Picnicking
Whether you are looking for a quiet, secluded spot by the river or a sheltered area for a crowd, there are a multitude of possibilities for your picnic site.
Picnicking - Single
Developed picnic areas typically offer parking, tables, and restrooms. Always be prepared to pack out trash and garbage, as onsite garbage service may be limited or not offered in all areas. Some sites require a day use fee or a Northwest Forest Pass.
Many of the developed campgrounds, boat launches and viewpoints on the forest offer day use picnic sites. Some sites offer picnic shelters which provide shade in summer and cover during rainy weather. Some areas, such as Salt Creek Falls Observation Site and Paradise Day Use Area on the McKenzie River, offer immediate access to hiking and bicycling trails.
Picnicking - Group
Group picnic sites are available on a first come, first served basis. Upper Arm Day Use Area on Detroit Lake offers individual, multiple, and a group picnic area near shoreline trails and swimming access.
Group campgrounds, including Clark Creek Organizational Camp in Fall Creek and Cove Creek Group Campsite on Detroit Lake, offer covered picnic shelters perfect for family reunions and special occasions.
Search for Picnicking Opportunities
Showing: 1 - 10 of 97 results
Alder Springs Campground
This small, rustic site is right on the side of the historic McKenzie Pass Highway. Surrounded by towering Douglas fir trees, this is a perfect spot to be on a warm day.Access to Linton Lake…
Bedrock Campground
Located in a dynamic landscape setting shaped by fire, this 22 site camground is situated on a terrace above Fall Creek where the hillsides surrounding the camp offer an impressive fireweed bloom…
Bedrock Day Use Area
This site offers a small parking area and a vault toilet just east of the Bedrock Campground. There is no garbage service offered at this site. Nearby recreational opportunities are fishing and…
Big Lake Area
Big Lake is 225 acres in size and is situated on the historic Santiam Wagon Road. It was the first resting place for early travelers heading west. A youth camp operates under special use permit on…
Big Lake Campground
On the western shore of Big Lake at the top of Santiam Pass, surrounded by alpine fir, hemlock and lodgepole pine, campers enjoy views of the lake with the beautiful Mt. Washington as a backdrop.…
Big Lake Day Use Area
The day use site is located in the Big Lake Campground the western shore of Big Lake at the top of Santiam Pass.Big Lake is very popular for both motorized and non-motorized boating and is a hub of…
Big Lake West Campground
This small 11 site tent-only campground lies on the western shore of Big Lake at the top of Santiam Pass and is a hub of activity during the summer months. It's a smaller campground located just west…
Black Canyon Campground
With 75 campsites and located in a mature Douglas-fir and Western Red Cedar forest, this campground offers a cool respite from summer heat alongside the Middle Fork of the Willamette River.  The…
Black Canyon Day Use Area
This site offers relief from summer heat alongside the Middle Fork Willamette River. Recreational opportunities include fishing and picnicking.
Blair Lake Campground
Located in a beautiful high-elevation alpine setting, this small 7 site tent-only campground is situated along the north shore of Blair Lake. Four campsites are walk-in only, the remaining three…