 16 sites with water and electric and eight sites with full hookups. For fee information, call the Willow Creek Parks District at (541) 676-9618.
To learn more about Willow Creek Dam, please visit our website at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/D/standard/wc/wc.htm.
Willamette Falls Locks, West Linn, Ore.
Willamette Falls Locks on the Willamette River at West Linn, Ore., was the first water resource development project in Oregon. It has been designated a National Historic Site and an 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 calling (541) 374-8820.
Hours for visitor areas are from 9:30 a.m. to sunset daily, boats and other watercraft are able to lock through from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Seven picnic sites and visitor restrooms are available. Boaters wanting to receive information about using the navigation locks can call (503) 656-3381.
Mount St. Helens Sediment Retention Structure (SRS), Washington
Built and operated by the Corps, the SRS 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 stop behind the structure and not travel and settle downstream, where it would impact navigation and could increase the risk of flooding. An observation area is located near the North Fork Survivors Gift Shop, off State Highway 504 near milepost 21. Parking, a picnic area and restrooms are available. Travelers on Interstate 5 should turn off at exit 49 at Castle Rock, Wash., and follow signs to the Spirit Lake Highway.
Also, visitors may hike along a one-mile nature trail from the observation area to the SRS.
To learn more about Mount St. Helens Sediment Retention Structure, please visit our website at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/B/msh.htm.
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 these structures because of their hazardous potential.
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 – strengthening them, making them longer, adding spurs. 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, but underwater currents – which penetrate the structure – remove smaller rocks and sand from inside the jetty. And that can create dangers – some visible, others hidden:
· 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 eroding of stones and sand, could be hidden below a thin surface and suddenly collapse
· Slippery rock surfaces caused by sea spray
· 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 to be used for recreational purposes. For this reason, jetties should be admired for their complexity and contributions to the region from a distance.