Spring Prairie Shelter
Currently closed due to the Cedar Creek Fire closure order, effective March 22, 2026 through December 31, 2026 unless rescinded sooner. Blair Lake Trail #3553, which provides access to Spring Prairie, is among the closed trails. Check with the Middle Fork Ranger District for current conditions before planning a visit.
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
Spring Prairie Shelter is a unique historic structure in the Willamette National Forest, originally constructed in 1930 as a mule barn for Forest Service pack strings at the Mule Mountain lookout site. The lookout complex once included a cabin and corral, but only this shelter remains today, making it the last of its kind on the forest. The shelter sits at Spring Prairie, a scenic beargrass meadow with views east toward the Three Sisters. The area is accessed via the Blair Lake Trail #3553, a moderate hike that passes through wildflower meadows before reaching the prairie and historic shelter site. The trail continues into the Waldo Lake Wilderness, which requires free self-issued wilderness permits for entry from June 15 through October 15. This is a primitive backcountry destination with no developed facilities. There is no potable water, no restrooms, and visitors must pack out all trash and human waste. The site is typically accessible from late June through October when snow-free.
Directions
From Oakridge, take Crestview Street over the overpass, turn right on 1st Street, and continue to Forest Road 24 (Salmon Creek Road). Follow FR 24 for 9 miles, turn left on Forest Road 1934 for 8 miles, right on Forest Road 733 for 1.2 miles, then left on Forest Road 741 for 0.2 mile to the Blair Lake Trailhead. The shelter is reached by hiking Blair Lake Trail #3553 approximately 2.7 miles.
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
| sm.fs.mfrd@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (541) 782-2283 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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