Clay Creek Recreation Site

About

Clay Creek Recreation Site occupies a scenic setting at the confluence of Clay Creek and the Siuslaw River in the Oregon Coast Range. Managed by the BLM Springfield Office, this quiet campground sits at 436-492 feet elevation amid large canopy trees including Douglas fir, western hemlock, red cedar, and big leaf maple. The forest understory features rhododendron, salal, ferns, and salmonberry, with wildlife ranging from pileated woodpeckers to elk and black bear. The campground offers 21 individual campsites with paved parking pads accommodating vehicles up to 30-32 feet. Most sites include fire rings, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and tent pads. Facilities include vault toilets, potable water, a children's play area, horseshoe pits, volleyball area, and ball field. The summer swimming area includes nearby dressing rooms, and large group shelters are available by reservation for events. The Clay Creek Trail provides hiking access to old-growth Douglas fir stands on the ridge above camp. The Siuslaw River offers fishing per Oregon regulations and serves as a salmon watch site where spawning Coho and Chinook can be observed in fall and winter. Downstream put-ins allow paddling a 6.5-mile stretch with Class II-III rapids.

Directions

From Eugene: Take Interstate 5 to Beltline Road, go west to West 11th Avenue, turn right onto Highway OR-126. Follow Highway 126 about 29 miles to Siuslaw River Road just west of Walton. Turn left on Siuslaw River Road, follow about 10 miles to BLM Road 19-7-20.1 intersection, keep left for about 6 more miles. Main entrance is on the right. From Florence: Take Highway OR-126 east about 14 miles to Mapleton, continue on Highway 126 for about 12 miles to Siuslaw River Road, turn right and follow about 16 miles to BLM Road 19-7-20.1 intersection, keep left for about 6 miles to the main entrance.