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Picnicking

Whether you are looking for a quiet, secluded spot by the river or a sheltered area for a crowd, there are a multitude of possibilities for your picnic site.

Picnicking - Single

Developed picnic areas typically offer parking, tables, and restrooms. Always be prepared to pack out trash and garbage, as onsite garbage service may be limited or not offered in all areas. Some sites require a day use fee or a Northwest Forest Pass.

Many of the developed campgrounds, boat launches and viewpoints on the forest offer day use picnic sites. Some sites offer picnic shelters which provide shade in summer and cover during rainy weather. Some areas, such as Salt Creek Falls Observation Site and Paradise Day Use Area on the McKenzie River, offer immediate access to hiking and bicycling trails.

Picnicking - Group

Group picnic sites are available on a first come, first served basis. Upper Arm Day Use Area on Detroit Lake offers individual, multiple, and a group picnic area near shoreline trails and swimming access.

Group campgrounds, including Clark Creek Organizational Camp in Fall Creek and Cove Creek Group Campsite on Detroit Lake, offer covered picnic shelters perfect for family reunions and special occasions.

Search for Picnicking Opportunities

Showing: 31 - 40 of 100 results

Fall Creek Trailhead #2

Site Open
Picnicking Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This trailhead provides access to:Fall Creek National Recreation Trail #3455See Trail page for more information.

Fall Creek Trailhead #3

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This trailhead provides access to:Fall Creek National Recreation Trail #3455See Trail page for more information.

Fall Creek Trailhead #4

Site Open
Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking
This trailhead provides access to:Fall Creek National Recreation Trail #3455See Trail page for more information.

Fall Creek Trailhead #5

Site Open
Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking
This trailhead provides access to:Fall Creek National Recreation Trail #3455See Trail page for more information.

Fernview Day Use Area

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Water Activities Picnicking
The day use site is located in the Fernview Campground, perched high above a scenic portion of the South Santiam River which makes for a beautiful view.The Rooster Rock Trailhead across Highway 20…

Fernview Group Campground

Site Open
Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Water Activities
The Fernview Group Site is about 20 miles from Sweet Home on Highway 20 at an elevation of 1,360 feet. Fernview is a small group area perched on a bench above the South Santiam River. The Rooster…

Fish Lake Interpretive Day Use

Site Open
Picnicking Hiking
This site is the gateway to the Fish Lake Historic Site, also known as the Fish Lake Remount Depot, along the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass and the West Cascades National Scenic Byways.Long used by…

French Pete Campground

Site Closed
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Picnicking Outdoor Science and Learning
French Pete Campground is located at the confluence of French Pete Creek and the South Fork of the McKenzie River. The campground is heavily wooded with Douglas fir and Vine Maple. The shade from the…

Frissell Crossing Campground

Site Closed
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Picnicking
Relax after a full day of hiking or biking to the sound of the river at this beautiful and quiet 12 site campground on the South Fork of the McKenzie River. Douglas fir, rhododendron, and vine maple…

Gold Lake Area

Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
Gold Lake, situated in an open alpine forest, is a popular spot in both summer and winter. Although gas motors are not allowed on this small (100 acre, 25 feet deep) lake, electric motors (slow…

Last updated March 21, 2025