ODF Brings In Incident Management Team From Florida To Take Over East Evans Creek Fire (Photo) - 07/24/26

The Florida CIMT is committed to managing the East Evans Creek Fire for a standard assignment, which is 14 days. After 6 a.m. Monday, ODF CIMT 1 members will return home and have two mandatory rest days before being available for assignment again.

Compliance Monitoring Program Committee Meets July 30 - 07/23/26

SALEM, Ore. — The Compliance Monitoring Program Committee will hold a virtual meeting Thursday, July 30, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Roads and steep slopes pilot study updates
• Riparian pilot study report discussion       

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Teams. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by emailing Marta Frias-Bedolla.

The CMP Committee assists in efforts to monitor compliance with Forest Practices Rules. The committee advises ODF regarding monitoring projects and procedures. View more information on the CMPC webpage.

Board Approves Plan For State Forests Management (Photo) - 07/22/26

SALEM, Ore.—In a 5-2 vote this morning, the Oregon Board of Forestry approved a new Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan (FMP). This long-term plan, along with locally-focused, shorter-term implementation and operation plans, ensures state forests provide the social, economic and environmental benefits required of state forestlands.

The new plan is aligned with the expected approval of the submitted Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) by the federal services later this year or in early 2027. The board’s approval stipulates that the new FMP is to become effective once ODF receives an approved HCP and incidental take permits from the federal services.

“This plan, when implemented along with the HCP, will provide economic certainty for timber harvests, environmental protections and enhancements, and continued recreational opportunities for all who depend on, use, and care about Oregon’s state forests,” said Mike Wilson, chief of ODF’s State Forests Division.

The new FMP has been in development since 2018, and Wilson has been involved with the effort from the start. “Developing a plan like this over such a long timeframe not only requires immense dedication from ODF staff, but an enormous about of outreach and collaboration,” Wilson said. “Our county partners, tribes, other state agencies, stakeholders and the general public have been essential in crafting a plan that would be compatible with an HCP and still provide decision space for the board and department to manage our state forestlands into the future.”

When effective, the new FMP will replace the 2010 Northwest and Southwest FMPs and the 2011 Elliott State Forest FMP. (The Elliott FMP still governs the management of Board of Forestry parcels adjacent to the Elliott State Research Forest.) While state forests management is still government by the current FMP and associated implementation and annual operating plans, the board’s decision gives ODF the clarity to move forward with crafting new plans for fiscal year 2028 that provide more specific management objectives and operational details.

For more on the management of state forests see ODF’s website.

The Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan under review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries, provides an integrated, collaborative, ecosystem-based approach to species conservation across the landscape and will ideally result in the department being issued incidental take permits (ITPs) for 15 species of wildlife and fish. The conservation measures in the HCP are designed to offset potential impacts from forest management, while the ITPs ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Together, the plan and permits provide a more holistic, cost-effective approach to ESA compliance, while also creating more certainty around the long-term financial viability of managing state forests for economic benefits. Learn more about the HCP here.

Adaptive Management Program Committee Meets July 28 - 07/21/26

SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet virtually at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Report from AMPC-IRST subcommittee on effectiveness monitoring strategy
• IRST Co-chairs presentation on scoping proposals on Amphibians questions 1 & 2
• Amphibians questions 1 & 2 into existing research agenda – This is a decision item

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Teams. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at adaptivemanagementprogram@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member committee The Adaptive Management Program Committee helps determine if forest practices are meeting their goals to protect natural resources through a science-based and transparent process. The committee sets the research agenda that the Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) implements. View more information on the AMPC webpage.

Oregon Department Of Foresty Deploys Additional Complex Incident Management Team To Manage More Central Oregon Wildfires - 07/18/26

PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is deploying its Complex Incident Management Team 3 (CIMT) to manage the Brewer and Box Springs wildfires in the Prineville and Sisters area. This is the third and last ODF-staffed team the department has available.  The deployment is necessary due to the unusual early season “resistance to control” nature of these lightening caused fires in central Oregon.  

The Brewer fire started Wednesday and grew to estimated 14,000 acres today; on Thursday it was at 3,000 acres. It is currently managed by ODF CIMT 2, but Team 2 also has the Pilot and Akawa fires. So, ODF CIMT 3 will take over the Brewer fire and the Box Springs fire. Box Springs was only 40 acres this morning but has grown rapidly.  It is burning in timber and grass.  ODF firefighters describe some of the terrain as steep nasty canyons and draws which make it difficult to battle.  

ODF fire managers stress patience and safety as resources are stretched thin and firefighters have been putting in long days and nights.  All local resources are committed but additional air and ground firefighting resources have been ordered through partnerships with other states.  However, it may take a while to fulfill all the requests since the Northwest region has multiple large fires asking for additional resources. 

The fires managed by both ODF CIMTs in central Oregon have evacuation orders that are issued by county sheriff’s offices, to see the latest and to set up alerts from the counties go to: https://centraloregonfire.org

 The public is urged to avoid these areas due to heavy firefighting traffic and possible road closures. 

ODF CIMT 3 is scheduled for an in-brief tomorrow at noon and then take over management of the Brewer and Box Springs fires at 6 p.m.  The incident command will be in Prineville.

Board Of Forestry Hosts Virtual Special Meeting On July 22 - Updated Agenda To Include Executive Session - 07/17/26

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will hold a special virtual meeting on Wednesday, July 22, starting at 8:30 a.m. An Executive Session is scheduled immediately following the board meeting. The focus of this special meeting is for the board to consider the adoption of the Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan. This meeting will be livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel. 

The board’s business agenda includes:

• FTLAC comments
• Consider adoption of the Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan 

The full agenda is available on the board’s webpage.

The Executive Session will be closed to the public, except for members of the press who are permitted to attend by law. This Executive Session is held pursuant to ORS 192.660 (2)(f) to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection as well as pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with legal counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-302-6344 or by email at boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. 

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30 million-acre forestland base. Learn more about the board.

Complex Incident Management Team From Oregon Department Of Forestry Deploys To Manage Central Oregon Wildfires (Photo) - 07/16/26

PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is deploying its Complex Incident Management Team 2 (CIMT) to manage multiple central Oregon wildfires in the Prineville and Sisters area. The all ODF-staffed team will coordinate current and additional personnel and equipment assigned to the incidents.

The CIMT will battle the Brewer fire estimated at more than 3,000 acres, the Akawa fire at more than 3,200 acres and the Pilot fire at 100 acres.  The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 1 evacuation notice for the Brewer fire and a Level 1 and Level 2 notice for the Akawa fire.  For the Pilot fire the Cook County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 1 evacuation notice.  To see more information on the fires and to set up alerts from the counties go to: https://centraloregonfire.org

 The public is urged to avoid these areas due to heavy firefighting traffic and possible road closures.   

The team is scheduled for an in-brief tomorrow at noon and then schedule take over management of the fire at 6 p.m.  The incident command is expected to be in Sisters.

The Brewer fire started yesterday, and the Pilot and Akawa fires ignited today.  All three fires were caused by lightning.   Although there was rain in the area last night and today it was not enough to significantly impact the fires.  Dry fuels on the ground and continued warm weather will contribute to the fires’ intensity making fighting the fires challenging and the need for additional resources including the CIMT. 

State Forests Annual Operations Plan For Timber Sales Finalized After Robust Public Comment Period - 07/15/26

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has finalized its Annual Operations Plans (AOP). The Plans describe projects planned for state forests in the 2027 fiscal year that began July 1 and runs through June 30, 2027. These include:

• planned timber sales for each district;
• recreation projects, such as the installation of a bridge;
• other types of forest projects, such as stream enhancement or restoration projects.

ODF received 1,515 written comments during the public comment period that was open from April 3 to May 18.

“We received many thoughtful and constructive comments from the public,” said Nick Palazzotto, ODF’s State Forests Division Deputy Chief. “These represent diverse perspectives and demonstrate a high level of interest and engagement in State Forests. The comments help us in the challenging work of trying to balance ODF’s legal obligation to manage state forests for timber production to meet economic goals as well as social and environmental outcomes—a concept referred to as Greatest Permanent Value.”

State forests provide:

• outdoor recreation
• forest education
• clean water
• critical fish and wildlife habitats
• sustainable harvest volumes that produce jobs and revenue that funds vital services in rural counties

The majority of timber sales are on Board of Forestry lands, where about two thirds of the resulting revenue is split with the counties. In turn, the counties share those revenues with special districts that support local schools or provide other essential community services. ODF retains one third of the revenue to fund management of state forests. A small portion of the timber sales are located on Common School Forest Lands and generate revenue for the state’s Common School Fund.

Some comments resulted in edits to specific timber sales while others are addressed in a high-level summary of the comments received highlighting the major themes, topics, and agency responses. 

“We read and consider every comment,” said Palazzotto. “However, we do not respond individually to each one. Sale specific comments are considered by the field and technical specialists and changes are documented in the plans. We also develop a summary with broad categories that capture the high-level comments and provides our responses to the public commentary.”

The comment summary document has the following sections: 

• Recreation
• Timber Harvest
• Climate Change and Fire Mitigation
• Young Stand Management
• Aquatic, Water Quality, Wildlife
• Roads and Slopes
• Process and Document Improvement
• Specific Sales
• Out of Scope

The Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Operations Plan documents are available for ODF’s Astoria, Forest Grove, Klamath-Lake, North Cascade, Tillamook, West Oregon and Western Lane districts. These are located on the same webpage as the summary of comments and agency response document.

“Because we manage state forests for the Greatest Permanent Value, we have to consider how our decisions impact all Oregonians, not just a single commenter,” said Palazzotto. “This means individual members of the public or stakeholder groups may be disappointed with some choices made and satisfied with others. We recognize that and seek to be as transparent as possible in our decisions. We know Oregonians care about their forests as we received more than fifteen-hundred comments this year. Given the high interest in how state forests are managed, ODF will continue to work on improving communications with landowners, neighbors and concerned citizens. Our goal is to raise awareness of our AOP process and how people can connect with us to have their concerns heard.”

ODF Uses Tech To Enhance Wildfire Response (Photo) - 07/15/26

Salem, Ore. – As technology evolves, so does the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). ODF continues to adapt and integrate technological advancements into their work. During fire season, the agency uses several different types of tech for early detection, prevention, data collection and to support suppression efforts.

Wildfire Detection Cameras

ODF’s wildfire detection cameras play an integral role in the state’s early detection and response on fires. These cameras monitor thousands of acres of land.

The camera systems have software designed to notify the operator when smoke is on the landscape, however, the operator can also spot the smoke before the system notifies them. Using an augmented mapping system, the approximate location of the potential fire is sent to dispatchers, who then relay the information in real-time to responding resources.

The program now consists of 96 operational camera sites.

ODF and fire protection associations continue to work closely with our partners on the Oregon Wildfire Detection Camera Interoperability Committee to enhance relationships across the state and region with organizations that have similar reliance on early fire detection technology to keep fires small, to decrease fire costs and improve the quality of life for all Oregonians.

Multi-Mission Aircraft

The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) program has proved to be a critical tool in wildfire detection, disaster response, aerial ignitions, resource protection and the ability to deliver supplies.

The MMA program has transformed Oregon’s wildfire detection and response capabilities. Since its launch in 2020, the MMA has detected 149 fires, conducted 7 operational support missions, and completed 17 mapping missions.

The recent strategic investment in the new Twin Otter aircraft equipped with Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Sensor, Augmented Reality System, Night Vision Systems and an AI-backed mapping scanner demonstrates a commitment operational effectiveness.

The demand for this resource continues to grow year after year, and the agency is proud of its accomplishments and the lessons learned to bring to future missions.

Before you burn

The Before You Burn program offers an innovative online platform that simplifies and coordinates burns, improves overall coordination, and provides real-time information to ensure the safety of our communities.

Before You Burn provides Oregonians simple, clear guidance on burning regulations and prevention measures for their specific location. The public can sign up for free by visiting the beforeyouburn.net website.

Once on the site, or mobile phone application, residents are prompted to enter their address. They will be immediately informed on whether burning is allowed for their location. If burning is allowed, they will receive instructions or options on local regulations that must be followed, like registering a burn or filing for a permit.

This system empowers community members with the knowledge they need to comply with local regulations.

FireWeb

The Oregon Department of Forestry recently implemented use of a new software platform, called FireWeb, to replace a 20-year-old technology platform (known as FIRES) as the database that collects and reports ODF fire incident data and statistics internally. FireWeb is also used as an enhancement to the GIS features of the detection service and is used as a computer-aided dispatch to make resource deployment more efficient.

The FireWeb platform is an improvement from the previous system with web-based, innovative features that now allow ODF to integrate data with federal reporting platforms, and to analyze data in greater detail than ever before.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

ODF’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program started in 2017 and has been growing ever since. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, help ODF to detect wildfire, as well as conduct operational mapping, and identify hot spots in dangerous terrain. Most importantly, UAS are used to provide situational awareness to our firefighters to keep them safe.

The maiden mission of ODF’s UAS Program was on the Eagle Creek Fire in Central Oregon. The agency used a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to gain real-time intelligence during periods of low visibility due to smoke. This mission gave the agency confidence in the capability and products that UAS can provide.

We expect the use of the program to continue growing and be integrated into more aspects of ODF’s work.

State of Oregon Fire Situation Analyst (SOFSA) Mapping System via Intterra

SOFSA is the statewide common operating picture of wildfire incidents and response for the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM). SOFSA displays real-time fire intelligence from official fire reporting systems including national dispatch systems like ODF's FireWeb.

Intterra provides software-as-a-service for fire departments in for the states of California, Montana, and Colorado, as well as several local organizations in Oregon. Oregon's system displays a variety of wildland, structural and rural fire service information for statewide situational awareness.

SOFSA also displays key weather, fire environment, and land ownership and reference information for situational assessment and analysis. Key data resources are satellite-based fire detection, lightning, smoke detection camera networks, and data from large fire Incident Action Plans.

SOFSA is also the primary viewer for infrared imagery, mapping information, and video from ODF Multi-Mission Aircraft which can be viewed in near-real-time when flight missions are active.

Board Of Forestry Hosts Virtual Special Meeting On July 22 - 07/14/26

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will hold a special virtual meeting on Wednesday, July 22, starting at 8:30 a.m. The focus of this special meeting is for the board to consider the adoption of the Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan. This meeting will be livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel. 

The board’s business agenda includes:

• FTLAC comments
• Consider adoption of the Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan 

The full agenda is available on the board’s webpage.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-302-6344 or by email at boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. 

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30 million-acre forestland base. Learn more about the board.

Guzzlers Help Wildlife In Gilchrist State Forest /Team Of Volunteers Maintain These Low-tech Watering Stations (Photo) - 07/14/26

Gilchrist State Forest, Ore.—With only an average yearly rainfall of 10 inches, wildlife in the Gilchrist State Forest can get easily stressed during the hot dry summers of central Oregon.  But thanks to some old school technology that has been used since the 1960s wildlife can use 11 artificial watering holes called guzzlers in the 72,000-acre state forest managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF).

“The entire Gilchrist has no perennial water source, meaning no rivers, streams, lakes, or ponds” said Vanessa Petro, ODF’s Lead State Forest Wildlife Biologist. “Providing important habitat features like these guzzlers benefits a wide range of species including the Crescent mule deer herd, American badger, Rocky Mountain elk, and many small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.”

Guzzlers are typically constructed of common metal roofing material just a foot or two off the ground that is the collector of rain, snow, or condensation. The water flows from the collector into a gutting system that takes it to an underground holding tank or tanks. From there a float system like in your toilet keeps a nearby downhill watering trough filled.

Though simple in design the guzzlers do require regular maintenance.

“We inventoried and examined all 11,” said Petro. “Three of them need to be rebuilt later this summer when more supplies are available while several others had either muck in the tanks, plumbing issues, or the apron needed to be repaired.”

The group of volunteers from the Oregon Hunter’s Association, Walker Range Fire Protection Association, and ODF wildlife staff got busy in the field fixing those issues.

“We also were able to enroll all the guzzlers on Gilchrist into the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Adopt a Guzzler Program,” said Petro. “This helps pay for materials by tracking volunteer time and mileage the state can use as grant funding match.”

Although ODF led this round of maintenance and the guzzler enrollment paperwork, it’s the volunteers who make the guzzlers effective year-round.

“The Walker Range FPA volunteers use their firefighting tanker trucks to fill up the guzzler tanks several times each summer when they are not being used to fight wildfires,” said Petro.  “There just isn’t enough rainfall or condensation to keep those tanks filled and in use. The OHA volunteers fix things on the spot when they see something that needs to be repaired and are also key in educating other hunters on ethics with guzzlers, including the reminder of the recommended 300-foot spacing for setting up tree stands.”

Most Oregon residents associate the lush Clatsop and Tillamook State Forests as their state forests; but Gilchrist and Sun Pass State Forests in eastern Oregon are different and unique.

“ODF actively manages these state forestlands under forest management plans to provide economic, environmental, and social benefits to Oregonians,” said Petro. “Wildlife plays a big part of all three of those management goals. So, it is critical to have diverse and healthy wildlife populations in all our state forests. One small way to aid that in the Gilchrist is through the guzzlers. Just as important is to have folks actively participate in maintaining and improving their state forests. We thank all the volunteers who help do that.”

For more on Oregon’s state forests see: Oregon Department of Forestry : State forests : Forest resources : State of Oregon

Board Of Forestry Governance Committee Meets July 14 - 07/13/26

SALEM, Ore. — The Board of Forestry Governance Committee will meet virtually at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14. To join, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Annual Board Governance Performance Evaluation (Addendum G)
• Advisory Committee Establishment Procedures (Addendum D)

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged in advance of the meeting by email at boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov.

This standing board committee recommends policies (or policy changes) to the board pertaining to governance issues and processes including the oversight and management of the Board Policy Manual, orientation and training of new board members, the evaluation and improvement of the board, the repository of board materials, and oversight of the written conflict of interest policies, procedures, and review of annual or special statements of board members. Learn more about the committee.

Oregon Department Of Forestry Is Sending An Incident Management Team To A Wildfire For The First Time This Year - 07/10/26

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – For the first time this year, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has ordered a Complex Incident Management Team to manage a wildfire. The team will coordinate additional personnel and equipment assigned to the incident. This will allow ODF Southwest Oregon District firefighters to return to initial attack responsibilities across the District, which protects 1.8 million acres in Jackson and Josephine counties.

The East Evans Fire is located approximately 26 miles northeast of Medford. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has issued Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices for residents in the area, with Level 3 meaning Leave Now. The public is urged to avoid the area due to multiple road closures and heavy firefighting traffic and should continue to follow evacuation information and updates from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

The fire was reported at 2:41 p.m. Friday on private land protected by ODF and has since spread onto Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. The fire is currently estimated at approximately 1,550 acres and remains active. Hot, dry conditions, combined with multiple spot fires, have been the primary drivers of the fire's growth. These conditions continue to present some of the greatest challenges for firefighters.

Crews were successful in catching two spot fires earlier in the incident, but a third spot fire established itself, gained momentum, and contributed to the fire's rapid growth, prompting the District's request for a state Incident Management Team to assist.

Cause of the fire is currently under investigation. For the latest updates on the fire Friday night or Saturday, go to the ODF Southwest Oregon District Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ODFSouthwest/

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Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee Meets Virtually On July 16 - 07/10/26

SALEM, Ore. — The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee meets virtually at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 16. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

Agenda items will include:

• Process for final Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan approval
  • Public comment overview
  • Plan implementation timeline and process

Public comment is scheduled at the beginning of the meeting. To submit written comment, email ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov. Written comments sent at least 48 hours before the meeting will give the FTLAC time to review and consider information. Comments submitted after that window of time will be sent to the FTLAC after the meeting, entered into the record and posted online. Comments are not accepted after the meeting concludes.

The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee is comprised of seven county commissioners representing 15 Oregon counties where state forestlands are located. The FTLAC is a statutorily established committee that advises the Board of Forestry on matters related to forestland managed by ODF. View more information on the FTLAC webpage.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov.

Oregon’s State Forests Often Offer Last Minute Camping Opportunities Even On Holiday Weekends (Photo) - 06/29/26

Tillamook State Forest, Ore. — As the busy summer season gets into high gear this upcoming special 250th July 4th weekend, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is encouraging families, hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and nature lovers of all types to consider exploring Oregon’s less-traveled state forest campgrounds.

Unlike high-traffic destinations across state forests or state parks that book up months in advance, some of ODF’s campgrounds still offer space for summer adventurers. These quieter sites provide a chance to unplug, unwind, and connect with the outdoors—all while supporting sustainable recreation and forest education.

“Oregon’s state forests are special spaces for everyone,” said Ben Burns, ODF’s Recreation, Education, and Interpretation Program Facilities Manager. “Our developed recreation sites provide opportunities for recreationalists of all sorts. Whether you're camping, hiking, mountain biking, riding horses, or just enjoying the trees, you're able to find a place for you in Oregon’s state forests, our common ground.”

Some of the top recommendations:

Morrison Eddy Campground – Camp Among Giants

Nestled beneath towering Douglas-firs along the banks of the Nehalem River, Morrison Eddy Campground offers a quiet forest escape where visitors can relax among some of the Tillamook State Forest's most impressive trees. With easy river access and spacious campsites, it's an ideal destination for campers looking to unwind in a beautiful natural setting.

• Camp Among Giants: Six spacious walk-in campsites nestled beneath mature Douglas-firs that create a peaceful, shaded camping experience.
• River Access: Walk from your campsite to the Nehalem River to fish, swim or just explore.
• Easy Access: A newly constructed parking area provides convenient access to all campsites, with a vault toilet and garbage service nearby.
• Explore More: Morrison Eddy is conveniently located near Spruce Run Campground, Nehalem Falls Campground, and Lost Lake, making it a great basecamp for exploring the area.

"If you love towering trees and flowing water, Morrison Eddy Campground is hard to beat," said Burns. "You can truly camp among giants, surrounded by mature Douglas-firs with the river just steps away. It's one of those places where you can slow down and really enjoy everything the forest has to offer."

A quick reminder about camping in equestrian areas: those sites with corrals and other horse amenities are just for those with horses. However, there are designated tent sites at ODF horse camps and those are the spaces that are often available and open to anyone. Remember that horses are large animals that can be spooked by those who are unfamiliar with them. Always maintain your distance and don’t approach horses without the express permission of their human.

Northrup Creek Horse Camp – A Hidden Gem for Horseback Riders and Campers

Whether you're exploring the forest on horseback or simply looking for a relaxing place to camp, Northrup Creek Horse Camp provides a scenic base for your adventure. Designed primarily for equestrians, the campground includes eight campsites with corrals and trailer parking, as well as three drive-up tent sites. Three of the corral sites are open to campers without horses who want to enjoy the quiet surroundings.

• Equestrian-Friendly: Eight spacious sites with 4-horse corrals and trailer parking.
• Trails to Explore: Trail networks start right at camp, offering scenic forest rides and hikes for all non-motorized users.
• Simple Amenities: Vault toilets, a hand-pump water source, and manure bins maintain the rustic charm of the site.
• Shared Experience: While designed for horseback riders, Northrup—and all ODF-managed equestrian campgrounds—also welcomes hikers, backpackers, trail runners, and families.

Reservations are required for all horse camps, and as of now, sites are still available for July 4th and Labor Day weekend. For full details and to reserve your spot, visit ReserveAmerica then enter the name of the campground.

Other Less Crowded Options:

In addition to Northrup Creek, ODF manages several equestrian campgrounds that typically enjoy lower visitation, even during busy summer weekends. These campgrounds are also primarily designed for equestrian use but like Northrup, some of the corral sites are available for campers without horses:

• Santiam Horse Camp (Santiam State Forest): Incredible views, newly added tent sites and a robust trail system.

• Stagecoach Horse Camp (Tillamook State Forest): This quiet campground is close to excellent trails such as the University Falls Trail and the Wilson Wagon Road Trail.

• Reehers Camp Horse Camp (Tillamook State Forest): With 10 designated equestrian sites and 7 drive-up tent sites, there is something for everyone at Reehers. A beautiful pavilion, access to the river and several trails spanning from the campground and Day Use Area.

Whether you're saddling up, lacing up your hiking boots, or simply seeking peace beneath the trees, these hidden gems offer a chance to enjoy Oregon’s forests without the crowds.

See ODF’s Recreation, Interpretation and Education website for a complete list of state forests recreation areas.