Butte Creek Falls Campground

Hello, fellow Oregonians! Are you an intrepid camper always on the lookout for those unique, off-the-beaten-path spots that promise true seclusion and a deep connection with nature, even if it means a little extra effort to get there? Then you absolutely need to know about Butte Creek Falls Campground, a small, primitive gem nestled within the scenic Santiam State Forest. This isn't a bustling RV park; it’s a quiet haven for those who appreciate rugged beauty and the rewarding feeling of earning their peaceful retreat.

Butte Creek Falls Campground is specifically known for its proximity to the beautiful Butte Creek Falls, a natural attraction that makes the journey worthwhile. While recent changes in access due to logging operations have made getting there more of an adventure, the destination still offers a charming, scenic, and very small camping experience that’s perfect for those seeking to truly unplug. It’s a place where you'll find basic amenities and a profound sense of tranquility, far from the digital noise of everyday life.

For us locals, understanding the nuances of these more remote camping spots is crucial. Butte Creek Falls Campground offers a different kind of camping, one that appeals to those who are self-sufficient and willing to embrace a more primitive style. This article is crafted for you, the local Oregon user, to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what to expect at Butte Creek Falls Campground. We’ll delve into its location and the current challenges with accessibility, shed light on the limited but essential services it offers, highlight its key features, and provide essential contact information. Get ready to discover if this secluded forest sanctuary is the right fit for your next Oregon adventure!

Location and Accessibility

Butte Creek Falls Campground is located within the Santiam State Forest, near Molalla, OR 97038, USA, with a general location often referenced by its zip code 97375. It is situated approximately 0.5 miles east of the Butte Creek Falls trailhead, allowing for easy access to the falls themselves.

Access to Butte Creek Falls Campground has significantly changed due to private land ownership and logging operations. Previously, one could access it off Crooked Finger Road. However, as of an update in August 2018, a "Weyerhauser giant gate" now blocks this direct route, "seriously limit access to the state forest lands." Reviewers explicitly state, "You can no longer get here off Crooked Finger Rd," and that while "You can still get to this campground via a lengthy detour, but it's hardly worth the trouble." One reviewer even mentioned turning back, noting "a logging company has gated off the road to get there about a mile and a half up the road." This means that current access often involves a longer, more circuitous route that can be challenging.

According to guides from Oregon.gov, access typically involves a series of turns from Hwy 213 in Silverton, leading through Scotts Mills and onto a series of rural roads, including S. Maple Grove Road, S. Sawtell Road, S. Family Camp Road, Butte Creek 500, and finally Crooked Finger 400. Visitors are advised that "motorized vehicles are restricted to maintained gravel roads only" and to "be cautious in areas where logging is taking place," as "log trucks can not stop quickly." Due to these access challenges, it's highly recommended to consult the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) or recent, reliable sources for the most up-to-date and practical directions before attempting to visit. The difficulty of access contributes to its secluded nature, appealing to those prepared for a more rugged journey.

Services Offered

• Very Small Campground: Butte Creek Falls Campground is described as a "very small campground," typically offering only 3 drive-in campsites. This contributes to its secluded and intimate atmosphere.
• Tent and RV Sites: The campsites are suitable for both tent camping and small RVs. However, given the primitive nature and challenging access roads, it's more commonly used by tent campers or those with robust vehicles.
• Picnic Tables: Each of the three campsites includes a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for outdoor dining and preparation.
• Fire Rings: Metal fire rings are provided at each site, allowing for campfires (always check for current fire regulations and restrictions, especially during Oregon's dry season, as fires are only allowed in designated rings).
• Vault Toilet: The campground features "one smelly vault toilet" (also described by ODF as "a restroom" in a small campground guide). While basic, it provides an essential amenity.
• Garbage Can/Trash Service: A garbage can is provided, indicating trash service is available, which is a convenience not always found at primitive sites. This encourages campers to "Pack it In, Pack it Out" if receptacles are full.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial for campers to note that there is "no water available" at the campground. Reviewers explicitly state, "bring a filter or drinking water to stay here."
• Fees: The campground charges a fee of "$20/night," which some reviewers consider "steep" given the limited amenities. This fee is for the drive-in sites.
• No Reservations: Camping is typically on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning early arrival is recommended during popular times.

Features / Highlights

• Proximity to Butte Creek Falls: The primary highlight of this campground is its close proximity to the beautiful Butte Creek Falls. The trailhead is only about 0.5 miles from the campground. Visitors can access both the Upper Butte Creek Falls (20 ft. tall with a cavern behind it) and the Lower Butte Falls (70 ft. tall). The area offers "beautiful falls" and a "scenic" environment.
• Secluded and Quiet Atmosphere: Due to its challenging access and small size, the campground offers a highly secluded and peaceful experience. It's a place to "truly unplug" with "no cell service" at the campground itself, allowing for a deep connection with nature. One reviewer noted it was "Pretty quiet thru June. We were the only ones there."
• Forested Terrain: The campground is set within Santiam State Forest, characterized by Douglas-fir, Western hemlock, and various shrubs and ferns, providing a lush, natural environment.
• Hiking Opportunities: The Butte Creek Falls Trail itself is a short but moderately difficult hike (0.85 miles round trip with 300 feet elevation gain), winding through the forest to viewpoints of both falls. It is for hiking only.
• Primitive Camping Experience: For those who seek a more rustic and less developed camping experience, Butte Creek Falls Campground delivers. It provides basic amenities without the crowds or noise of more developed sites.
• Beautiful Scenery: The area is described as "cute, scenic," and "beautiful," offering a picturesque setting for outdoor relaxation and photography.
• Wildlife Viewing: The forest setting allows for opportunities to observe local wildlife and enjoy birdwatching.

Contact Information

Address: Unnamed Road, 97375, Molalla, OR 97038, USA (within Santiam State Forest)

As Butte Creek Falls Campground is managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), the best contact for up-to-date information regarding access, conditions, and any potential changes would be their local office.

Santiam State Forest (ODF)

Address: 22965 North Fork Rd SE, Lyons, OR 97358

Phone: (503) 859-2151

Email: forestryinformation@oregon.gov

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For us Oregonians, Butte Creek Falls Campground represents a particular type of outdoor experience – one that rewards persistence with profound tranquility and natural beauty. While the recent challenges with access due to logging roads are a significant factor to consider, for the prepared and adventurous local, this campground offers a unique opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse oneself in the wilderness of the Santiam State Forest.

Its primary appeal lies in its "very small" and "secluded" nature, providing a peaceful escape from the crowds often found at more accessible parks. The draw of the "beautiful falls" themselves is undeniable, offering a stunning natural focal point for your visit. For hikers, the "short but moderately difficult trail" to the falls provides a rewarding experience.

The primitive amenities – a vault toilet and a garbage can – mean campers must be self-sufficient, particularly regarding water. This necessitates bringing your own drinking water or a reliable filter, which is a common practice for many seasoned Oregon campers who prefer a less developed setting. The $20/night fee, while considered steep by some for these amenities, contributes to the maintenance of this unique, wild space.

Ultimately, Butte Creek Falls Campground is suited for Oregonians who are not deterred by a challenging drive and value solitude, pristine natural scenery, and the chance to truly unplug with "no cell service." It’s an ideal spot for tent campers, small groups, or individuals seeking a quiet retreat where the sounds of the forest and the majesty of the waterfalls are the only interruptions. If you’re willing to put in the effort, the reward is an authentic, serene Oregon wilderness experience that truly feels like your own hidden slice of paradise.

Butte Creek Falls Campground

Unnamed Road, 97375, Molalla, OR 97038, USA