Special Places

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From spectacular mountain views, to guided hikes, to waterfalls, to miles of sand dunes to explore, the Siuslaw National Forest offers something for everyone!

Planning a national forest adventure? There's an app for that!

The Pacific Northwest Forest Service recreation app is available in Android and iOS mobile platforms. The app allows visitors to find recreational opportunities near them, provides information on hiking trails, camping, picnicking, boating areas, and more across 16 national forests in Oregon and Washington. Download the Android version | Download the iOS version

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Take in the view from the Cape Perpetua Day Use Area and Overlook. This is the highest viewpoint on the Oregon Coast accessible by car. Then stop by Cape Perpetua Visitor Center (open daily) to explore exhibits and catch free ranger-led programs, activities and presentations. The scenic area offers forest and beach hikes, tide pools, beachcombing, historical sites, camping and picnic areas.

Between Florence and Newport on Hwy 101. Day use sites open year round and cost $5/per vehicle per day (or valid recreation pass). Restrooms available. Contact Cape Perpetua Visitor Center with questions: 541-547-3289.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Explore one of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world. It is a beautiful and mysterious ecosystem where dunes, forests and ocean come together. There is something for everyone, including birding, sandboarding, surfing, hiking, camping, picnicking, off-road driving, beachcombing, sand play, and paddling.

Between Florence and Coos Bay, with many points of entry from Hwy 101. Visit https://go.usa.gov/xUB7u for more details or contact Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Visitor Center with questions: 541-271-3611. Day use sites open year round and cost $5/per vehicle per day (or valid recreation pass).

Marys Peak

Marys Peak is the highest point in Oregon’s Coast Range mountains. From the summit on a clear day, view both the Pacific Ocean to the west and Cascade mountain peaks to the east! In spring, meadows are full of wildflowers. The area offers hiking, biking, camping and picnic areas throughout the surrounding meadows, forests, and viewpoints.

45 miles west of Corvallis, OR, off Hwy 34. Day use sites open year round (may not be accessible in winter) and cost $5/per vehicle per day (or valid recreation pass). Restrooms available. Contact the Siuslaw National Forest headquarters with questions: 541-750-7000.

Sand Lake Recreation Area

The Sand Lake Recreation Area is located along Oregon's North Coast, 15 miles southwest of Tillamook between Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda. Sandwiched between the Sand Lake Estuary and Cape Lookout State Park, Sand Lake Recreation Area covers 1,076 acres of steep bowls, expansive sand flats, and ocean beaches. The Sand Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities and is especially popular with OHV riders.

Cascade Head Scenic Research Area

This spectacular coastal headland was designated as the nation’s first Scenic-Research Area in 1974. It provides critical habitat for native grasses, rare wildflowers and the Oregon silverspot butterfly. The designation provides present and future generations with the use and enjoyment of ocean headlands, rivers, streams, estuaries, and forested areas, and insures the protection and encourages the study of significant areas for research and scientific purposes.

Sweet Creek Falls

This family-friendly trail is 2.7 miles round trip and passes 11 waterfalls on the way. Trail is well-maintained and good for all skill levels, with elevation gain of 341 feet.

Located 1 hour west of Eugene, OR. Open year round. No user fee. Contact Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Visitor Center with questions: 541-271-6000 or 541-271-3611. Restroom available at Homestead Trailhead nearby.

Drift Creek Falls

This popular 3 mile round trip hike wanders through new, middle and old-growth forests. The trail is well maintained and good for all skill levels. Enjoy a view of the 75 foot waterfall while walking over a suspension bridge 100 feet above the canyon floor. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic at tables near the trailhead.

1.25 hours west of Salem, OR. The parking area fills early. Plan on arriving early or later in the day to find a space. Open year round and cost $5/per vehicle per day (or valid recreation pass). Restrooms available. Contact Hebo Ranger District with questions: 503-392-5100.

Accessible Adventures

People of all abilities can enjoy a visit to the Siuslaw National Forest. Learn more about areas where individuals with disabilities are able to access active, inclusive recreation opportunities with their family and friends by watching our Accessible Adventures Videos and exploring accessible sites on the Suislaw National Forest from our Featured Accessible Sites page.

Wildernesses

The Siuslaw National Forest is home to four small wildernesses featuring coastal forests of old growth Sitka spruce, western hemlock and Douglas fir marked by wet winters and dense vegetation. Big gifts in small packages, they offer a unique opportunity to experience the quiet and solitude of old growth Coastal forests.

Your backyard just got bigger!

The Siuslaw and all national forests are public land. This means that it is held by the government and equally owned by all Americans and accessible by everyone. Enjoy your big backyard!

The Siuslaw is 1 of 13 national forests in Oregon. You can visit and find amazing adventures in all of them! Getting out in nature is good for the body, mind and spirit. You’re  invited to enjoy free and low cost opportunities like hiking, nature viewing, picnicking, camping, playing in the sand, and more!

Be Prepared!

Being prepared, knowing what to expect, and having a few essentials will help you have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Before you leave home:

• Check the forecast for where you’re going
• Check website for alerts and conditions updates (www.fs.usda.gov/siuslaw)
• Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return

Make sure to bring: 

• backpack
• sunscreen
• extra clothing layers
• basic first aid supplies
• sturdy footwear
• water
• snacks
• recreation pass or day-use fee

Camping

The Siuslaw National Forest has close to 40 developed campgrounds. Most campgrounds on the forest can be reserved in advance. Reserve online at www.recreation.gov or call toll free 1-877-444-6777 (international 518-885-3639). The Oregon coast has a busy tourist season from May through October and campgrounds often fill quickly - so plan ahead and have a backup plan if your desired campground is full.

Fee Areas

Many sites are free, but at some popular sites a day-use fee is required. Day-use fees are $5 per vehicle per day. You can purchase your pass online at www.discovernw.org or on-site (cash or check only).

Other passes are also accepted. Popular passes include the $30 Northwest Forest Pass (good for 1 year for national forest sites in OR and WA) or the $80 America the Beautiful Annual Pass (good for 1 year for more than 2,000 Federal recreation sites). Other passes available include the Senior Pass (62+ older), Access Pass (permanent disability), Military Pass (current U.S. military members and dependents), and the 4th Grade Pass (free for 4th grade students). Learn more at https://store.usgs.gov/pass.

Recreate with respect

• Respect the environment: Help keep nature pristine by being aware of how your actions affect the environment.
• Respect wildlife: Do not feed, follow or approach animals. You can help protect wildlife by properly disposing of food and trash and paying attention to informational signs. Bears and cougar both live in this forest but encounters with them are very rare. If you see a bear or cougar, speak loudly and calmly and slowly move away. Don’t run. And remember, they’re afraid of you too!
• Stay on designated trails: Do not cut corners or wander through sensitive areas like meadows.
• Leave what you find: Do not take rocks, plants or other natural objects. Take only memories and photos.
• Pack it in, pack it out: Always remove all trash and food waste (apple cores, orange peels, wrappers, etc.)
• Use established restrooms where available: If not available, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
• Minimize campfire impacts: Only light fires in established fire rings and do not bring firewood from other locations; this can introduce non-native insects that can damage the local environment. Completely extinguish all campfires.
• Be considerate of other visitors: Avoid excessive noises, disruptions and music.