Elijah Bristow State Park

Closed — This is a day-use park only with no overnight camping facilities. The park is currently closed due to flooding. Reservations for group day-use sites are available through the Oregon State Parks reservation system. A day-use parking fee is scheduled to begin in spring 2026.

About

Elijah Bristow State Park encompasses 847 acres of diverse ecosystems along the Middle Fork Willamette River, southeast of Eugene. The park offers an extensive trail network for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, winding through scattered meadows, woodlands, and wetlands. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, beavers, and the threatened Western pond turtle inhabiting the park. The park includes three reservable group day-use picnic areas equipped with picnic tables, water, electricity, restrooms, and fire rings. A separate equestrian staging area features ample parking for horse trailers, a vault toilet, barbecue facilities, non-reservable picnic shelter, and water. The park is a popular destination for fishing, birding, and wildlife watching, with viewing platforms overlooking pond complexes. Named after Elijah Bristow, one of Lane County's first Euro-American settlers who founded Pleasant Hill, the park was originally called Dexter State Park before being renamed in 1979. The area is easily accessible via Highway 58 and provides a quiet natural retreat close to the Eugene area.

Directions

Elijah Bristow State Park is located southeast of Eugene, Oregon, along State Highway 58. From Eugene, take Highway 58 east for approximately 20 miles. The park entrance is well-marked on the right side of the highway.

Nearby Campgrounds