Wildwood Recreation Site, Salmon River

Walk: You could walk up to 3 miles or just sit at a picnic site. Slight up and downs. Paved and wheelchair accessible

Dogs: On leash Fee: $5 and up, almost no park passes accepted

They have the worst web site in the world. And another almost as useless site.

I love when a misadventure turns into a delight. Using the Oregon Creaky Knees Guide I had decided to walk the Trillium Lake Loop(#40) but that access is not open for the season yet. So the next short walk is the Wildwood Recreation Area (#33). After paying my $5 fee, I found out that the bridge was damaged a few years ago and the trail was inaccessible. Sigh. Oh well, I am here, and parked, might as well go for a walk. And it turned out to be a lovely one.

The bathrooms were right next to the information kiosk. There were more well tended bathrooms on the path. I grabbed a map and away I went for a splendid Bad Knees walk.

This site would be great for groups with a person with very limited walking, and others that wanted to go for a jaunt.

I would love to bring grandkids here.

First off, choose your timing. I suspect that weekends in summer may get a bit crowded. You might even want to reserve a picnic space at 877-444-6777. Next choose your parking lot. The Cascade Streamwatch Trailhead is the highest from the main trail, so if hills are a concern turn right to the Salmon River Parking.

There is a wonderful fiberglass model of Mt Hood and surrounding area. If you have a hiking buddy that is visually impaired, or a small kid that has not yet figured out how topography works, this is a wonderful hands on opportunity.

The trails have informative signs that are well written and actually have usable information.

The Cascade Salmonwatch Trail walks along side the river. On the other side of the path there is a creek.

The water was high on the day I went. I suspect they may have had a bit of flooding with the weather the following two weeks.

Several places along the walk one can actually get down to the river. Use caution as the water is fast and cold.

This picnic site has access to the creek.

I could not have timed it better for flowers.

But the best part was the underwater viewing area.

I swear the fish were watching me.

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