Wildwood Recreation Site

Warning

General

There is NO AMPLIFIED MUSIC ALLOWED and no water balloons or confetti due to wildlife concerns. 

Fish Viewing Chamber
Bear Tracks Winter 2022
Boardwalk on Wetlands Trail
Salmon River
Salmon River Shelter

Featured amenities

River Access River Access
Playground Playground

About Wildwood Recreation Site

Wildwood Recreation Site is open year-round but may close due to vehicle access during severe weather. Check status during severe weather events by calling 503-375-5646.   Park passes are only available for purchase online for printing (Wildwood Recreation Site Day Pass) or onsite at the automated fee machine (AFM), located next to the park’s entrance station. Credit cards only; no cash or checks. Visitors may purchase either a daily or a Northwest Oregon District Passenger Vehicle Day Use annual pass at the AFM. Visitors with an annual pass receipt should bring it to the park office for transfer to a static cling Northwest Oregon District Passenger Vehicle Day Use Pass. Wildwood staff is limited so please be patient and hold onto your paper receipt until able to contact a park employee. Wildwood is open from 8 AM until 1/2 hour before sunset, or 8 PM whichever is closer, 7 days a week. Please stay aware of the closure times posted on roadside signs throughout the park. The gate will close at the posted time so make sure that you exit the park at or before the closing time.   Wildwood Recreation Site is located along the Mount Hood Scenic Byway near the town of Welches, Oregon. Mount Hood, Oregon's tallest mountain, beckons travelers through a forested corridor to wade the waters of the Wild and Scenic Salmon River.   This year round day-use area is home to a wide range of recreation facilities and the Cascade Streamwatch Trail. Visitors have a chance to explore natural stream and wetland ecosystems along accessible interpretive trails and boardwalks and observe native fish in a unique, underwater fish viewing chamber.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Birding

Birding

Year-round
Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Mar 16 to Nov 15

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

River Access River Access
Playground Playground
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Playground
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
  • River Access
Missing information?

Reviews (32)

What Guests Are Saying

Wildwood Recreation Site is praised for its friendly and helpful staff, with many guests noting the exceptional service from the camp host and rangers. The site is described as beautiful and well-maintained, making it ideal for events like weddings and family gatherings. Visitors appreciate the available amenities, including firewood and clean facilities, creating a memorable experience in a charming forest setting.

Review Summary

5.0
32 reviews
5
96.9%
31
4
3.1%
1
3
0.0%
0
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

SHERILYNN B

August 8, 2026

5

So friendly and helpful throughout our stay! Fire wood provided and started. Thank you to the rangers!!!

Debra M

July 14, 2026

5

The camp host was extremely helpful and went above and beyond. We will definetly be coming back.

Michelle F

May 31, 2026

5

Camp host was great! Area is beautiful! Thanks

Nancy P

May 17, 2026

5

I live near Wildwood and have been going there for years. It's a most beautiful and very special place; a gem in the heart of what is left of the forest. It poured rain the whole day which made the forest setting all the more dramatic, and the shelter all the more charming, and the whole experience more memorable. My family felt it was the perfect place for a wedding.

Cheri L

May 14, 2026

5

Staff was amazing and super helpful. The site was clean and beautiful. We will return!

Paul S

December 23, 2025

5

Well appointed, clean, and a great experience!

Linzi H

November 1, 2025

5

We hosted my father’s celebration of life here and it was beautiful. It was large enough for military honors and our 50+ guests. Park host was super helpful. It was an atmospheric river this day too and the walls pulled down so we were able to stay warm. They provided wood for a fire too and heaters. Such a great space

Katelyn T

September 13, 2025

5

The salmon river shelter made the perfect place for our wedding. It’s so effortlessly beautiful.

Merry Jo C

August 6, 2025

5

Staff was friendly and helpful. Answered all our questions, greeted our group, called the day before to make sure all our needs were covered. Great experience.

Peggy S

July 19, 2025

5

Everything was well cared for and the park attends were very attentive and pleasant. It was a wonderful day for our whole family.

Location Wildwood Recreation Site

Address:
Wildwood Recreation Site
Welches, OR, 97067
United States

Highway access

Wildwood Recreation Site is accessible via Highway 26, which is located approximately 39 miles east of Portland.

Elevation: 375 feet

Distance to downtown

2 mi drive to downtown Welches (about 3 min)

Policies & Rules

General

  • Campfires? Please see here for current campfire restrictions: Fire Closures and Restrictions Typically, campfires are limited to the steel fire rings or BBQ grills provided within the recreation site. No building rock campfire rings.
  • Group Electric Shelter reservations cover half of the shelter. To use the whole shelter, you must make 2 reservations: Pioneer (WPIO and EPIO) and Mountain View (NMTN and SMTN).
  • Those renting the Pioneer or Mountain View Group Electric Shelters have priority use of the athletic fields.
  • Please exit the park.
  • No amplified music allowed in the park.
  • No horses allowed in the park.
  • No skateboarding allowed in the park.
  • A firewood quarantine is in effect to protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species; please buy where you burn.

Warnings & Advisories

Warning

General

There is NO AMPLIFIED MUSIC ALLOWED and no water balloons or confetti due to wildlife concerns. 

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: August 23, 2026

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