Wildwood Recreation Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wildwood Recreation Area |
|
|---|---|
Underground stream viewing station at Wildwood Recreation site
|
|
| Location | Mount Hood National Forest, Clackamas County, Oregon, USA |
| Nearest city | approx. 39 miles (63 km) from Portland, Oregon |
| Area | 580 acres (230 ha) |
| Governing body | Bureau of Land Management |
The Wildwood Recreation Site is a special outdoor area in Oregon, USA. It is surrounded by the beautiful Mount Hood National Forest. This site is a great place to explore nature, learn about local wildlife, and enjoy outdoor activities. It covers about 580 acres of very old trees and has five miles of trails.
Contents
Explore Wildwood Recreation Site
Wildwood Recreation Site is a natural playground. It offers many ways to connect with nature. You can walk through ancient forests and along the Salmon River. The site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Amazing Nature and Wildlife
Wildwood is home to many different plants and animals. It has a mix of streams and wetlands. These areas create a perfect home for various creatures.
- Fish: Sixes Creek and a part of the Salmon River are home to special fish. These include steelhead, Cutthroat trout, and Chinook salmon. These fish are called anadromous because they live in both fresh and salt water.
- Wetlands: The wetlands are important for young Coho salmon. They also provide a home for waterbirds, amphibians, and migratory birds.
- Other Animals: Keep an eye out for beavers, blacktail deer, raccoons, rabbits, and snakes. You might see them as you explore the site.
The entire Salmon River is protected. It is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This means its natural beauty and wildlife are kept safe for everyone.
Fun Things to Do at Wildwood
Wildwood Recreation Site offers many activities for visitors. It's a great place for families and groups.
- Cascade Streamwatch: This is a unique feature at Wildwood. It's an underground viewing station. You can look through a window into a mountain stream bed. It's like watching fish in their natural home!
- Trails: There are five miles of trails to explore. You can walk along the Salmon River. There's also a special wetland boardwalk trail. You can also access the nearby Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness and the Sandy River.
- Outdoor Fun: The site has many facilities for outdoor games. You can find picnic areas and group shelters. There are softball diamonds, volleyball pits, and basketball courts. Kids can enjoy the playground with a jungle gym, swings, and slides.
Learning About the Salmon River
Wildwood is also a place for learning. It offers educational programs. Scientists and researchers help students. They gather and analyze data about the Salmon River. This includes studying the river's water. They also learn about the tiny creatures living in it.
Visiting Wildwood
Wildwood Recreation Site is easy to find. It is about 39 miles east of Portland, Oregon. You can reach it on U.S. Route 26. This road is part of the Mount Hood Scenic Byway. The site is just east of the Mount Hood National Forest information center. There is a small fee to enter the site.
