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State Forest Recreation ​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

All recreational facilities are open on the Clatsop and Tillamook forests.

The Santiam State Forest largely remains closed due to wildfire damage. However, the Crooked Finger OHV Area is now open for public use.

Please visit the recreation list for updates on specific recreation sites.​​

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Limited re-openings have begun on the Santiam State Forest. However, most of the forest is still closed. The latest information is posted to the Santiam State Forest recovery page.

The 2020 Labor Day fires still have a large footprint on much of the Santiam State Forest. Here you can see damage and learn more about the scale of recovery efforts needed to safely re-open portions of the forest. Re-opening will occur in phases, and heavily damaged areas are likely to be closed for years.  

Please continue to monitor this page for the most recent information regarding closures.​​

Reservations will not be taken for group sites at any campground for the 2021 season. These sites will be closed for the season. ODF Recreation staff will reevaluate this decision for the 2022 summer season, with final information provided by winter 2021.​

All decisions about reopening have followed the most up to date recommendations from the Oregon Health Authority. In addition, ODF staff will be providing the following changes in work flow to ensure the safest facility conditions.

  • All bathroom facilities will be cleaned at least once daily on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
  • Frequently used touch services will be sanitized with specialized hydrostatic equipment (certified to eliminate the COVID virus) throughout the operational season
  • Campgrounds will strictly enforce the established maximum campsite occupancy for each facility
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Reservations can be made online for Northrup Creek Horse Camp​. Santiam Horse Camp is not available for reservations due to wildfire damage. ​

Visitors holding reservations will be notified by email if your reservation is cancelled or modified. If visitors need to cancel, the standard refund policy applies.  
 
If you do not see your refund within 10 business days of receiving notification that your cancellation is processing, please contact us at 800-551-6949 or park.info@oregon.gov​.​​

Please visit the Public Fire Restrictions page for current fire restrictions. 

Recreate responsibly

​Keeping popular outdoor areas sanitary and safe from fire is critical. Here’s how you can recreate responsibly:

Before you go

  • If you’re ill, stay home.
  • Plan your visit for an area close to home.
  • Please visit and travel with members of your household rather than extended circles.
  • Prepare for your visit with food, water, clothing, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, mask and knowledge to have a safe visit.
  • Consider visiting during off-peak times (weekdays rather than weekends) if possible.
  • Have alternate options if your designation is crowded. Visit the Oregon Department of Forestry Recreation pag​e for options.
  • Check your local fire regulations​ if allowed, build campfires only in sites with existing rings or pits.

During your visit

  • If a place is crowded, keep moving to another location.
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from people who are not from your household. Further apart is better.
  • Wear a face covering when physical distancing of 6 feet is not an option.
  • Bring hand sanitizer or soap and water – while some restrooms are open, most are vault toilets and do not have running water.
  • Leave no trace: Be prepared to pack out what you pack in, and bury any human waste where restrooms are not available. Please do not make someone else clean up your poop!
  • Stick to low-risk activities to reduce stress on local emergency response and health care systems.
  • Watch for signs in the forest for more information.
  • Watch our Recreate Responsibly video​

State forest recreation does not operate with any general fund tax dollars. State forest operations are funded through timber harvest, user fees, and donations. Please consider donating to the non-profit Tillamook Forest Heritage Trust​.

 

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