News Release
| Release Number: | 04-103 |
| Dated: | 5/26/2004 |
| Contact: | Diana J. Fredlund, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore. - Recreational facilities will open at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects in western Oregon and southwest Washington for the summer recreation season, generally between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Corps projects are scattered throughout the area, so information is presented in geographically-related segments.
This news release includes operating hours, available facilities and a description of each area owned and/or operated by the Corps' Portland District.
To honor those serving their 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. The Corps will waive camping fees on a walk-up and space-available basis, as well as through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) call center. Camping fees will not be waived for on-line reservations made through ReserveUSA.com. Personnel will be required to show identification and leave orders to obtain the waiver.
Funding for traditional Corps of Engineers missions such as recreation and navigation is severely limited nationwide, requiring reductions in all routine activities. As a result, the Corps of Engineers has had to prioritize use of limited funding both regionally and nationally. Locally, funds supporting recreation activities have been severely curtailed to permit funding of more critical needs such as operation of multi-purpose hydropower and flood damage reduction projects, inland waterway maintenance, environmental compliance efforts and maintenance of aging infrastructure.
To deal with funding constraints, we have reduced janitorial services, grounds maintenance and interpretive and water safety programs so we could keep the majority of recreation sites open in the Columbia Gorge. Unfortunately, we were not able to fund the contract with Northern Wasco County Parks for the operation of the Seufert Visitor Center. The operating contract for the Seufert Visitor Center at The Dalles Lock and Dam was cancelled due to lack of funds and will remain closed. Nearly 40,000 visitors toured The Dalles facility in 2003.
Our objective is to provide a safe and healthful environment in which the public can recreate. The Corps decided that wherever possible, it was better to offer a place to enjoy Corps sites with decreased services than to not open Corps sites at all.
Closing a facility this season does not mean it will remain closed permanently. The Corps will review all avenues available during the next fiscal year prior to making any decisions about future operations or reductions in service.
Visitors to Corps recreation areas may use a national reservation system for selected lakeside campgrounds. The National Recreation Reservation System (NRRS) manages reservations at Corps and National Forest Service campgrounds. Two of the four Corps-managed campgrounds in Oregon are included in the NRRS inventory - Pine Meadows at Cottage Grove Lake and Schwarz at Dorena Lake. Both lakes are in the Willamette Valley. Reservations can be made by calling toll-free (877) 444-6777, or online at http://www.ReserveUSA.com. A limited number of sites are available at each campground on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The other two campsites, LePage and Plymouth, are both upriver of the John Day Dam and also are available on first come, first serve basis. More information about these sites is found in the Columbia River section of this notice.
Park visitors are reminded to obey all posted regulations and exercise caution in and around the lakes. Boaters also should be mindful of any debris that may be in the water. Power boaters, water skiers and wind surfers should make themselves aware of local conditions and water depths. With 2004 marking the second driest March on record, Corps lakes are facing a below-normal water year. Although it does not appear it will be as dry as 2001, most Willamette Valley reservoirs may not fill up in time for summer recreation this year. 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. A $3 fee will be charged to use selected Corps ramps. Annual passes may be purchased for $30, which allows use of any Corps-operated day-use facility or lake nationwide for that calendar year. A supplemental pass may be purchased for a second vehicle for $15. Passes may be purchased at LePage and Plymouth parks on the John Day River and at Pine Meadows Campground on Cottage Grove Lake.
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 (PFDs, or life jackets) while in boats that are operating; however, the Corps encourages all lake users, regardless of age or swimming abilities, to wear PFDs.
State and federal agencies in Washington and Oregon now offer a convenient day-use recreation pass. This pass is an add-on to the existing Golden Eagle Passport, reducing the need to purchase multiple passes and providing a cost savings to the avid recreationist. The new Washington and Oregon Recreation Pass is honored for day-use at all Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sites. It also offers access to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department day-use fee parks, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers fee sites and for parking at selected Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission parks. For more information visit the Nature of the Northwest website at http://www.naturenw.org/.
The Corps is the nation's second largest federal provider of recreation. Almost 13 million recreation visits were made to the Corps projects in the Portland District during 2003. Camping fees are 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 Golden Eagle Passport is not honored at Corps of Engineer facilities.
For more information on local Corps recreational opportunities, visit the Portland District website at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil. For information about locations, descriptions and recreational activities at Corps recreation sites around the country, visit www.CorpsLakes.us.
WILLAMETTE VALLEY PROJECTS:
Boaters on all Willamette Valley lakes should beware of stumps in shallow areas and floating debris on the lakes. Floating debris is being removed, but removal will not be complete for several weeks.
Most Willamette Valley reservoirs are expected to be anywhere from 5 feet to 20 feet below their normal summertime levels. The Corps, however, will do all it can to keep as much water as possible in Foster and Detroit reservoirs, which attract the most boaters and anglers. Foster should remain full through Labor Day. Detroit may not fill completely, but water levels will be close to full, keeping the recreation facilities usable for most of the summer.
Whether anglers are seeking rainbow trout or other warm water fish, or the family is looking to enjoy 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 the lakes listed below except Big Cliff.
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 88 campsites, opens May 26 and will close Sept. 13. The camping fee at Pine Meadows is $14 per night per site, and a $4-per-day 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 Cottage Grove park office at (541) 942-5631. Reservations may be made by calling (877) 444-6777 or online at http://www.reserveusa.com.
The Primitive Campground at Pine Meadows with family campsites opens on May 28 and closes Sept. 6. The camping fee is $8 per night for family sites, plus $4 per vehicle. The area has minimal facilities, including drinking water, gravel roads, vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings.
The day-use picnic facilities at Lakeside, Wilson Creek and Shortridge parks open May 14 and close Sept.13. These are developed parks with paved roads, picnic tables, flush toilets and fire rings. They open daily at 8 a.m. and close at dusk. 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 use fee. There is no charge for children under 12. Annual passes, which cover these day use fees, can be purchased at the Pine Meadows Campground for $30.
Riverside Park is located downstream of the dam on the east bank of the river. The park opens May 14 and closes Sept. 13. 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 Cottage Grove office, (541) 942-5631.
Dorena Lake
At Dorena Lake on the Row River, Schwarz Campground has 72 campsites with six group areas. It opens April 23 and closes Sept. 27. The camping fee at Schwarz is $12 per night, and $4 per day per vehicle. Group campsites may be reserved for $90 per night. The $90 fee includes 20 camping units for overnight use and 20 day-use visitors' passes. 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 universally accessible campsites. Reservations may be made by calling (877) 444-6777 or on the Internet at www.ReserveUSA.com. Questions may be directed to the Dorena Lake park office at (541) 942-5631.
The Corps manages two minimally 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 opens May 14 and closes Sept. 13. For more information, contact the park office at (541) 942-5631.
For more information about Baker Bay Park, contact the Lane County Parks Department at (541) 682-2000.
Fall Creek Lake
At Fall Creek Lake, 25 miles southeast of Eugene on Big Fall Creek, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) 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.
The Corps maintains a small hiking trail and two day-use parks downstream of the dam. 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.
Fern Ridge Lake
Fern Ridge Lake on the Long Tom River 12 miles west of Eugene features several parks accessible by vehicle and several other walk-in recreation areas.
Kirk and Shorelane parks opened April 15 and will close on Oct. 15. There are no day-use fees at these Corps-managed parks. Kirk Park has paved roads and offers restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings and fishing docks. Shorelane Park offers restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings and lake access. All facilities are universally accessible.
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, open year-round, provide opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking, bird watching and sightseeing. Overnight camping, however, is prohibited in Corps managed areas around Fern Ridge Lake. For more information, call (541) 688-8147.
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 (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 the dam, offers picnic areas and a boat ramp for easy access to the Middle Fork of the 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 open at 8 a.m. and close at dusk daily.
Group tours of either the Green Peter or Foster dam powerhouses are available by calling the Corps at (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 U.S. Forest Service (USFS) operates the one campground and two boat ramps.
Cougar Reservoir will be dramatically reduced during 2004 in order to facilitate construction of the Willamette River Temperature Control project. USFS campgrounds around the lake, including Slide Creek, Sunnyside and Cougar Crossing, will remain open during construction, but the reservoir will not be available for boating or swimming. All boat ramps will be closed. A motorized vehicle closure extends from the high water mark at the top of the reservoir down to the pool left behind as the draining continues.
The McKenzie River downstream from the project will be available for fishing, swimming and rafting. There are a number of other recreation sites in the area managed by the USFS: Delta, French Pete, Limberlost, Lookout, McKenzie Bride, Mona, Ollalie, Paradise and Trail Bridge.
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 Oregon recreation area for camping, fishing and boating. Five parks and campgrounds dot the 32 miles of shoreline, which surrounds the lake. Either the OPRD or the USFS manage these locations. 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 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 year-round, low-level boat ramp, paved parking and vault toilet. 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 2004 recreation season.
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) 937-2129.
The Corps manages some open space 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 also offers popular outings for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. The OPRD manages the day-use areas. There is no overnight camping at Dexter Lake. For more information, call (541) 937-1173.
Tours of Lookout Point Dam and powerhouse are available by calling (541) 937-2131.
Hills Creek Lake
Along the Middle Fork of the 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 recreational enthusiast.
The Corps operates a 130-acre wildlife and wetland area below Hills Creek Dam, with open fields, small ponds and riverside habitat for wildlife. Public access is limited to foot traffic only.
The USFS manages all parks. For more information, 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.
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.
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.
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 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 website at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/b/ .
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. Many of the same features are available on the Washington side of the project, including fish viewing windows and displays. With appointments, groups are provided guided tours of the power house. 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 4 miles upstream from Bonneville Dam at Cascade Locks, Ore., provides easy access between the Oregon and Washington visitor areas.
The Bonneville navigation lock, completed in 1993, helps speed river traffic around the dam. The navigation lock visitor center is closed until further notice due to the current level of national security. Visitors may be able to see one of the more than 3,000 lockages conducted at the lock annually. Viewing can be arranged through prior reservation only.
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 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. The hatchery, home to Herman the 10-foot sturgeon, has an underwater viewing area that provides an excellent view of this huge sturgeon.
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 usually open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the summer. Due to current security conditions, however, these times may vary. Call (541) 374-8344 for operating hours.
On the Washington side, the Hamilton Island, Fort Cascades and the North Shore day-use areas are open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Hamilton Island boat ramp is open 24 hours to provide river access for boaters. Cascades Island will remain closed indefinitely.
Boaters are reminded of the Boat Restricted Zone (BRZ) 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 a public safety concern.
The Dalles Lock and Dam
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, or primitive camp and fish for trout at Spearfish Park. Nearby Columbia Hills State Park, which includes Horsethief Park, has petroglyph viewing by appointment. For appointments, call (509) 767-1159. The park also offers camping, boating, trout fishing and swimming. Windsurfing access and primitive camping also are available at Avery Park West. Nearby Cliffs Park offers sturgeon, steelhead, salmon and walleye fishing.
Celilo Park is located along the Oregon shoreline about 8 miles upstream from The Dalles Dam and about 3 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 Deschutes River State Park, (541) 739-2322, has campgrounds, boat launching facilities and excellent steelhead fishing.
Maryhill State Park offers modern campground facilities including group camping. It also attracts windsurfers, boaters and swimmers. Call (509) 773-5007 for more information.
Due to budget cuts, the Seufert Visitor Center and tour train at The Dalles Lock and Dam will not open this year.
John Dam Lock and Dam
The John Day Lock and Dam visitor area is closed. There are several campgrounds and day-use areas located along Lake Umatilla, the Columbia River reservoir impounded by John Day Dam. The Rufus Landing area 3 miles west of John Day Dam also offers excellent windsurfing opportunities.
Giles French Park is located along the Oregon shoreline west of John Day Dam. Vehicle access off Interstate 84 exit 109 will lead you into this two-mile-long riverside park. Popular activities include fishing (it's one of the most popular angling areas for the northern pike minnow (formerly known as Squawfish) reward program), picnicking, primitive camping and boating. The level terrain extending the length of the park provides a leisurely hiking and biking pathway. To learn more about the fishing reward program visit http://www.pikeminnow.org/.
A 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 offer a flush restroom, tent camping and RV camping without hookups.
LePage Park is located at the confluence of the John Day and Columbia rivers. Taking exit 114 off Interstate 84 provides vehicle access to the park. 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 $3 per day for use of the ramp. For detailed information you may call the gate attendant at (541) 739-2713 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily during the recreational fee collection season.
Phillipi Park offers free campsites and is located along the east bank of the John Day River, three miles upriver from LePage Park. The park is accessible only by boat. Phillipi offers a swim beach open from April 1 to Oct. 30. Park facilities include a flush restroom, 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 and high winds on the John Day River are common during the recreation season.
Plymouth Park is located on the Washington Shore near the 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 for tent camping, to $16 for water and electrical hookups, to $18 for full hookups. Campground fee collection started April 1 and continues thru Oct. 31. For further details regarding camping, contact the gate attendant seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at (509) 783-1270.
A day-use facility at Plymouth Park, located 1/4 mile west of the campground, includes a protected swim beach, boat ramp, courtesy dock, restrooms and a 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 $3 user fee is required.
Crow Butte Park, operated by the Crow Butte Park Association, offers modern recreation facilities including individual group camping, picnic facilities, boating and swimming. For reservations or more information, call (509) 875-2644 or visit their website at http://www.crowbutte.com/ .
In Washington, Railroad Island and Rock Creek parks offer boat ramps, fishing access and vault/chemical toilets, while Roosevelt Park has a boat ramp, fishing/swimming access, drinking water, restrooms with showers and vault/chemical toilets. In Oregon, Quesnel Park has a boat ramp, chemical toilet and fishing access. For more information on these parks, contact The Dalles Dam at (541) 296-1181, or the Recreation Hot Line at (541) 298-7650. Please note there are several other parks managed by local municipal governments not mentioned here.
ROGUE RIVER BASIN PROJECTS
Both Lost Creek and Applegate lakes will have excellent water levels during the 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 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. To make reservations, call the Rogue River Basin Project Office at (541) 878-2255.
McGregor Park has two group picnic sites with outdoor electric stoves, excellent views of the river and a playground. There also is a universally accessible area downstream of the dam. 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 will be open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More than 200 overnight camping facilities at Stewart State Park are provided by the OPRD. 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 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.
Lost Creek provides many areas for water-skiing. Boating regulations are posted at designated launch ramps. Visitors should take time to familiarize themselves with these regulations. 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; 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, 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 and McGregor parks.
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, (541) 878-2255, for more information.
Applegate Lake
Applegate Lake has several campgrounds operated by the USFS. For campground information, contact the Applegate Ranger Office at (541) 899-1812. There is a 10 mph 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 Willow Creek Lake. The campground is open year round and has 16 sites with water and electricity, and 8 sites with full hookups. For more information or fees, call the Willow Creek Park District at (541) 676-9618.
Willamette Falls Locks, West Linn, Ore.
Willamette Falls Locks on the Willamette River was the first water resource development project in Oregon. It has been designated 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 also are open to visitors and river traffic daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. until Oct. 4. For more information about visiting or using the historic locks, 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 drop behind the structure and thus not settle downstream where it could cause flooding and impede navigation. 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.
Visitors also may hike along a 1-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 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 strengthen and lengthen 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, 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 are 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 for recreational purposes. For this reason, jetties should be admired for their complexity and contributions to the region from a distance.