Bechtel Shelter
Overnight stays are not currently permitted. The overnight season runs November 15 through April 30. During the winter season, the shelter operates first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved. Maximum stay is 3 nights and maximum capacity is 4 persons. Visitors must share the shelter with others.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
About
Bechtel Shelter is a backcountry three-sided ski shelter in the Willamette National Forest, providing winter recreationists a warming station and overnight accommodation during the snow season. Accessed from Gold Lake Sno-Park at 4,800 feet elevation, the shelter requires a 2.3-mile easy road ski along trails that branch off Abernethy Road, crossing a creek before climbing to the shelter location. The shelter is equipped with a wood stove for heating, a sleeping loft for overnight stays, a wood picnic table, and a gravel floor. Overnight capacity is limited to four persons, with stays capped at three consecutive nights. The shelter operates on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved. Per Forest Service regulations, exclusive use is prohibited and visitors must share the shelter with others. This is a true backcountry facility with no restrooms, no potable water, and no trash service. Visitors must pack out all garbage, human waste, and extra supplies. Candles are prohibited; bring your own lighting. Firewood may only be used in the woodstove. A Sno-Park permit is required to park at Gold Lake Sno-Park from November 1 through April 30.
Directions
From Oregon Highway 58, turn into Gold Lake Sno-Park at milepost 61.5, approximately 30 miles east of Oakridge. Park in the designated area, then ski approximately 2.3 miles following signs to Bechtel Shelter. The trail branches off Abernethy Road, crosses a creek, and climbs to the shelter.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 782-2283 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Willamette Winter Shelters | |
| USFS Gold Lake Sno-Park |
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