Blue Grouse Campsite

For the Oregon adventurer who prefers the solitude and challenge of backpacking over the conveniences of an RV park, Blue Grouse Campsite represents a classic Pacific Northwest wilderness experience. This is not a drive-up campground; it is a primitive, designated camp spot found deep within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, accessible only by a significant hike. It serves as a vital overnight stop for hikers undertaking the famous Eagle Creek Trail or those thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

Located approximately 5.3 miles from the Eagle Creek Trailhead near Cascade Locks, Blue Grouse Campsite immerses you in the raw beauty of the Gorge. Before the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, this was a lush, well-established camp. While it experienced damage and may still be considered "a bit overgrown," it remains a key point of interest for experienced hikers. The campsite offers a chance to make a quiet camp and fully appreciate the deep forests and rushing waters of the Eagle Creek area, providing an essential space for rest and rejuvenation on a multi-day journey.

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### Introduction / Overview

Blue Grouse Campsite is strictly classified as a Campground but should be understood as a backcountry camp spot or wilderness tent site. It is part of the network of designated campsites along the famed Eagle Creek Trail, which is itself one of the most popular and scenic trails in the Columbia River Gorge. Unlike developed campgrounds, Blue Grouse offers minimal amenities, focusing purely on providing a legal and relatively level area for setting up a tent in the wilderness.

The site is small, reportedly offering about two to three tent sites for overnight camping. It is a critical landmark on the 32-mile segment of the Pacific Crest Trail that stretches from Cascade Locks to Timberline Lodge, making it a familiar name to thru-hikers. As a designated campsite within a federally managed area, it is subject to the rules of the U.S. Forest Service, often requiring a permit or Northwest Forest Pass for parking at the trailhead and adhering to strict "Leave No Trace" principles. The focus here is entirely on a rugged, genuine forest camping experience for those prepared to carry all their necessities in and all their waste out.

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### Location and Accessibility

Blue Grouse Campsite is located deep within the forest, at the approximate coordinates of 45° 35' 20" N, 121° 51' 39" W, often identified by the plus code H4WH+6G, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA.

Accessibility is strictly by foot:

• Hiking Access Only: The campsite is accessible only via hiking the Eagle Creek Trail #440.
• Distance: It is located approximately 5.3 miles one-way from the Eagle Creek Trailhead parking lot near the Bonneville Dam off I-84.
• Trail Conditions: The Eagle Creek Trail is famous for its narrow paths blasted into basalt cliffs, often with safety cables, and can be rocky and wet. Hikers must be experienced and prepared for challenging sections.
• No On-site Parking: Parking is only available at the official Eagle Creek Trailhead, requiring a day-use fee or valid pass. There is no vehicle access to the campsite itself.

The surrounding wilderness, at an elevation of approximately 942 feet (287 meters), provides a rich, forested environment, although hikers may note areas of fire damage from 2017.

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### Services Offered

As a primitive backcountry camp, services at Blue Grouse Campsite are minimal, reflecting the "pack it in, pack it out" ethos of wilderness camping. Campers must be fully self-sufficient.

• Designated Tent Space: Provides a recognized, legal area for setting up a tent.
• Water Access: The site is known to have good water access nearby, typically from Eagle Creek. All water must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.
• Basic Fire Rings: Some established, pre-existing rock fire rings may be present, but campers must adhere to all current fire restrictions, which are often in place in the Gorge, and should always use established rings only.
• Waste: No garbage services or public restrooms are provided. Campers must pack out all trash, and human waste must be buried in a cathole at least 200 feet from water and trails, or packed out.
• No Utilities: There are no electrical hookups, Wi-Fi, or potable water taps—it is a completely off-grid experience.

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### Features / Highlights

The highlights of Blue Grouse Campsite are found in its natural environment and its role in a world-famous trail system, appealing directly to the dedicated Oregon hiker.

• Iconic Trail Location: Its position on the celebrated Eagle Creek Trail means it is surrounded by some of the Gorge's most stunning views, basalt cliffs, and waterfalls (further up the trail).
• Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Marker: It is a key waypoint and designated stop for Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers, offering a unique community and chance encounter with long-distance trekkers.
• Genuine Wilderness Experience: The site offers a true primitive camping environment in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, far removed from cars and crowded sites.
• Water Source: The proximity to the Eagle Creek, while requiring filtration, provides a reliable water source essential for multi-day backpacking trips.
• Escape from Crowds: Being a 5.3-mile hike in, the camp naturally filters out casual day-use visitors, providing a quieter, more secluded experience than the front-country campgrounds.

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### Contact Information

Since Blue Grouse is a wilderness campsite, there is no direct phone number. All inquiries, permits, and current trail condition reports must be directed to the federal agency managing the area.

Address: H4WH+6G, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA (Approximate location on Eagle Creek Trail)

Managing Authority (General Inquiries): Mt. Hood National Forest / Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (Contact number for the supervisor's office is often used for trail status reports.)

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### What is Worth Choosing

Blue Grouse Campsite is the ideal choice for Oregonians who are experienced backpackers, PCT hikers, or avid tent campers seeking a challenging and rewarding wilderness experience. It is worth choosing specifically for its unbeatable location on the Eagle Creek Trail—a hike that is a rite of passage for many Pacific Northwest outdoors enthusiasts.

If you are looking for an authentic opportunity to disconnect, sleep under the forest canopy, and carry everything you need, this camp spot offers the perfect primitive sanctuary. The fact that it is a designated site ensures you are camping legally and minimizing your impact. Choose Blue Grouse for the satisfaction of a challenging hike, the quiet solitude of the Gorge at night, and the unique chance to share a campsite with fellow adventurers on one of the country's most iconic trails. It is an essential part of the Eagle Creek backpacking circuit.

Blue Grouse Campsite

H4WH+6G, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA