The Outdoors

Willamette National Forest

The Willamette National Forest stretches for 100 miles along the western Cascade Range in Oregon. Over 1.6 million acres of forest, making it one of the Unites States largest national forest. Home to seven major peaks– Mount Washington, Mount Jefferson, Diamond Peak, Three Fingered Jack North, Middle and South Sisters.

Upper Trestle Creek Falls

Upper Trestle Creek Falls is located in the Umpqua National Forest and accessible from Bryce Creek Road, 27 miles east of Cottage Grove. Upper Trestle Creek Falls descends 65-feet down a tiered cliff and provides hikers the opportunity to walk behind the waterfall. The falls is about a 1.5 mile hike from the parking lot, total hike is roughly 3 miles.

Brice Creek Trail #1403

Brice Creek Trail is located in the Umpqua Nation Forest and 25 miles southeast of Cottage Grove. Ideal for intermediate and advanced mountain bike riders, the trail is 5.5 miles of single-track and 5 miles of paved forest road. The trail follows along Brice Creek and offers challenging terrain, beautiful waterfalls and rocky pools for your enjoyment.

Dorena Reservoir

Located in the rolling hills east of Cottage Grove, Dorena Reservoir is popular for swimming, boating, water skiing and camping. Fish for largemouth bass, brown bullhead catfish, white crappie, bluegill, cutthroat and hatchery rainbow trout. Baker Bay Park offers restrooms, boat ramp and marina. Extend your adventure by exploring the paved Row River Trail by bike and stay overnight at the lakeside Baker Bay Campground.

Cottage Grove Lake

Located on the Coast Fork of the Willamette River, Cottage Grove Lake is about five miles south of Cottage Grove. The lake is three miles long and covers an area of 1,158 acres when full. The Army Corps of Engineers manages five parks around the lake.

Shortridge Park – This park is mainly for day use and has restrooms, drinking water and picnicking facilities.
Wilson Creek Park – This park has a swimming beach, boat ramp, drinking water and picnicking.
Pine Meadows Campground – Located on the east side of Cottage Grove Lake, it has restrooms, showers, drinking water, swimming area, camp sites and RV sites with no utilities. Fees are charged – for more information, call 541-942-5631.
Primitive Campground – Located between Pine Meadows and Wilson Creek Park, it has restrooms and camp sites. Fees are charged – for more information, call 541-942-5631.

Row River Trail

The Row River Trail is a 15.6-mile rail-trail that follows the route of the now abandoned Oregon Pacific & Eastern Railroad line. The trail runs along the scenic shore of the Row River and Dorena Reservoir. Several quaint, covered bridges are located nearby, as is the historic Bohemia Mining area. The 3-mile section of the trail from Cottage Grove to the Mosby Trailhead is managed by the City of Cottage Grove, while the remainder of the trail is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.