emilyc

If you live near the Portland area or plan to visit anytime in the future, I thought i’d share an amazing camping spot I found. There are many great spots located along the Salmon River, off Salmon River Road outside of Welches, Oregon. It’s easily accessible from the Portland area, off highway 26. It’s about a 40 mile drive from NE Portland and in Welches you’ll find a Thriftway and other stores to stock up on food.

Salmon River Road is right past the commercial town of Welches and is a beautiful spot for camping. You’ll find great forested and well-maintained trails with old growth trees, ferns and wildflowers, as well as camping sites all around. The sites have firepits, level ground for tent camping, logs that have been made into chairs and benches and if you’re lucky even games. The site I stumbled across even had horseshoes! This is a beautiful place to spend the night and hike the next day, with easy access from the road, to breakfast spots and great easy and challenging hikes, depending on your speed. What I really love about camping in the northwest is that the bugs aren’t so bad (i’m used to east coast mosquitoes!).

Even in early July the nights are cool and in the woods the days aren’t nearly as hot as in town. If you’re in the area or are looking to get out, the Salmon River is a really wonderful place to escape to- the air is fresh, the water cool and the nights clear for perfect star-gazing. Check it out!

Trackback URI | Comments RSS