Wildwood Recreation Site
Mount Hood Village, Oregon
| GPS: |
45°21'21.5"N 121°59'12.0"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Oregon |
Hike, Mountain Bike, and Swim
Wildwood Recreation Site is a beautiful day-use park along the Wild and Scenic Salmon River near Welches, Oregon, in the forested foothills of Mount Hood about 39 miles east of Portland. Spread across 550 acres of old-growth Douglas fir, hemlock, and red cedar, this BLM-managed gem blends easy riverside relaxation with excellent trails and family-friendly amenities — a perfect stop along the Mount Hood Scenic Byway.
The clear, cool Salmon River is the heart of the site, inviting visitors to wade, swim, and fish on a warm day. Two unique accessible trails make it special: the paved three-quarter-mile Cascade Streamwatch Trail, with interpretive displays and a streamside fish-viewing window, and a Wetlands Trail boardwalk loop. For those wanting a real workout, the Boulder Ridge Trail climbs steeply from there into the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness.
Beyond the river and trails, Wildwood is loaded with amenities for a group outing: family and group picnic areas, outdoor picnic kitchens and shelters, athletic fields, and volleyball and basketball courts — a favorite for reunions as well as quiet nature walks.
This is a year-round day-use area (a use fee or parking pass typically applies). Summer is prime for river play, spring brings wildflowers and rushing water, and fall paints the forest gold. Bring water shoes for the rocky riverbed, keep an eye on the current and water levels, and pack out everything you bring in. Easy to reach yet genuinely wild at its edges, Wildwood Recreation Site is one of the Mount Hood area's most rewarding and accessible riverside escapes.
More Information
Wildwood Recreation Site - Recreation.gov
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https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234075Never modify trail features. Ride trails when they're dry enough that you won't leave ruts. Speak up when you see others on the trail and always yield to hikers, horses, and others coming uphill. Always ride on the established trail.
Read MoreBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Mount Hood Village, Oregon
- Head southeast on E Mountain Air Dr toward E Wildwood Ave (233 ft)
- E Mountain Air Dr turns right and becomes E Wildwood Ave (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto US-26 W (0.3 mi)
- Turn left onto Main Park RdDestination will be on the right(82 ft)
Wildwood Recreation Site is located 39 miles east of Portland on Highway 26 near Welches, Oregon.
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