Sweet Home Ranger District (US Highway 20) from the South Santiam River to the Deschutes River.
Sweet Home Ranger District is in the middle part of the Willamette National Forest. This area is accessible from the west via Highway 20 from Albany, OR, or from the east on Highway 20 from Sisters.
Let the Sweet Home Ranger District give you a taste of the sweet life! You’ll find mountain biking adventures, incredible wildflower hikes, swimming areas to keep cool on a hot summer day, and much more.
Each year, ODFW stocks millions of trouts in dozens of reservoirs, lakes and ponds throughout the state. You can use the search and filter functions to search the stocking schedule for specific locations and dates. The schedule is subject to change without notice; see individual waterbody listings in the Recreation Report for updates.
The U.S. Army Corps stockings have been incorporated into the ODFW stocking schedule. ODFW provides U.S. Army Corps stocking information as a courtesy to anglers, but changes may be made to those stockings without notice.
The Willamette National Forest offers a stunning choice of year round recreation for day-trippers and vacationers alike from scenic drives, hiking, camping, fishing or skiing to picnicking or rafting along one of our scenic rivers. Seven major volcanic peaks rise within the Forest's Wilderness areas: Mt. Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Washington, the Three Sisters, and Diamond Peak.
In other words, the Willamette National Forest is filled with special places! We've used this page to feature places and areas that offer a special type of experience but there are many more. Visit our recreation page to discover your very own special place on the forest! You can also use the interactive visitor map to select the National Forest of interest in addition to the Interactive Boat Oregon Map to select the Oregon boating area of interest.
Our adventure begins with a narrative of the boat launch at the Santiam Rest Area on I-5 upriver from the confluence with the Main stem of the Santiam River with the Willametter River.
Santiam Rest Area (Old Ramp) is a no use fee boat ramp accessible from the Santiam Rest Stop on I-5. The boat launch area is located on the south end of the rest stop from either direction from the South or North exit ramps from I-5. The Santiam Rest Area is located at mile mark 240.9 eight miles north of Albany. The boat launch on the Santiam River is managed by the Oregon Travel Experience (OTE). Contact at 800-574-9397 Waterbody-Location: 44.73784, -123.05404
Gill's Landing is a no use fee boat ramp managed by the City of Lebanon. Contact: 541-258-4916 on the South Santiam River. Location: 44.537617, -122.888733
North Side Lebanon Dam is a no use fee boat ramp managed by: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Contact: 800-720-6339 located on the South Santiam River Location: 44.516075, -122.862533
Waterloo Park located on the South Santiam River is no fee use boat launch managed by Linn County. Call 541-967-3917 for additional information. Location: 44.4911 , -122.81797
Andrew Wiley Park located on the South Santiam River is no fee use boat launch managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Call 541-367-5127 for additional information. Location: 44.41393 , -122.67511
Foster Dam Fish Counts for ODFW.
Guided Hikes
Sweet Home Nature and Heritage Tours offer incredible opportunities to learn about the plants, animals, geology and cultural history of the Sweet Home area, located on the edges of the Willamette Valley and within the spectacular Cascade Mountains.
Camping
Keep cool on a warm summer day at one of the popular campground and swimming areas such as Fernview Campground,
Directions:
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
44.4025, -122.29861
44°24'9"N, 122°17'55"W
From Sweet Home, Oregon, follow Highway 20 east for 22 miles and look for signs for the Fernview Group Site.
General Notes:Close to:
- Fernview Day Use Area
- Menagerie Wilderness
- South Santiam and Gordon Lakes Trail Area
- Santiam Wagon Road Trail Area
- Yukwah Campground
- Trout Creek Campground
- Trout Creek Day Use Area
- Longbow Organization Camp
House Rock Campground, Directions:
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
44.39361, -122.24389
44°23'37"N, 122°14'38"W
From Sweet Home, follow Highway 20 east for 26 miles to Forest Road 2044 and turn right. Follow Forest Road 2044 for a half mile and turn right, then drive for another quarter mile. House Rock Campground is across the Sheep Creek Bridge.
Close to:Read about camping rules, regulations and camping tips on our Camping Rules & Things to Know page.
Parking:PLEASE NOTE: There is limited turn-around space in House Rock. Not recommended for RVs
Directions:
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
44.39694, -122.07556
44°23'49"N, 122°4'32"W
From Sweet Home, OR, follow Highway 20 east for 19 miles and look for signs for the Trout Creek Campground.
Read about camping rules, regulations and camping tips on our Camping Rules & Things to Know page.
Parking:Paved parking
Hiking
If you like wildflowers take a hike in the Old Cascade Crest Trail Area or the Tombstone Pass Trail Area (especially Iron Mountain Trail). The Hackleman Old Growth Trail is a short 1/4 mile hike, but offers spectacular sightings of old growth trees and views of the South Santiam River.
Other Recreation
Grab your bike and get your legs and heart pumping on the Santiam Wagon Road Trail Area and Iron Mountain.
Uncover the past at Longbow Organization Camp.
House Rock Campground is perched on the confluence of Sheep Creek and the South Santiam River in an old growth forest grove. The campground road and parking spurs are composed of packed dirt and rock. The double-loop area comes with accessible vault toilets and drinking water from hand pumps. Picnic tables, campfire rings and grills are at each site. The campground host sells firewood.
Campers enjoy hiking the House Rock Trail, which starts at the day-use area. Part of the trail shares paths with the historic Santiam Wagon Road, a trail used to transport livestock east across the Cascade Mountains to central Oregon's grasslands.
In addition to the House Rock Trail, hikers have access to a variety of other trails in the Tombstone Pass Area, like the Iron Mountain Trail.
Swimming is popular, especially because many sites have riverfront access to shallow swimming areas. Anglers can cast for native cutthroat trout.
Visit nearby Foster Lake or Green Peter Lake for lake fishing and boating.
Trout Creek Campground is a fun, family campground situated along the South Santiam River, 20 miles east of the town of Sweet Home, Oregon. Many of the 24 sites are right on the river, tucked under the cool shade of Douglas-fir and Hemlock trees. The campground was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s and includes a welcoming day use shelter with a fireplace and five pull-through RV parking loops and a mix of standard parking spurs. Drinking water is from a hand pump well. Parking spurs are gravel and roads are paved. Firewood is available for a fee.
Wading and fishing are popular in the river and hikers enjoy easy access to the 2.8-mile Trout Creek Trail and the short Walton Ranch Interpretive Trail.
The Menagerie Wilderness can be accessed from the Trout Creek Trail, so hikers and backpackers can explore the area's extensive system of trails. Rooster Rock Trail is just across the road. This 3.3 (one-way) mile trail provides access to Rooster Rock, a stone pinnacle in the Menagerie Wilderness popular among rock climbers (rated 5.4). Additional nearby pinnacles are rated up to 5.9.
Visit the old Santiam Wagon Road, a historic trail used to transport livestock east across the Cascade Mountains to central Oregon's grasslands.
Yukwah Campground: from Sweet Home, OR, follow Highway 20 east for 21 miles and look for signs for Yukwah Campground.
Oregon State Marine Board Boat Launches
Hwy 22 ends at the Junction of Hwy 22 with Hwy 20 is 31.7 miles from Brightenbush Rd. in Detroit.
Hoodoo Ski Area Hoodoo (ski area) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia is a ski resort in the northwest United States, in the central Cascade Range of Oregon. Located near the summit of Santiam Pass on U.S. Route 20, the ski area operates on federal land through agreement with Willamette National Forest on Hoodoo Butte, a volcanic cinder cone. Hoodoo's slopes primarily face northeast.
Ray Benson Sno-Park provides access to multiple ski and snowmobile trails on the Willamette National Forest as well as ski and snowmobile trails on the Deschutes National Forest. The Ray Benson Sno-Park trail systems access three warming shelters on the Deschutes National Forest; Brandenburg Butte, Island Junction and North Blowout. Concessions and telephone are located nearby at Hoodoo Ski Area.
Facilities:
•Two restrooms
•Warming hut
•Orientation maps
•Staging area with snub posts for sled dogs
Square Lake is popular lake to hike into near the Pacific Crest Trail in the Santiam Pass with good catches of brook trout after a 2 mile hike.
Squae Lake weather forecast updated daily. NOAA weather radar, satellite and synoptic charts. Current conditions, warnings and historical records.
The Pacific Crest Trail - From Wikipedia PCT is 37.1 Miles from Brightenbush Rd. in Detroit. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT), which spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. The BLM follows the Pacific Crest Trail.
Lost Lake is stocked with eastern brook trout and rainbows and also has some native fish. Angling is permitted only until September 1 in order to protect fish that are forced to cluster as the water level drohps in summer. There is usually a solid ice cover in early spring and ice-fishing is popular. No motorboats are allowed on the water. A Forest Service campground is located on the west shore adjacent to the highway. Lost Lake Campground at Lost Lake is located on NF-835 off Lost Lake is located 1.5 miles from Santiam Junction with Hwy 20 and Hwy 22 to NF-835. Turn left onto NF-835 to the campground and boat launch.
Big Lake is 225 acres in size and is situated on the historic Santiam Wagon Road. It was the first resting place for early travelers heading west.
A 49-unit Big Lake campground on the western shore has been established by the Willamette National Forest, and a Seventh Day Adventist youth camp operates under special use permit on the east side of the lake. The NF campground is located adjacent to the Santiam Pass Motorized Recreation Area (area is unavailable) and is a popular campground for OHV enthusiasts. Volcanic peaks and cinder cones visible from the lake include Mt. Washington, Sand Mountain, Hoodoo Butte, Hayrick Butte and Three Fingered Jack.
Big Lake is popular for motor boating and water skiing, as well as camping, picnicking, fishing and swimming. Access to wilderness trailheads is located nearby. The nearby Santiam Pass Dispersed Motorized Recreation Area is open to Off-Highway Vehicles. A boat launch is located in the Big Lake Day Use Area (fee required). The lake used to be an excellent producer of brook trout, but they now run second to kokanee; cutthroat trout are also present. Two campgrounds are situated on the lake.
Directions from Santiam Junction travel 5.0 miles to Big Lake off of the Santiam Hwy and is operated by the U.S. Forest Service at 541- 475-9272. Turn right onto Big Lake Rd and continue traveling on Big Lake Rd. until it becomes the Old Santiam Wagon Rd. NF-2690-810 for the approximately 3.1 miles to the campground.
Big Lake Area: Big Lake Day Use Area (fee required) is located in the Big Lake Campground.
View more Popular Lakes & Rivers
Nearby Patjens Lakes Trail #3395 offers easy access to the Mt. Washington. the Patjens Lakes Trail is located in the high elevation ecosystem, Patjens Lake trail passes through a mixed forest of lodge pole pine, western hemlock, and alpine fir. Some of the forested are burned over from fires. Three small lakes are accessed from the trail. Entry into the wilderness area require a self-issued permit available at the trail head. Lard Lake access is gained from the Patjens Lake Trailhead to an area beyond the Patjens Lakes. Lard Lake is the deepest of two lakes that are located next to one another. Judging from the aerial photographs Lard Lake is the western most of the lakes and contains Brook Trout.
Blue Lake: the Blue Lake — Suttle Lake area has long been a favorite with outdoor enthusiasts, and several Forest Service campgrounds are in the area, including one at Blue Lake. Several hiking and horse trails follow the shoreline. Rainbow trout are stocked in the lake each year, and some kokanee are taken. Fishing is best in the warmer months because of the depth of the lake. Elliott R. Corbett Memorial State Park includes part of the south and west shores of Blue Lake. The park is preserved as a wilderness area, with only water and toilet installations provided. Use of the park is light, as it is accessible only by trail. About half of the rocky, forested shoreline is in private ownership, and a private resort is located at the outlet. The area of the Cascades from Blue Lake and Suttle Lake to Sisters and south of U.S. Highway 20 has a checkerboard pattern of privately—owned parcels of land alternating with land under management of the Forest Service. Land use and land management plans must be adjusted to the discontinuous nature of the land ownership pattern.
Blue Lake is accessed through Suttle Lake. From Santiam Junction travel 12.4 miles to SW Suttle Lake LP. Turn onto SW Suttle Lake LP. Travel 2.3 miles to Blue Lake Rd. Turn left onto Blue Lake for .2 mile to Blue Lake or travel on SW Suttle Lake Rd for 2.3 miles to SW Blue Lake Rd. Turn left onto SW Blue Lake Rd and follow for.5 mile to Blue Lake.
Metolius River Deschutes National Forest the Sisters Ranger District The crystal clear Metolius is a spring-fed Wild and Scenic River which passes through stately ponderosa pine forests near Camp Sherman on the Sisters Ranger District. Public trails along the river can be easily accessed from many areas, including public campgrounds and from the Camp Sherman Store area. Driving or biking though the area along Road 14 is also popular and provides many scenic views of riparian and forest wildflowers.
Directions to the Metolius River. Depart US-20 / Or-126 / Santiam Hwy toward McAllister Rd / George McAllister Rd. Turn left onto SW Camp Sherman Rd. Turn left onto SW Camp Sherman Rd. For 2.6 miles. Bear right onto SW Metolius River Rd. for 0.5.Bear right onto SW Metolius River Rd. Arrive at Arrive at SW Metolius River Rd. SW Metolius River Rd, Camp Sherman, OR 97730.
The Metolius River (From Wikipedia) is a tributary of the Deschutes River in Central Oregon, United States, near the city of Sisters. The river flows north from springs near Black Butte, then turns sharply east, descending through a series of gorges before ending in the western end of the lake. The unincorporated community of Camp Sherman - From Wikipedia, lies astride the southern end of the river. The name of the river comes from the Warm Springs or Sahaptin word mitula, meaning white salmon and referring to a light colored Chinook salmon and not a whitefish.
Metolius Springs - Wikipedia Overview Metolius Springs are located just north of Black Butte near the small unincorporated town of Camp Sherman in central Oregon, United States. The springs are the source of the Metolius River, which flows 29 miles (47 km) through the Deschutes National Forest emptying into Lake Billy Chinook. The flow from Metolius Springs is sufficient to create a full-flowing river, making the Metolius River one of the largest spring-fed rivers in the United States.
Deschutes National Forest - Sisters Ranger District
Each year, ODFW stocks millions of trouts in dozens of reservoirs, lakes and ponds throughout the state. You can use the search and filter functions to search the stocking schedule for specific locations and dates. The schedule is subject to change without notice; see individual waterbody listings in the Recreation Report for updates.
The U.S. Army Corps stockings have been incorporated into the ODFW stocking schedule. ODFW provides U.S. Army Corps stocking information as a courtesy to anglers, but changes may be made to those stockings without notice.
Head Of The Metolius Observation Site. This site at the head of Metolius Springs offers great scenery and interpretative signs. There is a parking area and a 1/8th of a mile paved trail to the Head of the Metolius.
Camp Sherman is the first campground that you come to after going through the town of Camp Sherman. Like other nearby campgrounds it is located right on the river. This campground has a picnic shelter and offers opportunities for fishing and hiking. This campground is heavily used in peak summer season.
The elevation is 2,900ft. The campground stretches along the Metolius River through a stand of mixed trees including Douglas fir, Lodgepole, and alder. The campsites south of the entrance are sunnier, more open, and less private. The north end sites are very shady and have a secluded, private feel. Within walking distance of campground is the Camp Sherman Store where limited groceries, gas, fly-fishing supplies, and goodies like a morning coffee or afternoon ice cream snacks, are available. Firewood is available for a fee.
Find a map of this campground here.
Camp Sherman: Directions to the Camp Sherman Campground from Sisters OR. Depart OR-242 driving west on US-20 / Or-126 to SW Camp Sherman Rd. for approximately 9.3 miles. on Hwy 20. Turn right onto SW Camp Sherman Rd for 2.6 miles. Bear right onto SW Metolius River Rd for 3.4 miles. to Suttle Sherman Rd. Turn left onto Suttle Sherman Rd. for 0.1 miles. Turn right onto SW Metolius River Rd for 0.2 miles. Turn left onto the access road to the Camp Sherman Campground.
Directions to the Camp Sherman Campground on Suttle Lake Sherman Rd. Depart US-20 by turning north onto SW Suttle Sherman Rd. toward SW Round Lake Rd. for 0.3 miles where the road changes to Suttle Sherman Rd. Travel for 0.6 miles where the road’s name changes to SW Suttle Sherman Rd. Follow SW Suttle Sherman Rd. for 3.8 miles and turn left to remain on SW Suttle Sherman Rd. for 0.2 mile where the road becomes SW Metolius River Rd. Follow the road for 0.2 mile to the entrance road to the Camp Sherman Campground. Turn left to enter the campground. FR-14 merges with the SW Metolius Rd. 2.3 miles north.
This area is a favorite for the campers who like to fly fish or for the camper who just wants to relax with a book. This campground is located next to the Metolius River.
The campground has a two-site spur set away from the Metolius River and a loop along the river's edge. The spur is tucked into a wooded area while the loop hugs the river's bank were Ponderosa pine and cedar provide some shade. Widely spaced sites have good to outstanding privacy. The gentle sound of the river can be heard at all sites.
Find a map of this campground here.
Allingham Campground Directions to the Allingham Campground from Sisters OR. Depart OR-242 driving west on US-20 / Or-126 to SW Camp Sherman Rd. for approximately 9.3 miles. Turn right onto SW Camp Sherman Rd for 2.6 miles. Bear right onto SW Metolius River Rd for 3.4 miles .to Suttle Sherman Rd. Turn left onto Suttle Sherman Rd. for 0.1 miles. Turn left onto Suttle Sherman Rd. Turn right onto SW Metolius River Rd for 0.7 miles. Turn left onto the access road to the Allingham Campground.
The campsites in this site are more heavily used during the midweek than other areas along Metolius River. However, with ample campsites along the river, it is rare for all the sites to be taken even on the busiest weekend. This campground offers opportunities to fly fish, provides access to trails, and is just one mile north of the Camp Sherman Store.
The elevation is 2,700 ft. The campground has a two-site spur set away from the Metolius River and a loop along the river's edge. The spur is tucked into a wooded area while the loop hugs the river's bank were Ponderosa pine and cedar provide some shade. Widely spaced sites have good to outstanding privacy. The gentle sound of the river can be heard at all sites.
Smiling River Campground Directions from Sisters OR. Depart OR-242 driving west on US-20 / Or-126 to SW Camp Sherman Rd. for approximately 9.3 miles. Turn right onto SW Camp Sherman Rd for 2.6 miles. Bear right onto SW Metolius River Rd for 3.4 miles .to Suttle Sherman Rd. Turn left onto Suttle Sherman Rd. for 0.1 miles. Turn left onto Suttle Sherman Rd. Turn right onto SW Metolius River Rd for 1.0 miles. Turn left onto the access road to the Smiling River Campground.
Find a map of this campground here.
While most of the campgrounds along the Metolius River are good for RVs of all sizes, Pine Rest is for tent campers only. Next to the upper Metolius River, this campground offers fishing, hiking, and picnicking opportunities.
Find a map of this campground here.
Directions: From Sisters, OR: Travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 6.1 miles north on Forest Road 14, then 1.5 miles north on Forest Road 1419.
Gorge Campground On the upper Metolius River, this campground offers opportunities for fishing and hiking. Gorge is the fifth campground that you come to on the Metolius River and is more isolated and quieter than its neighbors. It has the largest of the Ponderosa Pines in the area.
Find a map of this campground here.
Directions: From Sisters, OR: Travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 6.1 miles north on Forest Road 14, then two miles north on Forest Road 1419.
Lower Canyon Creek Campground at the confluence of Canyon Creek and the upper Metolius River, this campground offers opportunities for fishing and hiking.
Find a map of this campground here.
Directions: From Sisters, OR: Travel 12.4 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 12.3 miles north on Forest Road 12, and then 1.6 miles east on Forest Road 1200 980.
Like the other campgrounds on the Metolius, Allen Springs is located amongst towering Ponderosa Pines, on a turn of the Metolius River that broadens the river view. Most of the campsites are better suited to tents rather than RV's.
Find a map of this campground here.
Directions: to the Allen Springs Campground from Suttle Lake Sherman Rd. Depart US-20 by turning north onto SW Suttle Sherman Rd. toward SW Round Lake Rd. for 0.3 miles. The road changes its name to Suttle Sherman Rd. Travel for 0.6 miles where the road’s name changes to SW Suttle Sherman Rd. Follow SW Suttle Sherman Rd. for 3.8 miles and turn left to remain on SW Suttle Sherman Rd. for 0.2 mile where the road becomes SW Metolius River Rd before merging with FS-14. Turn left onto FS-14 and go north for 4.9 miles to the entrance road to the Allen Springs Campground.
Pioneer Ford Campground is one of the most popular of the campgrounds mostly because of the more isolated sites, but also because the sites are well suited to RVs. It is located next to the Metolius River and this site provides access to fishing and hiking trails.
Find a map of this campground here.
Directions: to the Pioneer Ford Campground from Suttle Lake Sherman Rd. Depart US-20 by turning north onto SW Suttle Sherman Rd. toward SW Round Lake Rd. for 0.3 miles. The road changes its name to Suttle Sherman Rd. Travel for 0.6 miles where the road’s name changes to SW Suttle Sherman Rd. Follow SW Suttle Sherman Rd. for 3.8 miles and turn left to remain on SW Suttle Sherman Rd. for 0.2 mile where the road becomes SW Metolius River Rd. Turn left onto SW Metolius Rd. for 6.5 miles to the entrance road to the Pioneer Ford Campground.
Lower Bridge Campground The beauty of this campground will hit you at the entry which is just as the river flows under the bridge. Lower Bridge is well-shaded by towering Ponderosa Pines and Incense Cedars. This campground offers fishing, bird watching, and hiking opportunities.
Find a map of this campground here.
Directions: to the Lower Bridge Campground from Suttle Lake Sherman Rd. Depart US-20 by turning north onto SW Suttle Sherman Rd. toward SW Round Lake Rd. for 0.3 miles. The road changes its name to Suttle Sherman Rd. Travel for 0.6 miles where the road’s name changes to SW Suttle Sherman Rd. Follow SW Suttle Sherman Rd. for 3.8 miles and turn left to remain on SW Suttle Sherman Rd. for 0.2 mile where the road becomes SW Metolius River Rd. Turn left onto SW Metolius Rd. for 6.9 miles to the entrance road to the Lower Bridge Campground.
Candle Creek Campground is located at the confluence of Candle Creek and the Metolius River, this campground offers opportunities for fishing and hiking. This is a very popular campground with the locals because of its location. It is at the end of the Metolius Valley and on the river where the rapids start.
This campground is not recommended for RVs.
Find a map of this campground here.
Directions: to the Candle Creek Campground from Suttle Lake Sherman Rd. Depart US-20 by turning north onto SW Suttle Sherman Rd. toward SW Round Lake Rd. for 0.3 miles. The road changes its name to Suttle Sherman Rd. Travel for 0.6 miles where the road’s name changes to SW Suttle Sherman Rd. Follow SW Suttle Sherman Rd. for 3.8 miles and turn left to remain on SW Suttle Sherman Rd. for 0.2 mile where the road becomes SW Metolius River Rd. Turn left onto SW Metolius Rd. for 8.3 miles to SW Jefferson Cr. Rd. Turn left onto SW Jefferson Cr Rd. to your destination 0.2 miles on the right.
Monty Campground This campground is located on the lower Metolius River just above Lake Billy Chinook and offers fishing, hiking, and a peaceful setting.
RVs are not recommended at this campground.
Find a map of this campground here.
Directions: From Sisters, OR: Travel 5.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 20.8 miles north on Forest Road 11, then 5.0 miles east on Forest Road 1170, and then 7.2 miles northwest on County Road 64.
Where to Fly Fish Oregon's Metolius River: There are really three different sections to the Metolius River. The first 11 miles below the springs is a popular Oregon fly fishing area and is the easiest to access.
Headwaters to Allingham Bridge
- The water is flat through this section and gets a fair amount of fishing pressure.
- There is no fishing within 100 feet of the Camp Sherman Bridge where large trout cruise looking for bread and other goodies tossed by the tourists.
- This section can offer some excellent stonefly fishing.
Allingham Bridge to Lower Bridge 99
- This section is known as the Canyon Creek Gorge.
- The water starts to pick up speed through this section.
- There is easy access on both sides of the river.
- There is good fishing here but it also gets a fair amount of pressure so make your presentations concise.
Bridge 99 to Lake Billy Chinook
- Some of the largest trout are downstream of the gorge.
- The river here is big and the terrain is steep and physically demanding.
- Access is by hiking the forest service road and undeveloped trails, neither of which is close to the river.
Please be careful, wading can be very difficult here.
Other U.S. Forest Service Campgrounds associated with Sisters Oregon.
Blue Bay from Sisters, OR, take US Rt. 20 west 11.9 miles to Suttle Lake Resort-Marina (and campground) signs. Turn left at sign onto Forest Rt. 2070 and go 0.8 miles to campground on right.
The campground has two unnamed loops meandering up and over hills on the southeast end of Suttle Lake. Douglas fir provides lots of shade and good separation between sites and young deciduous trees, such as maple, result in good privacy. Some sites are on the water's edge and most have a view of the lake. Firewood and ice are available for a fee.
Cold Springs in Sisters, OR, at the intersection of US Rt. 20 and State Rt. 242, take State Rt. 242 west 3.9 miles to campground on right.
The elevation is 3,500 ft. The campground is a single loop that meanders through shimmering Aspen and stately Ponderosa pine. The campground has an understory of grass and pine needles. A very pretty campground with good to excellent privacy, is close enough to the Santiam- McKenzie Scenic Byway and Sisters, OR, to explore both without breaking camp. The campground is good for an overnight stop but too lovely for just a one-night stay. Several little bridges across streams crisscrossing the campground, give it an additional scenic element. An unmarked trail at the campground's entrance leads to an active spring.
Driftwood in Sisters, OR, at the intersection of US Rt. 20 (W Cascade Ave) and S Elm St, take S Elm St south 15.6 miles to campground sign. Turn right and go 0.1 miles to campground. NOTE: S Elm St becomes Forest Rt. 16. For the last 1.7 miles, Forest Rt. 16 is rough, dirt and rocky.
The elevation is 6,500 ft. The campground hugs the north shoreline of the glacier-carved Three Creek Lake. Every site is on the lake and has a view of the Tam McArthur Rim. Fir and hemlock provide ample shade to sites. Widely spaced, the campsites enjoy good privacy. Three Creek Lake is popular with wildlife, campers, and canoeists. Located below Tam McArthur Rim and next to the Three Sisters Wilderness, the campground has a wilderness feel and offers a good base camp location for exploring the area. Limited groceries, snacks, ice and boat rentals are available at the nearby Three Creeks Lake Store. Firewood is available for a fee at campground.
Graham Corral in Sisters, OR, at intersection of US Rt. 20 and State Rt. 242, take Rt. 242 west and go 3.8 miles to Graham Corral sign. Turn right at sign, onto Forest Rt. 1012, and go 1.9 miles to another Graham Corral sign. Turn left at sign and go 1.8 miles to campground on left.
The elevation is 3,400 ft. This horse camp is huge, well suited to groups and individual equestrian campers. The campground loops around four large corrals with campsites tucked back among large Ponderosa pine. Several of the sites have their own corral or hitching rails. Privacy is good. The campground is near some private Black Butte Ranch homes.
Indian Ford from Sisters, Or, take US Rt. 20 west 4.5 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign and immediately right again into campground.
Elevation is 3,300 ft. The campground has two unnamed loops in a stand of Ponderosa pines next to US Rt. 20. Traffic noise can be distracting. Sagebrush offers fair privacy. The campground is close enough to Sisters to be a base camp for enjoying the town's many activities. It is also a convenient overnight campground for transient campers.
Jack Creek from Sisters, OR, take US Rt. 20/State Rt. 126 north 11 miles to Forest Rt. 12 (Jack Lake Rd.). Turn after sign onto Jack Lake Rd. and go 4.3 miles to an intersection and Jack CR sign. Turn left onto Forest Rt. 1230 and go 1.1 miles to Head of Jack Creek sign. Turn left at sign onto Forest Rt. 1231 (dirt) and go 0.1 miles to campground on left.
The elevation is 3,200 ft. The campground is a large loop reaching upstream on Jack Creek in a stand of mostly Ponderosa pine and some fir trees. The campsites are huge, most of which can accommodate multiple RVs. The sounds of Jack Creek are heard throughout campground. Because of no under or middlestory, privacy between campsites varies from poor too good.
Link Creek from Sisters, OR, take US Rt. 20 west 11.9 miles to Suttle Lake Resort-Marina and campground signs. Turn left at sign onto Forest Rt. 2070 and go 2.1 miles to campground on right. Elevation is 3,500 ft. The campground has two unnamed loops at the west end of Suttle Lake in a stand of Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. Most sites have a view of the lake and ample shade. With minimal middlestory and almost no understory, privacy is poor. Some traffic noise from US Rt. 20 can be heard in campground. Firewood is available for a fee. Ice, pizza, and snacks are available across the street at Camp Davidson.
Sheep Springs from Sisters, OR, take US Rt. 20 west 11 miles to Forest Rt. 12 sign. Turn right after sign onto Jack Lake Rd./Forest Rt. 12 and go 4.3 miles to Jack Cr sign. Turn left at sign onto Forest Rt. 1230 and go 1.6 miles to a "Y" intersection and "Sheep Creek Sprs Horse Camp" sign. Bear right, staying on Rt. 1230 (gravel) and go 1.5 miles to another Horse Camp sign. Turn right at sign onto Forest Rt. 1260 and go 1.9 miles to still another Horse Camp sign. Turn left and go 1.3 miles to campground on right. NOTE: Last 3.2 miles are dirt, single lane with turnouts.
The elevation is 3,200 ft. This equestrian campground is a small, dusty and crowded loop in a stand of mixed conifers including Douglas and other fir. Each campsite has a sturdy pole stall for at least a couple horses. From the lack of ground cover and other indications, this is a popular horse camp with no privacy between campsites. Sheep Springs, located outside of campground, provides ample water for stock.
South Shore from Sisters, OR, take US Rt. 20 west 11.9 miles to Suttle Lake Resort-Marina and campground signs. Turn left at sign onto Forest Rt. 2070 and go 0.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right and go 0.1 miles to campground.
The elevation is 3,500 ft. The campground has two long spurs in the middle of Suttle Lake's south shore. Sites are shaded by a mix of Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine. One spur stretches along the Lake's bank while the second spur stretches across the hillside above. Most sites have a view of Suttle Lake and some can watch traffic on US Rt. 20. A steady breeze off the lake and ample shade keeps the campground comfortable. A limited middlestory provides some privacy. Firewood and ice are available for a fee.
Three Creek Lake in Sisters, OR, at intersection of US Rt. 20 (W. Cascade Ave) and S. Elm St, take S. Elm St south 16 miles to campground. NOTE: S Elm St becomes Forest Rt. 16. The last 2.1 miles of Forest Rt 16 are rough, dirt, and rocky. This high alpine lake with good fishing all summer for both rainbow and brook trout for anglers fishing from boats or the bank. Road opens mid-June or later. Boat rentals and other services available at Three Creeks Lake Resort (541) 873-2961.
The elevation is 6,500 ft. The campground, on the glacier-carved Three Creek Lake, wraps around the Lake's south shore. Sites are tucked into a stand of mixed conifers including Lodgepole pine, hemlock, and Subalpine fir. The Lake is popular with wildlife, such as bald eagles, osprey, mink, deer, tent campers, and canoeists. Although the campground could accommodate small RVs, the access road is best suited for car, tent, pop-up tent trailers, and slide-in campers. Located below Tam McArthur Rim and next to the Three Sisters Wilderness, this tranquil campground has a wilderness feel and offers a good base camp location for exploring the area. Limited groceries, snacks, ice and boat rentals are available at nearby Three Creeks Lake Store. Firewood is available for a fee at campground.
Three Creek Meadow in Sisters, OR, at intersection of US Rt. 20 (W. Cascade Ave) and S. Elm St, take S. Elm St south 14.5 miles to campground. NOTE: S Elm St becomes Forest Rt. 16. The last 0.6 miles of Rt. 16 are rough, dirt, and rocky.
The elevation is 6,300 ft. The campground has two sections. The first section is for people-only campers while the second section, with stock water tanks and sturdy pole stalls, is for equestrian campers. The horse section is compact with sites close enough to promote bonding and has a fair amount of shade. The non-equestrian section has open, sunny sites and all of the campground's pull- through sites. This section is next to a large grassy meadow and has great views of the Tam McArthur Rim. Close to the Three Sisters Wilderness, the campground is a good base camp for exploring the area. Nearby, the Three Creek Lake Store as limited groceries, ice, snacks, and boat rentals. Firewood is available for a fee.
Or Continue to the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway.