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Alsea Falls Recreation Site
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Alsea Falls Recreation Site is located along a Bureau of Land Management National Back Country Byway. Forests in all stages of growth line the road. Old-growth Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar forests can be seen on the nearby ridges, while younger Douglas Fir and Vine Maples provide a pleasant atmosphere at the Alsea Falls Recreation Site.
The state flower, Oregon Grape, can be found throughout the site and along the South Fork of Alsea National Back Country Byway, as well as a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. In early May, Pacific Dogwoods bloom along the road, followed by Oregon Iris, native berries, foxglove, and honeysuckle. The South Fork Alsea River offers painters and photographers endless opportunities to capture the natural beauty of Alsea Falls and the surrounding area. Across the river the trail continues on to Green Peak Falls. The trail passes through the private campground of McBee Park. Follow the markers along the trail and road.
There are 16 campsites and 23 picnic units, open mid May through September, with drinking water available in both the campground and picnic area. Also available are vault toilets as well as grills and fireplaces that use wood and charcoal. (Fees are required.) For current fee information, please contact the Bureau of Land Management's Salem District Office at 503-375-5646 or visit their website.
Activities:
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Swimming
- Camp Sites
- Picnic Tables
- Hiking Trails
- Restrooms
- Trash Receptacles
- Water
The Alsea Falls Recreation Site was named after its original inhabitants, the Alsi Indians. In the early 1850s, settlers from the Willamette Valley began migrating to the Alsea Valley to take up Donation Land Claims. These early settlers came to the area to clear land for farming and timber harvest. The large old stumps seen throughout are evidence of a time when it may have taken two men standing on "spring boards" all day to fall just one tree. The spring board notches are still visible on stumps along the hiking trails. The Alsea Falls area was logged most recently in 1945. Some of the land was planted while other areas were left for natural regeneration.
Wildlife
A forest, like any natural environment, has many working parts - each one depending upon the other. The forest provides a home for a variety of animals. Older trees are home to woodpeckers, owls, hawks, squirrels, and other animals. Deer and elk prefer to graze in the recently replanted open areas where there are more grasses and shrubs. Beaver activity can often be observed along the South Fork of the Alsea River.
Directions
From Corvallis, Oregon:
Take Highway 99 W south for 15 miles. Turn west on Alpine Road and drive five miles to Alpine Junction. Continue along the South Fork Alsea River Access Road (National Back Country Byway) for nine miles to Alsea Falls Recreation Site.
From the town of Alsea, Oregon:
Drive south on State Highway 201 one mile to South Fork Road, which then connects to the South Fork Alsea River Access Road (National Back Country Byway).
Fees
Fee changes are proposed for 2010: group campsite 16 will increase to $20 a night, individual sites increasing to $12 a night and $3 will be charged for day use amenities. For further information on proposed changes or to comment contact Traci Meredith or call 503-315-5991.
Season: Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day
The campground and picnic area are first come first serve.
(Data provided by the Bureau of Land Management)