Ellmaker State Wayside
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Ellmaker State Wayside is a small public park located in the state of Oregon, USA.
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Summary
It covers an area of approximately 1.5 acres and is known for its scenic beauty, picnic facilities, and access to the scenic McKenzie River. The park is named after George Ellmaker, who was a prominent early settler of the area.
Visitors to Ellmaker State Wayside can enjoy a peaceful picnic in the park, take a stroll along the river, or go fishing for rainbow trout. The park offers easy access to the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, which is a popular hiking and biking trail that runs along the river for over 25 miles.
One of the main points of interest in the park is the historic McKenzie River Bridge, which was built in 1938 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge is a popular spot for photography and provides stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape.
Ellmaker State Wayside is also known for its wildlife, including eagles, ospreys, and black bears. Visitors are advised to take precautions and avoid feeding the wildlife.
The best time of year to visit Ellmaker State Wayside is during the summer months when the weather is mild and the river is at its best for fishing and water activities. The park is open year-round, but some facilities may be closed during the winter months.
Overall, Ellmaker State Wayside is a peaceful and scenic spot that offers a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're looking for a picnic spot, a beautiful place to take photos, or an active day out, this park has something to offer everyone.
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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.
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