Summary
The park is situated along the Alsea River and is a great spot for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking. There are also hiking trails and a campground with RV hookups.
One of the main reasons to visit Ben & Kay Dorris State Recreation Area is for its picturesque scenery. The park is surrounded by lush forests, and visitors can enjoy views of the river and nearby mountains. It's also a great place to spot wildlife, including bald eagles, otters, and deer.
In terms of specific points of interest, visitors can explore the park's hiking trails, which range from easy to moderate difficulty. One popular route is the River View Trail, which offers great views of the Alsea River. Fishing is another popular activity, with anglers able to catch salmon, steelhead, and trout. There are also picnic tables and shelters that can be reserved for family gatherings or other events.
Interesting facts about the park include its history as a former homestead and logging site. The park is named after Ben and Kay Dorris, who were early settlers in the area. Visitors can also learn about the park's ecosystem and the efforts to protect and preserve it.
The best time of year to visit Ben & Kay Dorris State Recreation Area is from spring through fall, when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. However, the park is open year-round, and winter visitors can enjoy activities such as birdwatching and cross-country skiing.
Overall, Ben & Kay Dorris State Recreation Area is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the beauty of nature. It's a great spot for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a peaceful retreat.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Puma Campground
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Puma
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Bedrock
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Bedrock Campground
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Clark Creek Organization Camp
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Big Pool
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